Publisher’s Letter: Summer 2012

For me, there is nothing quite as gratifying at the end of a hot, summer day than to unwind with a cold beverage. I have many memories of this moment shared with friends as the sun finally backs off and the cool evening air settles into the valley. Sitting outside admiring the magic of fireflies and reflecting on the day, I’m grateful to be able to hold a cold glass to my forehead and feel the ice cubes slide down to the mouth of my glass as I enjoy the very last drops. Ah, summertime.

This issue, we pay tribute to the pleasure of drink. As the days heat up and our appetites scale back, we crave lighter foods, and beverages take center stage. To help keep things lively, we have included stories about beverage pros in our region and recipes that aim to inspire your liquid concoctions this summer.

Also in this issue, we explore the resurgence of hops growing in the state. A return of the crop is adding value for farmers and forging partnerships between growers and brewers that result in one-of-a-kind craft beers. Fueled in part by the craft beer movement and cooperation among growers, hops has been making a quiet come back and the future looks bright.

And lastly, our Picnic on the Farm benefit dinner for REAP Food Group is on Sunday, June 24 at Cress Springs Farm in Blue Mounds. Chef Dan Fox from The Madison Club will be serving a picnic-style meal featuring slow-roasted heritage pork. Let’s kick back, enjoy good food for a good cause, listen to some music and sip on a cold beverage—we can’t think of a better way to spend a summer evening. Learn more and get your tickets at www.ediblemadison.com/picnic.

With Gratitude,

Jamie Lamonde
Publisher & Editor-in-Chief