RESTAURATEUR MARCUS GILLIAM BRINGS FARM TO TABLE DINING TO EMPORIA, VIRGINIA
Owner and operator of International Events and established restaurateur Marcus Gilliam, is not new to the food business, he has cooked and catered events up and… down the East Coast since 2005. Now, with the launching of his new venture Farm To Fork, Marcus proudly returns to his home town of Emporia, VA to promote healthier living through combining modern sensibilities with southern soul; in an effort to create a place that bridges the gap between locally grown foods and the community at a distinctive dining destination in the south end of town.
The new location will be a casual dinner that treasures the best of Southern living, both in style and culture. “Our style is what we like to call Rustic Chic,” says Gilliam, while highlighting the importance of local, naturally grown food and the relationship between suppliers and the chef. “Our goal with Farm To Fork is to create an atmosphere that truly resonates with the local community and celebrates the best of what surrounds us— great food and great people!!!
Rooted in a core belief of cultivating community through a conscious commitment to locality and sustainability, Marcus and his team are tirelessly committed to seeking outstanding local products and the talents of passionate artisans, growers and purveyors to provide them with the defining ingredients that create the overall experience at Farm To Fork.
Lead by Marcus Gilliam himself, Farm To Fork’s kitchen will be a workshop where a dedicated team creates ever-changing menus dictated by the season’s finest farm raised products and responsibly raised meats.
“The specialty of our product is the defining factor in everything that we do,” says Marcus. “Sourcing for us is a constant, and the core of our inspiration.” From Organic produce, naturally raised meats, fresh-from-the farm eggs, locally sourced dairy, you will be able to taste the quality in every bite. “We wanted to create a space that resonated with the community and pay tribute to the past farmers whose hard work and passion once carried our town.”
With a hip Design, the sunlit urban space revokes a modern theme with a vibrant colors scheme, wide-open windows that wrap around the corner, creates an urban culinary experience. For our décor we used a lot of reclaimed materials, natural woods, clean vintage details that come together to create a hip space. A large 20-foot counter serves as a centerpiece of the interior, while the high-top tables and comfortable seating provides a place for friends and neighbors to await their orders. When you arrive to the location the first thing you will see is the outdoor patio, with plenty of parking in the back.
Daily menus will offer market-fresh options such as the Free Range Chicken Sandwich or the Earth burger, 100% Grass Fed Beef burger which defines simple perfection with a slice of aged cheddar and a smearing of fancy sauce served on a fresh bun with organic toppings and a side of hand cut fries ($8) and the essential comfort dishes such as: Gilliam’s Famous Goal Post Wings ($8). Fresh Fish, Shrimp or Chicken served with a gourmet side dish and fresh vegetables ($12) and an assortment of Hand Crafted Taco’s ($3).
Mornings at Farm to Fork start with our custom roasted coffee, we also serve “Sweet Stuff” Fresh baked Muffins and Loafs, served with house made spreads such as Apple Butter, Quince Jam, and Blueberry Compote ($2). Breakfast bowls with Creamy White Cheddar Stone ground Grits, topped with Eggs, choice of cheese and your choice of “Meat” turkey or pork bacon and sausage patty layered in a large bowl ($3). Breakfast sandwiches starting at ($2). Other tempting options include Organic Steel Cut Oatmeal with brown sugar and Organic raisins ($4). Breakfast Plate with 2 Farm Fresh Eggs, cracked to order, choice of meat, grits, potatoes and bread ($5).
Farm To Fork will also specialize in Corporate Catering, providing daily drop-offs to your office or place of business. We also offer full-service catering for weddings, corporate events, fundraisers, diner parties, showers, cocktail parties, family reunions and more. We craft each event individually and can accommodate a range of visions and budgets. We can provide the following services to make your event effortless, gorgeous, and delicious: customized menus; venue selection; pre-event tastings; event design; coordination of rentals and staffing; onsite set up, plating, and breakdown.
Farm to Fork will be open daily, serving Breakfast from 6:00 to 10:30 a.m.; followed by lunch and dinner served until 10:00 p.m. offering daily specials like Taco Tuesday with $2 taco’s , 35 cent Wing Wednesdays and Fish Fry Fridays just to name a few. Farm to Fork is Located at 647 South Main St in the city of Emporia, Virginia. For additional information, please contact 434-632-8161.
Chef Marco
Farm to Fork Virginia 