Livin' in the Blurbs: Urban Ag, CSAs and a Czarina

Ned Ludd moves to the farm with its benefit dinner for Shortcut Farm, a project of the Oregon Sustainable Land Trust (OSALT). In a land swap with the city, OSALT has obtained the large lot behind the restaurant for the purpose of developing a productive urban agriculture space and educational facility. There are just a few seats left for this dinner on Oct. 14 in Ned Ludd's garden, so call and make your reservation soon.

Details: Short Cut Farm Benefit Dinner at Ned Ludd. Oct. 14, 6 pm; $75 with reservation. Ned Ludd, 3925 NE MLK Jr. Blvd. Phone 503-288-6900.

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Chrissie Zaerpoor of Kookoolan Farms informs GSNW that her farm is joining the long roster of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) offerings available in the Portland area. What's a CSA? It's a way for consumers to buy local, seasonal food directly from a farmer. A farmer offers a certain number of "shares" to the public, typically consisting of a box of seasonal produce each week throughout the farming season. For more information, check out the website or contact Chrissie at the farm. For more information on CSAs, including a map of those in your area, check out LocalHarvest.org.

Details: Kookoolan Farms CSA. Go to the website for details and pricing information or call Chrissie. Phone 503-730-7535.

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Lisa Jacobs, self-proclaimed Cheese Czarina at Jacobs Creamery, has only been making cheese for two years but has made a big splash at local farmers' markets with her amazing products. I have several friends who are addicted to her olive cream cheese spread, fresh butter and vanilla and chocolate puddings, to the point where they hide them from their families, pulling them out for guilty indulgences. You can find out for yourself what magic she works in a cheese class she's giving at the Hood River Grange on Oct. 22 from 5 to 7 pm. She suggests going on the self-guided Fruit Loop tour of area orchards during the day, then attending the class, which will be followed by a cheese sampling. A great day trip for friends, families and visitors!

Details: Cheese Class with Lisa Jacobs of Jacobs Creamery includes cheese sampling. Oct. 22, 5-7 pm; $65, e-mail Jacobs Creamery for reservation. Hood River Grange, 4262 Barrett Dr., Hood River. Phone 503-621-7910.

Photo of Lisa Jacobs by Tami Parr, the Queen of Cheese, of the Pacific NW Cheese Project.