Prairie Grass Cafe Launches Series Highlighting Local Food Partnerships

Prairie Grass Cafe (601 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook) has launched "The Spotlight Series," a new initiative focused on the restaurant’s sourcing relationships with farmers, artisans, and food purveyors. The project aims to provide insight into the supply chain behind the dishes served at the restaurant.

The series centers on the concept of “Relationship Driven Food,” developed by chefs Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris. According to Stegner, the series highlights long-term partnerships with producers and the role these relationships play in shaping the restaurant’s menu.

The first installment features Judith Schad of Capriole Goat Cheese, whose products have been used in the restaurant’s Marinated Beet Salad for nearly two decades. Schad was among the original vendors at Chicago’s Green City Market, where her professional relationship with Stegner began. Their collaboration dates back over 30 years, including Stegner’s time at The Dining Room at the Ritz-Carlton.

Future installments in the series will include a spotlight on Eric Rose of River Valley Ranch. On April 22 (Earth Day), Prairie Grass Cafe will feature mushrooms from Rose’s farm, a regular supplier to the restaurant. For each bowl of mushroom soup sold that day, the cafe will donate a pint to a local community fridge operated by Soul & Smoke.

Additional profiles in the series will include Dennis Kramer, owner of Seafood Merchants, a long-standing seafood provider to the restaurant. The series will explore the alignment between Prairie Grass Cafe’s sourcing practices and its focus on supply chain transparency.