Taste delicious, locally sourced cuisine at a farm dinner event
2012-07-19
Having a home-cooked meal down on the farm is becoming a growing trend among travelers who want to see where their dishes come from firsthand. Known as farm dinners, these events can range from a simple fresh sandwich at a quaint picnic table to a lavish affair that accommodates dozens of guests at elegantly decorated seating arrangements. Either way, if tourists find themselves in the rural areas of the U.S. this summer, reserving a spot at one of these interesting meal experiences can be well worth the ticket.
Head to New England for delicious farm dinners
Local farms usually have the meal prepared by chefs who utilize the freshest ingredients around and create some unique and flavorful dishes. For instance, visitors to New England can make reservations with Dinners at the Farm, which organizes dinners at various locations throughout Connecticut and beyond. While the dishes will change from one season to the next, in the past guests have enjoyed menu items like a risotto with zucchini flowers at White Gate Farm or roast beef and tomatoes at the Barberry Hill Farm.
Don't miss Midwestern farms and their dinner offerings
Travelers who journey to Illinois may see many cheeses or goat's milk desserts featured in the meals offered in dairy country. At the Prairie Fruits farm and Creamery in Champaign, chefs create mouth-watering dishes by sourcing local meats, vegetables and by using many of the produce and dairy products from the farm.
California and Oregon host easy breezy vineyard/farm meals
Over on the West Coast, the Quiviera Vineyards and Winery in California has collaborated with chef Ciara Meaney to source meal from their one-acre garden on site, which will be paired with libations created from grapes on the grounds. Dishes on offer will include roasted baby beets with ricotta, bacon and heirloom tomato lettuce cups and a strawberry lemon curd trifle with honey from the winery.
For another option, Oregon's Plate & Pitchfork company organizes many farm dinners on various homesteads throughout the state, including potato farms, wineries, fruit orchards and more. Depending on the farm, each meal is vastly different, whether they incorporate fresh berries or hearty root vegetables.
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