Sunday, September 23, 2018

Cindy & Paul Gulotta’s — New Iberia

Rain did not detract from the festive atmosphere at the Farm to Table Dinner at Paul and Cindy Gulotta’s home Sunday. In fact, the early morning dampness cooled the breeze and kept insects at bay for the outdoor spread of locally sourced foods from within Iberia Parish — except for the quinoa which was a perfect accompaniment.

Wine and champagne punch was served compliments of Dr. and Mrs. Jason Morvant and Winejeanie. Hors d’oeuvres of various kinds were enjoyed by the more than 60 friends, guests and volunteers serving for the Envision da Berry fundraiser.

The beef brisket from Gonsoulin Farms, cooked by Alex Patout, the Iberia Community Garden-grown roasted okra and tomatoes, sautéd sweet potato and squash side dishes were so perfectly prepared and served, no one left hungry. The first course of the fine-china plated dinner was young arugula greens locally grown by William Viator with diced cantaloupe and pecans perfectly matched with fresh home baked rosemary herb artisan bread made by T’akyra Cooper.

Cindy Gulotta prepared a delicious fig ice cream served with baked pastry and designer cookies made by Cooper and her fellow baker, Crystal Bourque. Before each course, starting with Phanat Xanamane, representatives from area suppliers introduced the products represented at the dinner. Carl Cooper Jr., president of Envision da Berry and the da Berry Fresh Market, talked about the program instituted to support the efforts to provide healthy food choices for the community through the gardens in back of the market as well as from the George Washington Carver Community Gardens.

The Community Supported Agriculture, or CSA program, for October and November offers top-quality, hand selected produce weekly to members from the Iberia Community Garden and 15 local affiliate farmers producers. For a $200 eight-week subscription, members can pick up a sack of fresh produce or it can be donated to a local neighbor in need of fresh foods. Deserving families in need of the gift are determined by referrals made by staff members at the New Iberia Public Housing Authority and/or St. Francis Diner.

If the dinner was an example of what can be provided from the market, area families looking for alternatives to growing their own gardens will be pleasantly surprised. 

The da Berry Fresh Market is open Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is located at 520 S. Hopkins St. in New Iberia. Donations of $50, $100 or $200 can be made online at daberry.org or subscribe at daberryfreshmarket.com/shop.