Lively NeighborFood Market hosts farm-to-table dinner series
Photo: on Jan. 19, the Lively NeighborFood Market hosted an authentic Mexican taco dinner made by the Martinez family, who runs “Adriana’s Kitchen” at Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate.
From staff reports
The Lively NeighborFood Market continues its focus on supporting small local farms by inviting area chefs and neighbors to come together around a Farm-to-Table Dinner Series that celebrates the bounty of our region—even in the winter months. On Mondays in January and February the NeighborFood Market is hosting multi-course meals for 26 guests with reservations seated at a beautiful candlelit community table.
The guest chefs come from a wide range of backgrounds, but all have strong connections to western Leelanau County. Last Monday, Jan. 19, the market hosted “Authentic Mexican Taco Dinner” with the Martinez family. Adrianna, Jesus and Delaney Martinez launched a successful takeout taco business, “Adriana’s Kitchen” at Grocers Daughter Chocolate in Empire and prepared a several-0course authentic flavorful Mexican meal at the NeighborFood Market.
On Feb. 2 Mel & Fell host “A Fortnight Dinner—Griffith Family Tradditions” Tim and Melanie Griffith, who work together as Mel and Fell, have been based in the NeighborFood Kitchen since 2024 and are well known for their delicious meal delivery and catered meals around Empire. In this special plated dinner event, they bring elevated cuisine to the table with a humble and comfortable approach.
Feb. 16 features “Winter Wonders” with Loghan Call of Planted Cuisine. Chef Loghan has been a culinary standout in the region for nearly a decade, and focuses almost exclusively on plant-based meals.
Reservations are required, and can be made at the Lively NeighborFood Market website with prices ranging from $55-80 per seat. Menus use only local ingredients, as available in the NeighborFood Market, and have at least three courses. These dinners feature comfortable community seating at a long table beautifully decorated with natural seasonal touches. Chefs will share their inspiration and the hosts will celebrate the farms that grew the food for the dinner.
