May
24
to May 27

Land of Odd Memorial Day Weekend Survival Campout

Second annual Memorial Day survival camp at The Land of Odd in Iroquois County IL.

An out of the frying pan and into the fire experience. Everything we eat for the entire weekend will have either been foraged, grown, or caught in the local area. Chef Jeremy Leven who trained at Noma, will be on site to prepare all meals and give insight and advice on preparing and preserving foraged ingredients as well as cooking demos.

In addition to foraging and campfire camaraderie other activities will include fishing, nighttime headlamp frog walk, haunted site exploration, finding and identifying local fauna (reptiles, insects, and more), viewing the local bison herd, exploring ruins, maybe a trip to a nearby waterfall, and more. A weekend of experiences to last a lifetime.

For information of pricing and group rates call or text Dave @ 847-409-8623

BUY TICKETS Other payment methods available as well.

Chef Jeremy Leven brings his vision of progressive Great Lakes cuisine to life at Sweet Home. Jeremy has gained acclaim for being an early pioneer in Chicago's underground dining scene with his pop-up event series Tuesday Night Dinner. His efforts were recognized by Zagat Guide when he was inducted into their 30 Under 30 class in 2014. In 2017, Jeremy received a Michelin Bib Gourmand for his Basque-inspired menu as Executive Chef of mfk. in Chicago's East Lakeview neighborhood. In 2018, Jeremy relocated to Copenhagen to do a residency at the world-renowned Noma restaurant during their plant kingdom season. While at Noma, Jeremy spent his time there acquiring new skills in the kitchen, a glossary of knowledge about wild plants, as well as numerous hours spent assisting the fermentation lab. Most recently Jeremy has taken it upon himself to travel the remote regions of the Great Lakes basin to seek out the forgotten food traditions passed down for generations.

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Jun
2
4:00 PM16:00

Eat the Dunes: Miller Beach, Gary IN

Please join us for an amazing afternoon foraging hike + dinner around the dunetop property of the Calumet Artist Residency with Dave Odd and Chef Trevor Fleming(Bios below)

Dinner will be served with locally foraged food + local produce and ingredients. BYOB

Dave Odd is Chicago's only full time professional forager. A lifelong avid nature enthusiast Dave is a self taught expert on over 1200 species of edible and medicinal wild plants and mushrooms. He has been providing foraged goods to some of Chicago's finest restaurants for 10 years. On any given foraging walk he guarantees you will see at least 50 different wild edibles.

Chef Trevor Fleming has been cooking in Chicago for nearly 10 years. He has been at the helm of restaurants such as Farmhouse Tavern and Rootstock Wine Bar. Honing his craft in Michelin caliber kitchens, Trevor has focused heavily on locality and seasonality. He has established a close network of small farmers across the Midwest, working with them almost exclusively.

Note: Unfortunately, the Calumet Artist Residency is not handicap accessible. We have 86 steps up to the top of the dunetop property, so, please keep that in mind.

No cancellations. We will have a reschedule date if there is rain.

Parking will be marked on Lake Street.

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Jun
8
1:00 PM13:00

Eat the Neighborhood: Infinity Foundation Highland Park

Foraging Tour with the Infinity Foundation 1280 Old Skokie Valley Rd in Highland Park. Open to the public. 1pm-4pm.

Take a walk through the woods and the surrounding neighborhood to find out about every edible, medicinal, useful plant, and mushroom from the forest floor to the treetops, lawns, sidewalk cracks, and even the landscaping around homes.

Join Dave Odd, Chicago’s only full time professional forager with more than 25 years experience in the field, for an eye-opening exploration.

Discover in real time a field guide of all the wild edibles that grow right in your own backyard. Seeing 50 species is a guarantee and upwards of 70-80 are usually seen. Everything you discover will be described in easy terminology. Walk away with useful knowledge to use for a lifetime and perhaps change the way you look at landscapes around you. Questions are welcomed throughout the expedition.

Dress for the weather and natural environments and bring a bottle of water. Meet at Infinity and go from there to a nearby local forest.

Call 847-831-8828 to get tickets or visit InfinityFoundation.org to sign up.

Rain date June 9th.

