Sustainable Sourcing is ALWAYS on the Menu at The Garlands
A guardian of Garlands members’ nutritional health and gastronomical delight, Executive Chef Glenn Zamet is a bit of a self-professed “locavore.”
Sourcing locally produced, healthy food that is organically grown by Barrington neighbors while, at the same time, protecting the environment for future generations is a not-so-secret “secret ingredient” in many of Chef Glenn’s recipes.
A Healthy Harvest
Just six miles southwest of The Garlands is Barrington-based Aqua Barn Farm, whose mission is to cultivate a thriving, sustainable future by blending traditional farming values with innovative aquaponics.
“As a family-owned farm, we are dedicated to producing fresh, nutrient-rich food while preserving the health of our land and water for generations to come,” says owner/operator Rita Kopp.
The Kopp’s family-run aquaponics business combines aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (growing plants without soil) in a sustainable closed-loop system. This eco-friendly process conserves water (up to 90% less than traditional farming), eliminates the need for chemical fertilizer, and produces fresh, organic food year-round.
“Aqua Barn Farm provides fresh, healthy food in a self-sustaining, environmentally friendly ecosystem without chemicals,” says Garlands Executive Chef Glenn. “The Kopps provide the local, flavorful, and attractive varieties of lettuce and nutrient-dense microgreens that we are proud to serve at The Garlands.”
Find out more about aquaponics at Aqua Barn Farm by visiting aquabarnfarm.com.
All the BUZZZ around Barrington!
In North Barrington, just six miles as the crow—or, as it were, the bee—flies, is Honey Lake Bee Company, where Chef Glenn procures raw, natural honey for The Garlands kitchens and teas.
Beekeepers Karen and Brian Thomson, both horticulture graduates of Iowa State University, manage over 140 hives. The Thomsons sell natural honey, honeycomb, 100 percent pure beeswax candles, lip balms, and bee byproducts online and at local farmers’ markets.
Karen and Brian pride themselves on producing bee-based products that are pure and natural. They also share their knowledge by teaching the craft to local “beekeeper-wanna-bes” who swarm to their beginning beekeeping classes!
Visit Honey Lake Bee Company online at honeylakebeecompany.com.
