Taylor sisters, Terri (far left in the back row) and Nanci (in the yellow shirt), with their “Soil Sisters” and some woolly friends.
PHOTO BY TERESA RAFIDI
The above photo makes me smile. Thanks to the “Soil Sisters,” the subjects of our cover story, and photographer Teresa Rafidi, for one of the most fun barnyard photoshoots ever. This illustrious group of women helped launch the local food movement in North Texas and, though we’ve covered their individual projects many times over the last 16 years, we wanted to honor them collectively. What have been their challenges? What are their hopes for the future? Writers Eve Hill-Agnus and Terri Taylor did a fabulous job.
Reflecting on Edible DFW’s earliest days, I’d like to give a shout-out to journalist Kim Pierce, one of the first to cover the burgeoning local food scene in both The Dallas Morning News and Edible DFW. Already a seasoned food writer, she met me for coffee in 2009 as I contemplated our first issue. Her outpouring of support gave me the confidence I needed to move forward.
Shirin Khakoo writes about the Jill Stone Community Garden, established in 2011 to grow fresh food in an underserved part of the city. Teresa Rafidi captures the enthusiasm and dedication of everyone who works there.
Meda Kessler brings a dash of summer ease with sauces that rev up your repertoire and take advantage of summer’s fresh herbs.
And finally, we celebrate the life of J.T. Lemley Jr., cherished by friends and loyal customers at his farm store and the Dallas Farmers Market. He passed away in May and our thoughts are with his friends and family. We will miss him.
Let’s have a great summer — celebrating the farmers and ranchers as they practice their passion for yet another season.
Nanci Taylor, Publisher
NANCI TAYLOR is a third generation Texan whose family came to the state in the 1800’s to pursue cattle ranching and Texas has remained her home. She was born in San Antonio, but ended up in North Texas where she nurtured her Texas roots while attending college and raising two sons in Dallas. Proudly following in her parent's footsteps, Nanci plants and harvests the bounty of her own backyard garden in Old East Dallas. She keeps a busy calendar attending local food and ecology events, and on weekends she spends her time visiting with growers and food artisans at farms, shops and farmers markets around North Texas.