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Jun
9
4:00 PM16:00

Eat the Neighborhood Skokie: Libertad

Foraging walk with Chicago's renowned professional forager Dave Odd in his home town of Skokie. Learn over 50 species of edible plants and possibly some mushrooms too! Followed by a wonderful 3 course meal made from the the foraged things seen, marvelously prepared by Libertad! Meet right in front of Libertad 7931 Lincoln Ave, Skokie for a walk around the neighborhood then return to Libertad for a meal made from what was observed.

$40 per person ($70 per pair) for the walk, group rates available.

Meal pricing TBA

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Jun
15
10:00 AM10:00

Eat the Zoo! Lincoln Park Zoo

Trying something a little different. Doing an extended edible plant identification walk around and through the Lincoln Park Zoo! Meet right in front of the Hans Christian Andersen Statue at 2020 Cannon Drive. The goal is to see 100 edible/medicinal plants throughout the day 9double the usual amount)! and we get to see animals too (also technically edible :p). Pack a lunch or bring some lunch money for concessions.

$40 per person. $70 per couple. Family/Groups $30 per person.

call Dave at 847-409-8623 to RSVP.

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May
19
10:00 AM10:00

Eat the Neighborhood: Carnivore Oak Park

Forage with Chicago's renowned professional forager Dave Odd. Learn over 50 species of edible plants and possibly some mushrooms too! Followed by a wonderful 3 course meal made from the the foraged things seen, marvelously prepared by chef Brad Knaub and Erik Williams. Ramps may still be in season and seen nearby!

*No ramps will actually be collected on the tour but will be included in the meal and available to take home.

$40 per person ($70 per pair) for the walk, group rates available.

$25 per person for the meal. Includes one beverage. BYOB.

Call or text Dave at 847-409-8623 to RSVP.

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May
18
10:00 AM10:00

Eat the Parks: Humboldt Park

Join Chicago's only full time professional forager Dave Odd for a walk around the north pond in Lincoln Park to see all the wild and wonderful edible plants (and possibly mushrooms too!) that grow right in the heart of the city. Guaranteed to learn about at least 50 edible plants! Meet right in front of the Boathouse Cafe restaurant (not affiliated with the tour).

$35 a person, $60 a pair, group rates $25 per person for 5 or more.

Call or text Dave Odd at 847-409-8623 to RSVP.

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May
11
4:00 PM16:00

Eat The Neighborhood Bridgeport: Kimski

Join Chicago's only full time professional forager Dave Odd for a walk around the Bridgeport neighborhood and local parks to see all the wild and wonderful edible plants (and possibly mushrooms too!) that grow right in the heart of the city. Guaranteed to learn about at least 50 edible plants! Meet right in front of Kimski at 4pm. 90 minute walk around the neighborhood followed by a foraged dinner at Kimski at 6:00pm with Chef Won Kim.

$35 a person for walk, $60 a pair, group rates $25 per person for 5 or more.

Meal $35 per person, $50 with beer pairings.

RSVP or for group rates call or text Dave Odd at 847-409-8623

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Apr
28
4:00 PM16:00

Eat the Neighborhood Uptown: Three Squares Diner

Join Chicago's only full time professional forager Dave Odd for a walk around Uptown to see all the wild and wonderful edible plants (and possibly mushrooms too!) that grow in the neighborhood. Guaranteed to learn about at least 50 edible plants! Meet right in front of # Squares Diner restaurant 1020 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago 60640. After the walk return to 3 Squares to enjoy a three course meal made from the things seen on the tour. artfully prepared by Chef Ian Voakes.

$35 a person, $60 a pair, group rates $25 per person for 5 or more for the walk.

$32 a person for the meal, $50 per person with alcohol pairings,

RSVP by calling or texting Dave at 847-409-8623.

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Apr
28
10:00 AM10:00

Eat the Neighborhood: Carnivore Oak Park Ramp Walk and Lunch

Forage with Chicago's renowned professional forager Dave Odd. Learn over 50 species of edible plants and possibly some mushrooms too! Followed by a wonderful 3 course meal made from the the foraged things seen, marvelously prepared by chef Brad Knaub and Erik Williams. Ramps will be in season and seen nearby! Meet right in front of Carnivore 1042 Pleasant St, Oak Park.

*No ramps will actually be collected on the tour but will be included in the meal and available to take home.

$40 per person ($70 per pair) for the walk, group rates available.

