This past Thursday, Animal Welfare Approved staff attended a special farm-to-table dinner at the Local Roots Cafe in Roanoke, Virginia. The menu featured pasture raised lamb supplied by Animal Welfare Approved Border Springs Farm, artfully prepared by Chef Josh Smith. Josh, Craig & Joan Rogers of Border Springs Farm and Local Roots Cafe owner Diane Elliot welcomed us with open arms – the restaurant’s scarecrow even held an Animal Welfare Approved banner!

Josh gave an inspiring introduction to the meal, highlighting Animal Welfare Approved, Border Springs and the wonderfully capable staff at Local Roots Cafe. He explained how important pasture-raised meats, dairy and eggs are to sustainable food, and how Animal Welfare Approved helps raise awareness of that relationship. Course after course then poured out of the kitchen, utilizing less-common cuts such as lamb heart, kidney and saddle – thereby allowing Border Springs Farm to sell the restaurant the entire animal, not just the chops. Using the whole animal is an important component in creating a sustainable food system, and a tremendous achievement on the part of Local Roots Cafe.

Thanks to Josh, Craig & Joan, Diane and everyone at Local Roots Cafe for a delicious meal and a warm welcome. For pictures of the dinner check out our Facebook page, and Chef Josh”s blog, Big Water.