Just north of Duluth, tucked away on the beautiful Scenic Highway on the North Shore of Lake Superior, you'll find chef-owner Scott Graden's popular dining destination, New Scenic Café. Eleven years ago, with a clear vision of simple, sustainable values, a devotion to quality ingredients, and a loyalty to local farmers and growers, Scott and his aunt Rita opened the doors of this cozy, cabin-like eatery that features superlative, Contemporary American cuisine and an ever-changing menu. Today, with his own flower and herb gardens in front of the restaurant, which Scott largely built himself, and local artists showcased both in and outside, Scott's devotion to his community is woven throughout this haven on the northern waters.
Scott's relationship with Grass Roots Farm in Saginaw, one of his key produce suppliers, is fresh, yet robust. Started in the late 1980's by Linda Ward and Steve Chadwick, Grass Roots was approached in 2008 by five college graduates with a keen interest in agriculture and the idea of keeping the farm operating as a grower cooperative. Linda agreed to the idea and has been an active grower-member since the beginning. The cooperative includes farmers of all ages and life situations, all of who practice rotations of crops that are free of pesticides, insecticides, and synthetic fertilizers.
"The fact that Scott has committed to working with our unique situation shows that he truly supports buying the most local food possible," comments Alex Mohrbacher, one grower-member. Together, Grass Roots and New Scenic are working to increase restaurants' ability to obtain local, sustainable food by strengthening existing relationships and by advancing the number of farmers in the Northland.