$25 per person for the meal. Includes one beverage. BYOB.

Call or text Dave at 847-409-8623 to RSVP.

FACEBOOK EVENT

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Apr
20
10:00 AM10:00

Eat the Parks: Lincoln Park

FIRST TOUR OF THE SEASON!

Join Chicago's only full time professional forager Dave Odd for a walk around the north pond in Lincoln Park to see all the wild and wonderful edible plants (and possibly mushrooms too!) that grow right in the heart of the city. Guaranteed to learn about at least 50 edible plants! Meet right in front of North Pond restaurant 2610 N Cannon Dr, Chicago 60614 (not affiliated with the tour).

Option to join in on a foraged dinner at The Willow Room at 5:30pm the following day as well featuring what was discovered on the walk!

$35 a person, $60 a pair, group rates $25 per person for 5 or more.

RSVP by calling or texting Dave at 847-409-8623, or click on ticket link below.

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Oct
28
10:00 AM10:00

Carnivore/Oak Park - Eat the Neighborhood: Last Tour of the Season

Meet at Carnivore (1042 Pleasant St, Oak Park IL 60302) and peruse the surrounding neighborhood for edible plants with Chicago's own professional forager, Dave Odd. Mushrooms will be in season and there will be plenty to be had! Then back to Carnivore at noon for a three course meal made from the very things seen on the walk lovingly crafted by Chefs Brad and Erik. Guaranteed to see and learn about 50 different species!

$40 per person for the walk/$70 per couple. $25 per person for lunch/$40 per couple. Includes 1 beverage. BYOB.

RSVP by texting or calling Dave Odd at 847-409-8623 or call Carnivore at 708-660-1100

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Sep
30
10:00 AM10:00

Carnivore, Oak Park - Eat the Neighborhood

Meet at Carnivore (1042 Pleasant St, Oak Park IL 60302) and peruse the surrounding neighborhood for edible plants and mushrooms with Chicago's own professional forager, Dave Odd. Then back to Carnivore at noon for a three course meal made from the very things seen on the walk lovingly crafted by Chef Brad. Mushrooms will abound! Guaranteed to see and learn about 50 different species!

$40 per person for the walk/$70 per couple. $25 per person for lunch/$40 per couple. Includes 1 beverage. BYOB.

RSVP by texting or calling Dave Odd at 847-409-8623 or call Carnivore at 708-660-1100

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Aug
15
7:00 PM19:00

Carnivale - Chicago Tribune Food Bowl - Eat the Neighborhood

Meet at Carnivale, 702 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL, 312-605-8512

Take a quick walk around the neighborhood surrounding the restaurant and see over 25 species of edible pants right there in the neighborhood and explore the rooftop garden. Followed by an amazing four course meal prepared by Chef Rodolfo showcasing the ingredients seen.

$100 per person for the entire experience. Call Carnivale at 312-605-8512 or to reserve your spot get your Eventbrite tickets here.

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Jul
28
10:00 AM10:00

Douglas Park - Eat the Parks

Meet at the west side of the Garden in Douglas Park on the Southeast corner of Ogden Ave and Sacramento Ave in Chicago. Go for a walk in the park and learn over 50 species of edible plants and mushrooms.

$35 per person for the walk/$60 per couple.

RSVP by texting or calling Dave Odd at 847-409-8623 or call Carnivore at 708-660-1100

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Jul
20
6:00 PM18:00

Jam/Logan Square - Eat The Neighborhood: Ramp Foraging Walk and Dinner

Meet at Jam (2853 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, 60618) at 6pm and peruse the surrounding neighborhood for edible plants with Chicago's own professional forager, Dave Odd. See at least 50 species before heading back to Jam at 7:30 for a multi-course meal made from the very things seen on the walk lovingly crafted by Chef Ian Voakes and crew. Guaranteed to see and learn about 50 different species!

$40 per person for the walk/$70 per couple. $50 per person for dinner..

RSVP by texting or calling Dave Odd at 847-409-8623 or call Jam at 773-292-6011.

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Jul
14
to Jul 15

Eat The Neighborhood Summer Survival Campout

In the beautiful and amazingly unique Kankakee Sands of Iroquois County IL a stones throw from the Indiana border in Beaverville IL. Camp out under the stars with your instructor Dave Odd.

