Anne Arundel County’s Taste of Arundel Grown returns this Wednesday with a menu built around local farms, watermen and food producers—and a new kitchen rule: every donating farm gets its own dish. The 15th-anniversary event at Homestead Gardens in Davidsonville is part tasting, part agricultural fundraiser, with more than 16 farms represented. It is ticketed and scheduled to go on rain or shine.
This year’s edition also marks the third straight year at Homestead Gardens, according to WMAR 2 News. Brandon Moser, head chef at Wharf 38, is creating individual dishes using ingredients from the participating farms, turning the evening into something closer to a countywide tasting menu than a standard festival spread.
That farm-by-farm approach fits the event’s broader mission. The Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation says the event is designed to raise the visibility of products grown, raised or produced in the county while encouraging residents and businesses to buy local throughout the year.
A Farm-By-Farm Menu Puts Local Ingredients Front And Center
The ingredient list reads like an edible tour of Anne Arundel County, with bison, lamb, pork, beef, chicken, crab, catfish, produce, bread, beer and wine all making appearances. WMAR’s producer roundup includes BowTie Bison, HopScratch Farm, Ryan Mould’s Fresh Crabs & Seafood, Wild Country Seafood, Great Frogs Winery and several local breweries.
The Ticket Also Funds Anne Arundel Agriculture
The plates are only part of the point. Eye On Annapolis reports that proceeds will support the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation’s Agricultural Business Improvement Grant Program and the Southern High School chapter of Future Farmers of America, with a VIP option added this year amid strong demand.
Guests will also get two glasses of local wine or craft beer, live music, custom gift bags and access to the inaugural silent auction. The event listing from the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation also highlights remarks from local and state officials, plus a check presentation to Southern High School’s FFA chapter; the Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation lists the evening for 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
