The 40 Eats Co-op will host its quarterly event to raise awareness for its mission and funds for local charities on Oct. 30 at Trask Family Farm in Wilmington. The Fall Harvest Family Reunion will be a family-style dinner celebrating the bounty of area farmers and fisherman.
 
40 Eats is a local food based collaborative aimed at bringing together area chefs, restaurant owners, farmers and fishermen to share ideas and promote the local food scene.
 
The menu will consist of multiple classic family reunion-style dishes such as roasted pork, beef brisket, roasted oysters, fried fish, potato salad, sweet potatoes and Southern-style collard greens, each with a personal adaptation from the participating chefs. There will also be fresh-baked pies, homemade s’mores and more.
 
40 Eats is comprised of Keith Rhodes of Catch, Dean Neff and Lydia Clopton of Pinpoint, William Mellon, Jameson Chavez, and Rebeca Alvarado-Paredes of manna, James Doss of Rx and Pembroke's, Tom Mills of Little Pond Caterers, Christi Ferretti of Pine Valley Market and Shawn Wellersdick and Anne Steketee of Portland Grille.
 
“Our focus on helping the community has an emphasis on food, community and children,” William Mellon said. “These quarterly dinners will benefit those small local groups attempting to help those in need. Our charity choices will also include specifically 'organic' groups with little funding. We want to help those that really need it and don't have many conduits to help them reach their goals."
 
Mellon said the group is also in the process of setting up a scholarship to benefit a worthy student enrolled in the Cape Fear Community College Culinary Arts Program.
 
Live music for the event will be provided by local bluegrass act Folkstone Stringband. Tickets can be purchased online and are $110, including service, all you can eat food and two drink tickets per person.
 
Trask Family Farm is located at 5519 Bavarian Lane in Wilmington.
 
Have a tip for Restaurant Roundup? Email us at: [email protected]