Learn intensive foraging and survival skills. All meals provided foraged and sourced locally. Learn how to identify, harvest, and prepare dozens of wild plants. Nature walks. Make root beer from scratch. How to find cool wildlife. Learn how to key out species in field guides. Visit haunted places and share ghost stories. Fishing and more. With plenty of fun campfire activities and downtime.

You are welcome to arrive Friday night to set up camp and leave on Monday.

All inclusive includes all meals $250 per person. $450 per pair. Contact Dave Odd at 847-409-8623 for info and to RSVP.

Facebook event

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Jun
24
4:00 PM16:00

Anteprima - Eat The Neighborhood: Berry Fun Foraging Walk & Dinner

Forage with Chicago's renowned professional forager Dave Odd. Learn over 50 species of edible plants and possibly some mushrooms too! Right in the neighborhood. Berries will be ripe for the picking in force! Followed by a wonderful 3+ course meal made from the the foraged things seen, marvelously prepared by chefs Marty Fosse and Carlos Ysaguirre. The last one was truly spectacular.

$45 per person ($80 per pair) for the walk , $32 per person ($52 with wine pairing s) for the meal.

Please RSVP by contacting Dave Odd at 847-409-8623 via text or phone or call Anteprima at (773) 506-9990.

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Jun
23
10:00 AM10:00

Eat the Parks: Washington Park

Just a simple walk through Washington Park with renowned Chicago forager Dave Odd learning about all the wonderful useful edible and medicinal plants right there in the park. Guaranteed to see and learn about 50 different plants and/or mushrooms and probably see the famous wild parrots of Chicago!

Meet right in front of the Fountain of Time.

Only $35 per person, $60 per pair. No meal attached but feel free to bring a picnic basket and hang out after the walk. In the event of rain umbrellas can be provided.

Call or text Dave Odd at 847-409-8623 to RSVP. Group rates available for 6 or more.

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Jun
21
6:00 PM18:00

Frasca - Eat The Neighborhood: Berry Fun Foraging Walk & Dinner

Join us on the longest day of the year for a evening foraging tour.

Meet in front of Frasca (3358 N Paulina St, Chicago, 60657) for a foraging tour of the neighborhood which will include the berries that will be in season. See at least 50 species of edible plants and mushrooms and then back to Frasca for a fantastic 3+ course dinner made with many of the plants seen by Chef Jeremy Kiens.

$45 per person, $80 per pair for the walk. $30 for the dinner.

Call or text Dave Odd at 847-409-8623 to RSVP.

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May
28
10:00 AM10:00

Carnivore Memorial Day Eat The Neighborhood: Ramp Foraging Tour and Foraged Lunch @ Carnivore in Oak Park

Meet at Carnivore (1042 Pleasant St, Oak Park IL 60302) and peruse the surrounding neighborhood for edible plants with Chicago's own professional forager, Dave Odd. Then off to the nearby woods to see wild ramps in their natural habitat! Then back to Carnivore at noon for a three course meal made from the very things seen on the walk lovingly crafted by Chefs Brad and Erik. Guaranteed to see and learn about 50 different species!

$50 per person for the walk/$90 per couple. $25 per person for lunch/$40 per couple.

RSVP by texting or calling Dave Odd at 847-409-8623 or call Carnivore at 708-660-1100

https://www.facebook.com/events/368802056967572/

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May
25
to May 27

Survival Camp/Beaverville IL - Eat The Neighborhood: First Ever Intensive Survival Campout Weekend @ The Land of Odd, Beaverville IL

This will be the first ever intensive weekend long survival workshop with Dave Odd and Little John renowned forager and wilderness guru from Wisconsin (Plant Based Services) .

Included in the weekend will be foraging walks and gathering, small animal butchering demo, identifying animals and plants, wild food preparation and cooking, reptile and amphibian viewing, fishing and filleting, sassafras tea/rootbeer making, garden tasting tour, campfire games and camaraderie, and more. All meals will be provided and sourced locally. There may even be a professional chef on board.

Guests may arrive to set up their tents on Friday night and leave on Monday morning.

All on our new property in Beaverville IL in the amazing and wonderful Kankakee Sands wildlife area. Bathroom with shower should be available by then (being built now).

$250 per person, $450 per pair. Group rates available. Please contact Dave at 847-409-8623 or email him at oddproduce@hotmail.com .

