As Fresh As It Gets Presents
PENINSULA FRESH

Join growers, producers, restaurants, and buyers for a half-day session focused on building lasting partnerships and learning about the diverse products San Mateo County has to offer. Designed to strengthen and elevate our farm-to-fork community, this event is to bring together our local farmers, fisheries, and growers with our restaurateurs, grocers, and distributors - elevating discussions about sustainability, partnering, and enhancing our focus on leveraging locally sourced products.

Join us for this exclusive free event on Monday, May 5, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Set in the stunning Farallon Room at Skyline College with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the event will feature insightful panels and presentations on sustainability and the farm-to-table movement. Enjoy a delicious lunch provided by Half Moon Bay Brewing Company and explore a showcase of fresh produce from local growers.

Agenda

9:30 AM - Registration

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM - Panel Discussions

Panel 1

San Mateo County: Hub of Culinary x Tech x Agriculture x Tourism

Led by SF Peninsula CMO Maggie Lang, this panel will highlight San Mateo County as a vibrant hub where culinary arts, agriculture, technology, and tourism intersect. An esteemed panel of local Chefs and luminaries will come together, including Restauranteur and Chef Ajay Walla of Rasa, Saffron and Amara, Micheál Mallie, owner Maverick Jack's, as well as Chef and Owner Bob Trahan of Twelvemonth in Burlingame, to discuss the peninsula's unique location and its potential to shape the future of food and hospitality in the Bay Area. (40 min)

Panel 2

The Distributor-Chef-Farmer: Making the Connection

This panel will be moderated by Coline LeConte from Edible Silicon Valley and brings together supply and distribution experts to discuss how they bridge the gap between farms and kitchens, offering practical insights to strengthen connections and enhance market access for farmers. Erin Tormey, Director of Coastside Farmers Markets, will share insights on her efforts to connect local farmers with restaurants, caterers, and small food-producing businesses. Listen to Chef Aomboon Deasy, co-owner of K&J Orchards and the driving force behind the Michelin Green Star–awarded Pomet in Oakland, as she explores the real-world impact of these partnerships on sourcing, distribution, and restaurant operations. (40 min)

Panel 3

The Chef-Farmer Connection and Trends: Sustainability & the

Next Big Flavors

Led by former French Laundry farmer Aaron Keefer, this discussion will explore how collaboration between chefs and farmers drives flavor innovation, menu development, and sustainability. Virginia Miller, esteemed food writer and Chair of the World's 50 Best North America, will also join the conversation on how sustainability-focused dining is shaping industry trends and consumer spending. Guests such as Michelin-starred Chef and Owner Scott Clark from Dad's Luncheonette and Head Farmer and SingleThread Farms & Restaurant owner Katina Connaughton will share insights on the impact of regenerative agriculture, reducing food waste, and the importance of local ingredients in crafting distinctive, sustainable dining experiences. Discover how these partnerships influence not only emerging flavor trends but also where—and why—guests choose to dine. (40 min)

11:45 AM - 12:00 PM - Q&A Session with audience 

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM - Lunch & Networking

This is a unique opportunity to engage directly with growers and fisheries in a business-to-business setting.
 

Reserve your ticket or table now! RSVP

About As Fresh As It Gets (AFAIG):

There is nothing better than knowing “local produce” doesn’t just come from California, but it comes from our very own backyard and is San Mateo County grown! We call this “As Fresh as it Gets".

The “As Fresh as it Gets” Logo is only granted to local San Mateo County producers to help identify and promote our local San Mateo County products. We also recognize local restaurants, hotels, caterers, and other businesses that purchase and/or serve products from local San Mateo County farmers, fishermen, vintners, and brewers.