From Farm to Fork: Organic Food Tours

I'm a foodie. There's no doubt about it. I have twenty some odd years in the restaurant business managing and owning restaurants, my kitchen has all of the latest gadgets, (a small fortune was spent on a set of knives from Japan), and I watch all of the cooking shows on cable. (Gordon Ramsey's Hell's Kitchen sometimes gives me nightmares). Even though I am now retired from full-time food service, I still go and help out a couple of friends who have recently opened a restaurant here. A lot of my friends are from the restaurant business. It somehow gets in your blood.

So I was intrigued to find out about a company that offers travel and tours around the country that feature food. Learn Great Foods (www.learngreatfoods.com) was launched three years ago to connect people who love food with the people who produce and prepare it. The tour asks questions and eats with guest chefs, host farmers, tour guides, and shares knowledge with other guests. They travel and eat in historic inns and restaurants, in herb gardens, and farmhouse kitchens. They seek out others who share their passion for pure and healthy food, culinary excellence, and the "taste of place." A couple of recent tours featured a cheese making operation in Wisconsin and an organic farm in Michigan called Sweeter Song Farm. The group focuses on sustainable farming, great cooking, and the environment. Some of the activities include:

*Privately guided tours of sustainable farms by local growers.

*Roll-up-your-sleeves cooking classes with celebrity chefs.

* In-depth workshops on food chemistry by visiting experts in the field.

*Alfresco dining at one of the Learn Great Foods Kitchens.