Arthur’s Mini Courses
Our mini courses are designed for the most curious, thoughtful, and hungry eaters alike! Each course features two books and two events with the goal of going beyond the basics on some of our favorite topics in food and beverage. (Our foraging mini-course diverts from this format slightly in that we will provide a book and a tool, rather than two books.)
Mini Course: Foraging
Elusive, enigmatic, delicious! Foraged foods hold a particular appeal. At the same time, it can be very difficult to begin foraging yourself since they can be difficult to access and difficult to identify.
This curriculum focuses on two local species — ramps and chanterelles mushrooms — and offers the opportunity to learn from an avid local forager, Zachery Suflita, from whom you will learn not only how to find and identify different species, but also how to sustainably harvest and cook them.
This $150 course includes: The National Audubon Society’s Field Guide to North American Mushrooms, an Opinel No.08 knife, and 2 field trips — one for ramps and one for chanterelle mushrooms. Finally, this course also includes a list of recommended reading, watching, and listening to further your foraging journey!
Please note: This course includes 2 event dates in 2 different locations. Please read the details below and confirm that you’re able to participate in both events before purchasing the course.
Book and tool pick ups for this course will begin on April 1, 2023.
Book
Field Guide to Mushrooms by National Audubon Society
The most comprehensive field guide available to North American mushrooms—a must-have for any enthusiast’s day pack or home library—from the go-to reference source for over 18 million nature lovers. This book features a durable vinyl binding and over 700 full-color identification photographs organized visually by color and shape.
TOOl
Opinel No.08 Knife
Opinel’s most iconic knife, the No.08 dates all the way back to 1890 when Joseph Opinel created a simple yet robust tool for the everyman, the No.08 has been featured in countless museums, books and galleries around the world. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your pencils, or prune your roses, the No. 08 has been a favorite of explorers, artists, farmers, and chefs alike.
Event 1
Field Trip
@ Private Residence in Medusa, NY
Saturday 4/29, 10:30AM - 12:30PM
(Rain Date: Sunday 4/30)
Join us at a private residence in Medusa, NY, where a vast field of ramps grows in the woods alongside ferns and other early-spring blooms. Learn from Zac how best to harvest wild alliums and gather ramps for yourself to take home.
Event 2
Field Trip
@ Albany Pine Bush
Saturday 7/8, 10:30AM - 12:30PM
(Rain Date: Sunday 7/9)
Join Zac at the Albany Pine Bush to scout our chanterelle mushrooms. Learn more about their ecosystem so that you know where to look and learn how to tell them apart from look-alike species.