Locavores, grab those forks and knives. Thursday will bring two gatherings focused on environmental stewardship that involve learning, interacting and, of course, eating.In Anna Maria Island, the Sandbar Restaurant's second Pine Avenue Edible Garden Tour and Sandbar Tasting will happen from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Held as part of the Florida West Coast to Farm's inaugural Tour d'Agri-Culture event series — which educates the public on sustainable food practices — the hourlong garden tour will take guests on a stroll through community gardens along Pine Avenue, known as the country's "Greenest Little Main Street."
Native plant whiz and landscape designer Mike Miller will lead the tour, discussing the greenery as guests taste the gardens' produce offerings.
After the walking tour, the envrio-conscious Ed Chiles of the Chiles Restaurant Group, which owns Manatee County's Sandbar, BeacHhouse and Mar Vista eateries, will nosh on a multi-course lunch alongside guests.
The dishes will feature fruits and veggies from the gardens, fresh-caught seafood and fare from the restaurant group's Gamble Creek Farm in Parrish.
Tickets are $30, and the event will benefit the All Island Denominations' Roser Food Pantry.
Another sustainability happening for foodies is the Sustany Foundation's seventh annual Sustainable Buzz.
Hosted at the Straz Center Riverwalk, festivities will kick off at 6 p.m. Last year, the event drew 43 vendors and more than 700 guests.
Eats inspired by Sustany's Locavore Campaign will be featured, including tastes that incorporate local farm ingredients, brews from area craft beer-makers and various wines.
Admission costs $40 online, and $45 at the door. Guests who opt for the $150 VIP package will receive the "green carpet treatment," with access to a private chef's table, cocktails from Anise Global Gastrobar's spirits director Ro Patel, an electric boat ride and more.