One of the greatest joys is seeing local goodness through the eyes of a child. Not only is visiting a local farm, farmers' market or roadside stand an adventure in itself, but an almost magical transformation happens when children get in touch with where their food actually comes from.
My son, Morgan, has always been a somewhat adventurous eater, but like any child, fresh fruits and veggies are not necessarily the first food he requests. Every chance he gets, however, Morgan joins me on my "field trips" to local farms and farmers' markets and it gives me incredible pleasure watching him dig carrots out of the dirt, eat green beans right in the field as he picks them off the plant, and witness the dedication and hard work farming takes. Farm-fresh veggies still may not be the first thing he asks for, but he certainly delights in eating them when served...especially if he had a hand in picking them (whether on the farm or at a market).
He's also quite an adventurous traveler. Always up for anything we decide to do. Having a child willing to try (just about) anything whether it's what we're doing or what we're eating adds exponentially to the thrill of discovery, whether it's traveling to new or familiar places.
This is Morgan's page...observations, pictures and the world of Local Goodness through his eyes and his words...we'll be adding items as he wishes, but see the video clips below for now!
Morgan's Restaurant Reviews
Six Penn Kitchen Pittsburgh, PA August 1, 2009
My first visit to this restaurant (one of my mom’s favorites) was fantastic. The mini cornbread muffins that come in the bread basket are awesome because the are sweet and moist and not like my school’s cafeteria cornbread muffins. The sea scallop appetizer is fantastic because of the Jerk barbecue sauce and how the scallops are cooked (pan seared). The lobster mac’n cheese entree is not like any other mac’n cheese I have ever tasted. It comes with caviar ( fish eggs ) and a huge chunk of lobster on top. The Six Penn Circus dessert is amazing! It comes with cinnamon doughnuts, mini woopie pies, cracker jacks, and cotton candy -- ALL homemade! It’s the next day and I’m STILL full. This is now one of my favorite restaurants also.
Mom's notes: While dining at Six Penn, Morgan decided he wanted to try his hand at being a food critic. This is his first entry...hopefully not his last. At 10 years old he remains an adventurous eater and definitely has his own tastes and opinions to share.
Six Penn is dedicated to using local, seasonal ingredients, even growing their own vegetables on their rooftop garden. It is a shining star in Pittsburgh's restaurant scene. And, yes, it is one of my favorites! If you live in Pittsburgh and haven't been there yet (or you're visiting our lovely city), be sure to check them out. Executive Chef, Keith Fuller, and crew will treat and surprise you with their incredibly unique renditions of comforting dishes. See their seasonal menus HERE and visit them often!
Here's what Morgan wrote about our trip to Maine for a 4th grade writing assignment...
Maine
By: Morgan S.
Maine is fun with all it has to offer, from its wildlife to its great food! Maine is awesome!!!! There are so many things I love.
I love the smell of the salty ocean air, the sound of waves crashing into the rocky shores, and the seagulls circling around.
I love the taste of Maine’s sweet lobster meat and clams.Rocky beaches can be rough or smooth.
There are sights of tree’s, mountains and the ocean in Maine.
Maine is really fun and beautiful.You should definitely go!!!!!!!!
October 2008
Check out Morgan's appearances cooking with Local Goodness and TABLE Magazine...he's a natural!
Morgan's First Television Appearance...cooking with TABLE Magazine February 4, 2007 A new magazine shares the love local food, drink and restaurants. Table Magazine shares a recipe that's easy and fun to do with kids. [Watch Part 1] [Watch Part 2]
During the summer he joined his mom on all the farm field trips for Local Goodness and also appeared with her a couple of times cooking some of his favorites:
Local Goodness: July 30, 2007 Green Beans (Part 1) [Watch Now] Green Beans (Part 2) [Watch Now]
Local Goodness: October 8, 2007 Woodward's Orchard [Watch Now] Easy Homemade Applesauce [Watch Now]
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Penn Kitchen