Make Tribe: #follow on instagram @maketribe – visit their website at www.maketribe.com

On Thursday, Jessica D’Argenio Waller of Make Tribe, hosted an event at Artifact Coffee focusing on fermented foods.

Artifact Coffee: 1500 Union Ave. Baltimore, MD 21211

Fermented food? What is that? You may ask. Don’t worry I was in the same bucket as you, not knowing very much about what fermented food consisted of other than meat and cheese.  So, I thought it would be interesting to check out. My boyfriend purchased the tickets for both of us to attend the skill supper event to learn and explore new foods. Boy Oh boy it was definitely an adventure!

First let me give you the definition of Fermented Food.

I found this definition from www.chow.com: “Fermentation is a process in which food is exposed to bacteria and yeasts, either via inoculation or naturally through the air. Beneficial microorganisms beat out the kind that can kill you, and eat up the carbohydrates in the food. The results are interesting flavors, textures, and smells. Before refrigeration, curing meats, pickling vegetables, and clabbering milk was the only way to extend the life of perishables. And if fermented foods haven’t been cooked, they are really good for you (cooking kills off the beneficial bacteria).”

Basically, what I learned at the Make Tribe skill supper event was that fermented food is very healthy for you. I totally understand the health benefits of eating fermented food, but it’s definitely an acquired taste. Plus, it’s a waiting game. You have to have patience when it comes to fermenting food, and personally when I cook I need instant gratification: the finished product to eat!

Cabbage

The skill being taught at the event showed us how to make sauerkraut. Which it was actually a pretty easy process to learn. We even go to take home our own personal sauerkraut to ferment. The kraut will take about 3 to 4 weeks to ferment and be ready to eat.

Sauerkraut to ferment at home.

Below are just a few pictures I snapped of the beautiful set up that was done throughout Artifact Coffee. It was absolutely fabulous! My pictures do not do the decor any justice!

Sign in table as soon as you walked through the front door.

Crimson and Clover were responsible for the vibrant flowers displayed. Fermenting is kinda like a science project so Crimson and Clover actually used beakers as the vases for the flowers. How clever are they!

Shortly after we arrived, we were greeted with a yummy cocktails. It was very refreshing with hints of ginger and tea. Also, there was a demonstration done to show us how to make the cocktail at home.

Amazing Cocktail to start the night.

Dinner Table

It was really nice to sit at a long farmhouse style dinner table with everyone who attended the event. Mike and I were lucky enough to sit next to fun people who had great stories. We got to share life experience and learn a little about one another. I also, loved hearing everyone opinions about the different fermented foods we tasted.

Dinner Table

Beautiful place setting.

More Pics…..

The light fixture was even covered in flowers and beakers. Crimson and Clover followed through with the theme all the way.

Center Piece

I really enjoyed the Make Tribe event and definitely want to ” join the tribe” again.  If you live in the D.C , Virginia, Maryland area I suggest you keep a look out for the next event and join also!  As far as fermenting my food… thats another story. I don’t think I will personally be fermenting, but I am for sure willing to try different types of fermented food that someone else prepares to broaden my palette even more.

This was a unique fun experience. Just other #CharmOfBaltimore I got to discover!

Until Next Time,

xoxo

Alysha

@discovercharmcity