Long before the days of publishing Edible Sarasota, my Sunday mornings were typically spent reading Bon Appétit magazine, excited to plan an exquisite dinner for my family. One of the highlights of receiving the magazine in my mailbox was reading the letter from the editor, Barbara Fairchild. I was always inspired by her words and excited to learn about the very best in food, drink, entertaining, restaurants, and travel.
In 2012, to my surprise, Barbara was the keynote speaker at the Edible Communities conference in Santa Barbara, California. Yes indeed, I was in the front row and we spent some time together after her inspiring speech. We have stayed in touch and I asked Barbara if she would share a quote for my editor’s letter for our 15th anniversary. Thank you, Barbara, for creating a legacy of knowledge and inspiration that continues to evolve.
As we celebrate the 15th anniversary of Edible Sarasota with this issue, it’s a perfect moment to reflect on the remarkable evolution of our local food scene. When we first launched, Sarasota was just beginning to emerge as a culinary destination, filled with potential yet largely underexplored. Fast forward to today, and we find ourselves in a vibrant community bursting with creativity, innovation, and a deep appreciation for local flavors.
Fifteen years ago, the concept of farm-to-table dining was still gaining traction, with many residents unaware of the rich agricultural resources available right in their own backyard. Today, local farmers’ markets thrive, connecting consumers directly with the land. Our community is home to a diverse array of farms (we even publish an annual farm guide) that produce everything from organic vegetables to beef. The shift has not only elevated our culinary offerings but has also fostered a strong sense of community around food.
As we look back on these 15 years, it’s clear that the journey has been one of growth and connection. As Edible Sarasota moves forward, we remain committed to shining a spotlight on the vibrant tapestry of our local food scene, celebrating the hard work of farmers, chefs, fishermen, and artisans alike.
Cheers to the next chapter in our food journey, and to all of you who have been part of it. To our talented writers, thank you for bringing stories to life with your words. To the brilliant photographers, your artistry transforms our pages into a feast for the eyes. To our committed advertisers, thank you for believing in us and supporting our mission. To Doug, our copy editor, thank you for being such an essential part of our family.
Matthew, Tina, and John, I can’t count how many dinners have turned into Edible meetings. Somewhere between the appetizer and the main course, a familiar topic emerges: Yes, this is our passion project. Love you.
In the words of my friend Barbara Fairchild,
Bon Appétit,
According to Barbara Fairchild, former editor-in-chief of Bon Appétit magazine, ”At their inception, the ‘Edible’ publications were innovative community extensions of the trends in fresh ingredients and more modern cooking that the national food magazines were doing at the time.
“They also paralleled nicely with the resurgence of local farmers’ markets,” she continued, “and with the rise of artisanal food production.”
As for our area, Fairchild says, “Tracy and the team were smart to recognize and promote this activity in Sarasota and the surrounding area, highlighting the fact that good, fresh food can be available anywhere. No wonder Edible Sarasota has been around for so long—it’s a real service to the community.”
