Tickets are now on sale for the 6th annual
Artisan Cup & Fork!!
Saturday, September 11 | Bluestem Hall | Urbana, IL
Curbside Pick-up – 4:00-8:00 PM | In-Person VIP Event – 5:30-9:00 PM
Notice: Ticket sales will officially close at 11:59 PM on Thursday, September 9, 2021. At that point we will have to provide the chefs with a final attendee count for both the curbside and in-person elements of the event and additional guests may not be able to be accommodated.
If you’re having trouble registering, please contact Development Director Dana Vollmer at dana@thelandconnection.org.
EVENT INFORMATION
WHAT: The Artisan Cup & Fork
COVID didn’t stop us from hosting a wonderful event last year while remaining safe and distanced. Nothing is going to stop us now! We received a lot of positive feedback after last year’s curbside version of the Artisan Cup & Fork. But we also recognize some people are ready to be together in person again. This year, we’re offering a hybrid event with curbside and in-person options available. The in-person aspect, of course, is dependent on the state of the pandemic and the safety guidelines put out by the CDC and local health districts at the time. The Land Connection is prepared to shift plans to protect the health and safety of attendees.
WHERE: Bluestem Hall 1401 E Old Church Rd, Urbana, IL 61802
Bluestem Hall is a restored machine shed that sits on the Frank family farm, which has been in operation for five generations. Bluestem Hall shares the land with Barnhardt Prairie, a state-protected nature preserve covering 100 acres of native tallgrass prairie. Since completing its restoration in 2016, the venue has played host to various events (including Artisan Cup & Fork!) but then the pandemic hit. The space was particularly popular for weddings, with couples drawn to the sacred history of the space, the views from the site, and the beautiful styling that owner Abbie Frank and her husband Tim Voelker crafted in refurbishing the space. Now, Abbie and Tim are transitioning the venue into Bluestem Nature School, providing outdoor education for children to flourish and thrive.
WHEN: Saturday, September 11, 2021
CURBSIDE PICK-UP: 4:00 – 8:00 PM
TICKETS: $65
Tickets include dishes from each of the competing chefs and dessert. The ticket price does not include any alcohol. When you purchase your curbside tickets, you will be required to select a 15-minute pick-up window. PLEASE be realistic about your pick-up window and choose one that works with your schedule. All curbside pick-up orders will be picked up at Bluestem Hall. Please make sure you factor in any travel time when choosing your window. In order to control traffic flow, there is a limit on the number of guests that can pick up during each 15-minute block. If there is an issue with your group being split between two time slots due to space limits, please contact Dana Vollmer (dana@thelandconnection.org) to coordinate your pick-up.
IN-PERSON VIP EVENT: 5:30 – 9:00 PM
TICKETS: $125
We’re back at beautiful Bluestem Hall, where guests can meet-and-greet with the chefs and producers while enjoying delicious meals with other local food lovers.
Start the evening with a honey tasting led by Kacey and Stephanie Nelson of Two Million Blooms. The Nelsons will discuss the different flavor profiles of their honey and how environmental factors affect the flavor and quality. They’ll also share their experience getting their business off the ground with the help of The Land Connection. Hendrick House will be crafting a specialty cocktail featuring honey from Two Million Blooms, alongside appetizers with ingredients sourced from the Hendrick House Farm.
Bar service includes cocktails with Silver Tree Down East Vodka, as well as mocktails and other non-alcoholic beverages. 25 O’Clock Brewing is pouring beer at the event. Cans from Maplewood Brewing & Distillery will also be available. Each guest will receive 3 drink tickets for use on all alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages being offered.
VIP attendees will also receive a “Local Maker Bag” with a curated selection of gifts by local artisans highlighting the diversity of our local artisan and small business community.
When you’re not eating, step on up to our wine toss or throw your hat in the ring during our silent auction, featuring goods and services from Champaign-Urbana small businesses.
TEAMS
TEAM 1
DISH
Sassafras-smoked brisket and pickled onions on a goat cheese laced bun.
Vegetarian option: Smoked summer vegetables with pickled onions on a goat cheese laced bun.
Chef: Leah Bodine, Blue Dragonfly Catering
Meat: Triple S Farms
Produce: Sola Gratia Farm
Dairy: Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery
TEAM 2
DISH
Curry lamb in stew served with Nshima, a thick porridge made with white cornmeal.
Vegetarian option: Mushrooms and greens over Nshima, a thick porridge made with white cornmeal.
Chef: Mubanga Chanda, Stango Cuisine
Meat: Moore Family Farm
Produce: Blue Moon Farm
Dairy: Kilgus Farmstead
TEAM 3
DISH
Braised pork belly served on cheese herb grits. Hot Johnny Cake with a merlot gravy and micro greens.
Chef: Curtis McGhee, C&C Kitchen
Meat: Kilgus Farmstead
Produce: Meyer Produce
Dairy: Ludwig Farmstead Creamery
TEAM 4
DISH
Handmade agnolotti pasta filled with a smoked pork farce and tossed in a habanero, blackberry, and plum agrodolce.
Vegetarian option: Handmade agnolotti pasta filled with a fire-roasted sweet corn and kale farce and tossed in a shallot cream sauce.
Chef: Ian Nutting & Doug Hodge, Weird Meat Boyz
Meat: Allison Centennial Farm
Produce: Honey Creek Farm
Dairy: Ludwig Creamery
ALLERGY-FRIENDLY / DIETARY RESTRICTION MEAL
PIATO CAFE
White bean stuffed portobello mushroom with rice + an additional side (Vegan, nut-free, dairy-free, shellfish-free, gluten-free, soy-free)
DESSERT
Heidi Leuszler
Midwest Dream Puffs with native flavors of elderflower and black raspberry, plus some of the best local peaches to raise the cream puff to new heights!
BREWER
25 O’Clock Brewery
Artesia Brewing
Maplewood Brewing & Distillery
BAR
Hendrick House
Down East Vodka Cocktails and Mocktails
Non-alcoholic Beverages
Other beverages
COVID Precautions
All tickets will be made curbside if COVID spikes and keeps any individuals from in person. We will keep an eye on health department recommendations, attendance, etc. and make decisions as the event date nears.
