Gather Partners with Local Farms for New Dishes, Changing Nightly

Gather is taking the farm-to-table concept to a whole new meaning.

Over the summer, the restaurant will partner with a different farmer each month, creating dishes around their local produce.

In June, Executive Chef Ken Carter will craft specials based on the seasonal produce of Spence Farm. The Fairbury-based farmers will deliver fresh ingredients to be featured in dishes that change nightly.  

“Chicagoans are taking a greater interest in food that is not only thoughtfully prepared, but also sourced responsibly and grown locally,” owner David Breo said in a news release.

Each month will culminate in a dinner where the farmers will join the chef and customers for a menu created entirely from the farm’s ingredients. The first Farmer’s Dinner will be June 26 with Marty and Kris Travis from Spence Farm.

“Being able to put a face and location to the food will help deepen their appreciation and enjoyment of the dining experience,” Breo said. “We think this series will be a great opportunity to showcase chef Ken Carter’s creativity while bringing our neighbors one step closer to the real people and places behind the food they eat.”

That creativity is gaining traction on the Chicago food scene.

In March, Zagat named the chef to their list of 30 Under 30 Rising Stars in the city’s culinary industry. Formerly of Charlie Trotter’s, Carter has been the chef at Gather since it opened in December.

Gather will continue the series through September, ultimately partnering with four different farmers.

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Read more about Gather:

• 'Unwined' After Work with New Series from Gather
• Family Dinners Premiere at Gather on Sunday
• Gather's Ken Carter Makes Zagat's '30 Under 30' List