Ramsi Kamar, who is owner, along with his wife, of Ramsi Cafe on the World, Bardstown Rd., is one of three farmers to be honored as Local Food Heroes of 2013 at a Farm to Table dinner Aug. 18 at Ramsi’s restaurant.
Kamar and his wife own a farm on the Jefferson-Shelby County line where they grow much of the produce they use int heir restaurant. Kamar has been working with the UK Agriculture Department to devise more economical and ecologically sound ways to abate weeds, keep crops watered, and encourage longer growing seasons.
The Local Food Heroes Initiative evolved from a partnership between the Kentucky Department of Agriculture; Louisville Farm to Table, an effort to increase the capacity of the local food system; and Seed Capital Kentucky, a nonprofit organization that invests in programs that expand the local food economy.
In addition to Kumar, the other honorees at this first annual dinner will be Michael Lewis of Berea, and Clay Turner of Russellville. They were chosen by a vote on the Seed Capital Kentucky web site.
Proceeds from the dinner will benefit The Lincoln Foundation, an educational nonprofit that helps disadvantaged students in the region. The Foundation plans to use the proceeds to istart a new agriculture and culinary education component to its curriculum.
The dinner on August 18 will begin with a reception at 5:45 p.m., with dinner to follow.
Only 50 tickets are available, at $100 each. For ticket information, call Ramsi’s Café on the World at (502) 451-0700.
Voting for the 2014 Local Food Heroes is underway through July 31. To vote for your favorite local food producer, go to www.seedcapitalky.org. Winners will be announced at the Kentucky State Fair on opening day Aug. 14.
