Publisher’s Letter: Winter 2016

As we come off of the presidential election, we’re faced with the importance of local community and the impact we can have—whether it comes from getting involved in local politics, volunteering your time or simply shopping local.

We here at Edible Madison will continue to support the efforts of our local farmers, chefs, nonprofit leaders, volunteers, educators, entrepreneurs and other food system stakeholders by telling their stories. They are proof that people with a shared mission can collectively create systemic change.

We have a fresh crop of Local Hero Award finalists to share with you. Each fall, our readers nominate individuals and organizations based upon demonstrated community leadership in one or more of the following ways: responsible environmental and social practices, high quality products and services, positive economic impact and commitment to building a robust local food system. Those who receive the most nominations become finalists and move into the voting round. You can cast your vote from now through Friday, Dec. 23. Award winners will be announced in our spring 2017 issue.

In this issue, we explore herbal tea from farm to tea shop and appreciate its warming, healing qualities as we welcome this winter season. Also in these pages, we visit with Derek Lee of Pizza Brutta, Monroe Street’s (and soon to be Middleton Hills’) neighborhood pizzeria “using the spirit of Neopolitan within our local food system.”

We hope you enjoy this issue as much as we enjoyed creating it. All of us here at Edible Madison wish you a wintertime filled with outdoor adventures, delicious meals and time spent with loved ones.

With Gratitude,

Jamie Lamonde
Publisher & Editor-in-Chief