 

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May
19
10:00 AM10:00

Eat the Parks: Humbolt Park

Just a simple walk through Humboldt Park with renowned Chicago forager Dave Odd learning about all the wonderful useful edible and medicinal plants right there in the park. Guaranteed to see and learn about 50 different plants and/or mushrooms!

Meet right in front of the Field House.

Only $35 per person, $60 per pair. No meal attached but feel free to bring a picnic basket and hang out after the walk. In the event of rain umbrellas can be provided.

Call or text Dave Odd at 847-409-8623 to RSVP. Group rates available for 6 or more.

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May
5
to May 6

1st Annual Spring Herper Gathering (Reptile and Amphibian enthusiasts) in Beaverville IL

This will serve as the informal "grand opening" of The Land of Odd and is open to any and all that want to attend, free of charge. Herpers from all over the Midwest will be converging on The Land of Odd (Beaverville IL) to enjoy a weekend of critter hunting, photography, and campfire camaraderie. Bring some stuff to grill and your camping gear and hang out all weekend.

Call Dave Odd @ 847-409-8623 for details.

https://www.facebook.com/events/169788556995700/ 

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Apr
29
10:00 AM10:00

Carnivore/Oak Park - Eat The Neighborhood: Ramp Foraging Walk and Foraged Lunch @ Carnivore in Oak Park

Meet at Carnivore (1042 Pleasant St, Oak Park IL 60302) and peruse the surrounding neighborhood for edible plants with Chicago's own professional forager, Dave Odd. Then off to the nearby woods to see wild ramps* in their natural habitat! Then back to Carnivore at noon for a three course meal made from the very things seen on the walk lovingly crafted by Chefs Brad and Erik. Guaranteed to see and learn about 50 different species!

$50 per person for the walk/$90 per couple. $25 per person for lunch/$40 per couple. Includes 1 beverage. BYOB.

RSVP by texting or calling Dave Odd at 847-409-8623 or call Carnivore at 708-660-1100

*Ramps are the famed wild leeks or "stinky onions" for which Chicago is named.

https://www.facebook.com/events/149551112387275/

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Apr
26
11:00 AM11:00

Frasca - Eat the Neighborhood: Berry Fun Foraging Walk

Join us on the longest day of the year for a evening foraging tour.

Meet in front of Frasca (3358 N Paulina St, Chicago, Illinois 60657) for a foraging tour of the neighborhood which will include the berries that will be in season. See at least 50 species of edible plants and mushrooms and then back to Frasca for a fantastic 3+ course dinner made with many of the plants seen by Chef Jeremy Kiens.

$45 per person, $80 per pair for the walk. $30 for the dinner.

To RSVP or for more info call or text Dave Odd at 847-409-8623

Facebook Event

 

 

 

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Apr
22
3:00 PM15:00

Anteprima/Andersonville - Eat the Neighborhood: Ramp Foraging Walk and Foraged Dinner

Meet at Anteprima (5316 N Clark St, Chicago IL 60640) and peruse the surrounding neighborhood for edible plants with Chicago's own professional forager, Dave Odd. Then off to the nearby woods to see wild ramps* in their natural habitat! Then back to Anteprima at 5:30 for a multi course meal made from the very things seen on the walk lovingly crafted by Chefs Marty Fosse and Carlos Ysaguirre. Guaranteed to see and learn about 50 different species!

$50 per person for the walk/$90 per couple. $32 per person for dinner/$52 with wine pairings.

RSVP by texting or calling Dave Odd at 847-409-8623 or call Anteprima at 773-506-9990

*Ramps are the famed wild leeks or "stinky onions" for which Chicago is named.

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Apr
21
10:00 AM10:00

Eat the Parks: Lincoln Park

Just a simple walk through Lincoln Park with renowned Chicago forager Dave Odd learning about all the wonderful useful edible and medicinal plants right there in the park. Guaranteed to see and learn about 50 different plants and/or mushrooms!

Meet right in front of North Pond Restaurant on the north side of the North Pond (that's a lot of norths).

Only $35 per person, $60 per pair. No meal attached but feel free to bring a picnic basket and hang out after the walk. In the event of rain umbrellas can be provided.

Call or text Dave Odd at 847-409-8623 to RSVP. Group rates available for 6 or more.

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