There’s Nothing Quite Like Participating in an On-Farm Dinner
Farm-to-table dinners have been very popular for years, and many restaurants have taken liberty with what that exactly means. Most work with local farmers in some capacity. The farmers may even proudly feature their farm on the restaurant menu. But a farm-to-table dinner isn’t a true farm experience until you take it to the actual farm.
The best way to look for these dinners is to locate local farms that are purveyors of restaurants in your area. They often have the best chef relationships and great product. Asking chefs at your favorite farm-to-table restaurants may be helpful too.
There also are organizations like Outstanding in the Field that scout out and find the absolute best farms or outdoor areas to set up a long, stunning table. With a backdrop of cattle, crops and the sunset, these farm dinners are more than just a meal; they are an extraordinary experience, and the price reflects that.
What To Expect
Where you are situated in the world might dictate what you’ll find at any farm dinner, from the ambiance to the food. Generally, though, the evening starts off with a welcome cocktail or nonalcoholic beverage and small bites. Afterward, a tour of the farm or a few words from the farmers and chef about what to expect from the evening takes place before proceeding to the meal.
Keep in mind you are outdoors—unless your farm dinner is specified to be in a barn or covered structure—so you’ll want to dress accordingly. You may also be given the opportunity to walk around the property. People often dress chic but practical.
The Food
While many farm-to-table dinners serve multicourse tasting menus, others are more casual and served family-style, sometimes as shareable plates on the table or at various stations. These on-farm meals typically feature a starter, main, side and dessert made from fresh local, seasonal ingredients and sustainably raised meat or fish. Of course, the ingredients may vary depending on the farm’s location
Think peak produce: summer peaches, freshly picked herbs, an ombre of juicy tomatoes. The bounty is truly a chef’s playground. The challenge is they must cook mostly everything on site. Often this means grilling or live-fire cooking. While really fun for guests to watch, cooking over a fire can sometimes be difficult to control as a chef.
Many farm dinners even incorporate herbs and produce grown on the farm into the evening’s drinks and appetizers. Guests are generally seated at a long, communal table. Depending on the setup of the dinner, dishes may be served family style or individually plated. In smaller, more intimate dinners, the chefs may walk around and answer any questions about the food and ingredient choices. It’s a great way to meet new people and learn about something together.
The farm dinners are fun for the chefs, too, as they take them out of their usual kitchen. Oftentimes they can be found workshopping recipes for a new restaurant or trying out something they want to add to the menu of their current establishment.
The Ambiance
There are few better settings to enjoy an amazing meal than farm dinners. Farms tend to be a little outside of any city and their bright lights, which makes for superb stargazing. Many setups include fresh-cut flowers, twinkle lights, stunning place settings and the beautiful elements of nature. It’s truly a special occasion. But due to limited seating, farm dinners sell out very quickly so be sure to book your spot well in advance.
