Up close and personal with Jamie Kennedy

sah.com: As big-box stores like WalMart are increasing in prominence in the grocery world, proving that, for a huge segment of the population, price and convenience seem to matter most, what's your argument for things like organic, slow food and regional cuisine?
JK: It is an alternative approach which extends beyond price and convenience. It's more like a philosophy about responsible stewardship in all things that, when related to food, means sourcing higher quality local food than the status quo.

sah.com: As a champion of local cuisine, what are some of the local produce and food products you're most excited about this fall?
JK: Yellow filet beans from the Kawarthas. Watermelons, squash, and heirloom and sauce tomatoes.

S@H: In what form will some of them show up on your menus?
JK: Celebration of Tomatoes is a dish that offers many types and textures of tomatoes accompanied by an herbal vinaigrette.

sah.com: Scenario: You're at Whole Foods and you have two options - the locally produced non-organic apple or the organic version that's traveled cross-country to reach us. Which do you buy?
JK: Certainly not the organic traveler, but probably I would buy my apples from a farmer at one of the local farmers markets.

sah.com: What's hot right now, from a culinary perspective? What kinds of things can we look forward to seeing on your menu come fall?
JK: Local, local, local!

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