Cornell Cooperative Extension Herkimer County announces collaboration with Stone Soup American Bistro and Beer Garden

Homegrown in Herkimer County initiative focuses on locally sourced produce

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Herkimer County is pleased to announce a collaboration with Rob Cirillo, owner of Stone Soup American Bistro and Beer Garden, highlighting locally grown and sourced produce in monthly recipes to be published May through September. One of Rob’s daughter’s favorite books, “Stone Soup,” inspired the name of the restaurant and gives a perfect example of what can happen when a community comes together.

The easy-to-cook recipes will feature seasonal produce grown in the Mohawk Valley. Recipes will be included in Stone Soup’s American Bistro menu for one week each month with proceeds going to the Loaves and Fishes Warming Center in Herkimer.  In partnership with the Herkimer Reformed Church, Loaves and Fishes offers free community dinners every Saturday at 102 Church Street, Herkimer.

Homegrown in Herkimer County

Homegrown in Herkimer County began as an idea during CCE Herkimer County Master Gardener Volunteer sessions. Volunteers along with Executive Director, Garet Livermore, came together to think about how Master Gardener Volunteers can get the word out about local produce in a fun and celebratory way. Volunteers approached Rob with an idea for an event, and it took off from there.

Recipes will be shared beginning in May and there will be a opportunity to celebrate together on October 10, 2026, during the Homegrown in Herkimer County Country Fair at the Stone Soup American Bistro and Beer Garden located at 142 N. Main Street in Herkimer. The family-friendly Country Fair will truly be a celebration with plenty of food, pumpkin painting, soup and chili competition, produce judging, activities, the Veggie Van, and so much more. Master Gardener Volunteers will be available at the event to help with gardening questions and share information about the programs available through CCE Herkimer County.

The Homegrown in Herkimer County Country Fair has plenty of fun planned for the day, so mark your calendars, and watch for the recipes here on Mohawk Valley Today and on the CCE Herkimer County Blog (https://blogs.cornell.edu/cceherkimer/).