Get to Know

As 2010 season planning begins and we look back on our guests experiences over the years we are pleased to notice that more and more folks consider traveling to visit our farm table a great opportunity to get to know and understand a place they are unfamiliar with. Typically wherever we set the table, 25 to 40 percent of those attending are from outside the area, arriving from other states, provinces and countries. At an Outstanding in the Field event, diners are sure to mingle with both guests coming from a distance and local people who are steeped in the identity of a particular place; guests from nearby, farmers, winemakers, fishermen and cheese makers. It is great to see that the experience of a farm dinner results in a rapid familiarity and connection for travelers.

Planning for 2010: North America and a Euro Tour

After a holiday rest the Outstanding in the Field team are deeply involved in planning for the new season. This year we head out on our seventh terrestrial voyage across North America with tables, chairs and a trunk full of mismatched plates in tow, visiting both new and familiar friends. With our Farm dinner mission continuing to thrive we've decided to go even further afield. An Outstanding team of scouts, Jim Denevan, Katy Oursler and Dave Sanford are now preparing to leave for Europe with a full schedule of farm visits and chef meetings!

Jim Denevan

Katy Oursler

Dave Sanford

Seasons End

We finished the 2009 farm dinner season with our traditional foraging feast in the warm barn at Pie Ranch in San Mateo County, California. Forager Freddy led us on a long forest hike, regaling the guests with tales of the woods and working up everyone's appetite. The Dec 6th event included many Outstanding guests that had attended events earlier in the season. It was great to catch up and reminisce about previous dinners. We've barely caught our breath after 58 dinner events across North America, as we begin exciting plans for 2010.

Here are some pictures from events of the latter part of the season.

Hickory Nut Gap Farm, Fairview, NC

Wattles Farm, Los Angeles, CA

Arugula's Star Farm, Columbia, TN

Ayrshire Farm, Upperville, VA

Love is Love Farm, Douglasville, GA

Aquidneck Farm, Portsmouth, RI

Animal Farm, Cat Spring, TX

EECO Farm, East Hampton, NY

Jolie Vue Farm, Brenham, TX


Dingo Farms, Bradford, Ontario, Canada

Cherry Grove Farm, Lawrenceville, NJ

Eckerton Hill Farm, Kutztown, PA

Talus Wind Ranch, Galisteo, NM