Outstanding in the Field

 

I love warmer weather and the chance to entertain outside. It is no surprise then that I am dying to attend one of this year's OUTSTANDING IN THE FIELD dinners. Since 1999 they have set their long table at farms, gardens, on mountain tops, on islands, in cities and at ranches across the US. Wherever the location, the consistent theme of each dinner is to honor the people whose good work brings nourishment to the table. Ingredients for the meal are almost all local and generally prepared by a celebrated chef of the region. After a tour of the site, everyone settles in: farmers, producers, culinary artisans, and diners sharing the long table. They are touring the country and seats sell out fast, so check the website for dates in your area.

 

 

 

Photos: Outstanding in the Field, Designtripper, Gastripper, Moormintues

 

 

Martha's Vineyard Farm to Table

I grew up spending my summers on the Cape and look forward to returning to Wellfleet in July. But I am also going to be on the Vineyard in late August with one of my best friends and some of her pals. Fun! On my "to do" list is a Farm to Table Dinner at BEETLEBUNG FARM.

Photos: RACK AND RUIN, GABRIELA HERMAN

Farm to Table Dinners

For the last five years DINNERS AT THE FARM have been organizing open-air dinners celebrating Connecticut’s farms, food and community. Each farm produces an array of organic produce allowing the chefs to create a different six course menu every night for 16 nights.

Founded by Jonathan Rapp of River Tavern Restaurant in Chester, Drew McLachlan of Feast Gourmet Market in Deep River and Chip Dahlke of Ashlawn Farm in Lyme, the series generates awareness of the importance of local farms and the delicious, and wholesome food they provide. 

The multi-course feasts are cooked fresh that day off the back of Dinner at the Farm's signature, red, vintage cook truck–a 1955 Ford F-600.

There are still tickets available for the 2011 Season, but they are not likely to last long. Looking for a unique experience to celebrate an upcoming birthday or anniversary? Dinners at the Farm will plan a private event for you and a group of your friends. What fun for such a worthwhile cause!

Fab Fab Fab Beekman Boys

Brent (left) and Josh

Set your DVR to record the FABULOUS BEEKMAN BOYS on Planet Green if you have not yet tuned in to this entertaining show. Dr. Brent and Josh are hilarious as they navigate farming for the first time in upstate New York. Dr. Brent Ridge is the former VP of Healthy Living for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. Josh Kilmer-Purcell is a NY Times bestselling author and regular contributor to NPR.

Their home, Beekman Mansion, and farm are the backdrop for the show.

The Beekman Boys are embracing the "farm to table" approach and produce 80% of the food they consume. Phenomenal!

Josh loves to cook and the Beekman Boys entertain with great style.

Their WEBSITE has an extensive section on food and wine with great recipes. Here are a few below that appealed to me.

A CHAMPAGNE MOJITO

Try a BEEKMAN BOURBON SOUR

When cucumbers take over your garden, make CUCUMBER MOJITOS.

CORN CHOWDER SALAD sounds like a must before summer ends.

Let's face it, fall is quickly approaching and this PUMPKIN RISOTTO would be a great way to embrace it!

Another Autumn must - MUSHROOM AND THYME LINGUINE

For dessert try CHERRY STRUDEL

Or CINNAMON ROLLS which would also be great for brunch.

When they aren't farming, entertaining, cooking, writing or shooting their TV show, they also have a store! Both an actual store in upstate NY and an ONLINE STORE. Do these guys sleep?

Homemade soaps

Artisanal cheese

Beekman Baby

Ok...I am logging off to see how far Sharon Springs, NY is from Boston!

Images: Beekman Boys, Beekman 1802, Discovery, Food Network