What a supper

This past Thursday evening turned out to be one of the best dinner experiences we have shared in a long time. 
One of the girls that helped us on the farm two years ago was back in town.  Katie now travels with her soon to be husband, Brian Ernst, a one man band.  On this trip through Cincinnati, Brian had gigs at the Loveland Farmers' Market, The Wildflower Cafe, and The West Chester Farmers' Market.  We went to see them at The Wildflower Cafe Thursday evening. 
In order to translate the experience, I need to describe the Wildflower and the music. If you haven't enjoyed The Wildflower Cafe yet, you need to.  Todd Hudson, the owner, is a very energetic young man who is dedicated to the ideas that one should eat as locally and as organically as possible.  Not only does he buy as much local food as he can, including from Gravel Knolls Farm, but he promotes the producers and farms that supply him throughout the restaurant and on his menu.  Not only does he have his head right about the correct supply chain, he is an incredible gourmet chef, as witnessed by habitual acclaim in Cincinnati Magazine.  Brian Ernst plays great guitar and several different indigenous instruments. He uses a tape loop sound system to overlay the different instruments and his voice singing harmonies.  Somewhat difficult to describe but  it sounds as if there are multiple musicians and singers on stage.  The sound is great but the social and environmental consciousness of the lyric messages are even better.  Brian and Katie are traveling all over the eastern US, making a living, and spreading this message that we all can make things in society better.  Lots of guts.
The evening was clear; 76 degrees.  Brian is setting up on The Wildflower Cafe's back patio.  Next to us at our table is a young couple who are making multiple items, i.e. soap, for sale at farmers' markets. They had heard Brian at the Loveland Farmers' Market and wanted to hear him again.  Nice to have met them.  Brian begins to play.  Todd brings us great beer and food.  We end up staying for 3 hours.  Much later then farmers should stay out at night.  No one seated on the patio left the entire time we were there.  As people seated inside finished their meals, they moseyed to the patio.  As the employees finished their responsibilities, they came to the patio.  
The atmosphere was magical.  To have this group of people who are so dedicated to doing things the right way in the same place at the same time was electric.  Not soon forgotten.