Chef Donna Lovett's food memories have largely influenced where she is today. As the Executive Chef of Marriott City Center in downtown Minneapolis, Donna has fond recollections of helping her grandmother in the kitchen, the amazing aromas that would waft onto the back porch, and the farmers who would sell produce out of their trucks. At the Northern Shores Grille at the Marriott, Donna, a Heartland Food Network member, now focuses on local food.
Brian and Leslie Axdahl of Axdahl's Farm in Stillwater, who sell through Bix Produce, a distributor serving many Twin Cities restaurants with local and sustainable produce, are ideal partners for Donna. With a wide range of vegetables and dedication to sustainable practices, they supply Donna with much of her produce. The Axdahls, who are Food Alliance Certified, use a minimum of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and work to preserve natural habitat. According to Leslie, "If we take care of the land, it will take care of us."
In addition to upholding a commitment to sustainable choices and encouraging recycling, Donna and Northern Shores Grille support charitable endeavors, including the Second Harvest Program, which provides food assistance to millions. Like her grandmother before her, Donna is happiest when she is in her kitchen, and her support of local farmers and charities make her a true champion of good food.
