There is something divine about biting into a fresh-picked piece of produce like a juicy slice of ripe tomato or sliver of strawberry. Several chefs at local, independently-owned restaurants practice farm-to-table sustainable cooking by working with local farmers or using hand-picked produce purchased each morning at local markets. They are staking their reputations on fabulous dishes featuring the health benefits of locally-grown produce.

Some foodies also call supporting local food artisans the Slow Food movement. It is a way of living and a way of eating. Slow Food USA seeks to create a lasting change in the food, production and delivery system to ensure equity, sustainability and pleasure in the food we eat.

St. Joseph Medical Center is proud to host this year's Healthy Food & Good Wine with support of Kansas City merchants, producers and restaurateurs. The event will spotlight this "buy fresh, buy local, eat healthy" movement in Kansas City.

Healthy Food & Good Wine will be held on Saturday, May 8, 2010 under the front portico just outside the main entrance at St. Joseph Medical Center, 1000 Carondelet Drive, Kansas City, MO.

Laura Foley, and her husband David Cimpl, and Norman Bamber, MD, PhD and his wife Jill are serving as event co-chairs. Festivities include an Iron Chef competition sponsored by Somerset Ridge Winery, featuring Jasper Mirable, Jr. of Jasper's Restaurant and Michael Foust of The Farmhouse and live entertainment. An online auction featuring meals at the participating restaurants and other foodie goodies will precede the event.

VIPs and major sponsors are invited to attend the Iron Chef competition beginning at 6 p.m. The event will begin at 7 p.m. and end at 10 p.m.

Event proceeds are directed each year to an area of greatest promise. Proceeds from Healthy Food & Good Wine will add enhanced imaging technology for patients with critical neurological diagnoses. St. Joseph Medical Center strives to provide the foremost in neurosurgical treatment opportunities.