Because I am in denial summer is coming to an end, I wanted to re-live one of my favorite dinners from Summer 2016 with you.
As a health conscious individual and advocate for "buying local", a farm to table dinner was right up my alley! After running by Peppers Fine Catering on my way to the gym one evening, I noticed they had a sign out front their building promoting a Farm to Table Dinner at Indian Head Farm in Berlin Massachusetts. I was adamant that I would not let this years experience go by without attending, so I went to the farm the next day and bought a ticket. At first, I was hesitant to spend $80/person but I can rest assure you that you get every penny worth and much more.
For those of you that have never been to Indian Head Farm it is an adorable New England farm that has been owned and operated by the same family for over 175 years (yes you read that right ... 175 years). The farm focuses on growing and selling small fruit and vegetables including pick your own berries and flowers. Prior to attending the dinner, I have been to the farm on a few occasions to pick my own flowers. The farm has few rows of various, gorgeous flowers that you can make your own bouquet from. You are given a bucket and scissors. From there, you stand amongst the flowers and make your own creation. If your a gardener like me, its heaven!
On August 24th from 5-8pm I attended the farm to table dinner. The weather was perfect that evening which set the tone for a great night ahead. After parking at the main farmhouse, I walked down a gravel access road past the fields of flowers and vegetables. As I turned the corner around the greenhouse there was a large open field where the event was to take place. In the field were two long tables for guests attending dinner and two white tents; 1 for live music and 1 for the food. The setting was absolutely beautiful and looked as if it came out of a wedding magazine.
Not only was the setting perfect, but the food that evening was delicious. Indian Head Farm partnered with at least 3 local companies to provide all the food and beverages. Peppers Fine Catering used the fruit and vegetables from Indian Head Farm and the meat from Lilac Hedge Farm to serve an amazing dinner. Wormtown Brewery provided a few beer options that complimented the menu. The menu consisted of the following:
Passed appetizers included Zucchini, Lemon & Mint Bruschetta and Eggplant Caviar
After that, we sat at the tables in the field and started with our first course which included Chilled Local Corn Soup and Field Green and Herb Salad, Shaved Radish & Herb Vinaigrette
Next was the main course which was buffet style and included Nicoise Potato Salad, Braised Cabbage with Apple, Lilac Hedge Ham and Spit Roasted Beef with horseradish sauce and pickled red onion jam
Everything I listed above was just as good as it sounds. The food was fresh, local and had amazing taste. If your wondering ... I did try everything and yes I was extremely full but it was worth every bite.
Just when I thought I could not eat any more, everyone was asked to walk back up to the greenhouse where they served coffee and dessert. The greenhouse was transformed into a beautiful rustic coffeehouse where people sat on hay bails and enjoyed the live music that continued.
As I mentioned in the first paragraph, this event was worth every penny spent. In addition to having a great meal, you were surrounded by like-minded locals and an amazing setting. This night was truly one of my favorite memories of this summer and I highly recommend you try to go if they host one next year.
Bon appetit!
