We had dinner at the Barberry Hill Farm in Madison, CT last night as part of the "dinners at the farm" movement. It was a very enjoyable experience and to me the ultimate proof of the value of the farm to table movement. Eating at the farm where the produce has been grown and freshly picked hours before adds infinitely to the taste of food. It also brings city dwellers in contact with farm animals and farm life. Most importantly this movement helps local farmers.
The evening began with aperitifs as we wandered around the farm. Local berries contributed to one of the most refreshing Sangria's I have tasted state side. This was followed by a tour of the farm and a chance to interact with the live stock and understand sustainable agricultural practices. The farm hands collect the left overs from farmers markets and use them to feed the animals. Nothing is ever wasted. They keep sheep and jersey cows as each of them grazes on a different type of grass and that keeps the pasture nicely trimmed. Mini eco-systems of bio diversity exist within the farm.
Left overs being re-cycled as feed for the Sheep.
Dinner was served under a large and beautiful canopy. The community tables made for easy conversation with one's neighbors and led to many interesting discussions. The diners had a common interest in sustainable agriculture and supporting the local farms and an interest in food. Some of them had driven two hours from Massachusetts or NYC. Good local wines, simple honest food with the freshest of ingredients and interesting conversation. It made a recipe for a perfect evening.
Dinner tent
Some of the sheep at the farm
The dinner was cooked in the open air on a converted fire truck with a prep kitchen in a tent beside it. The chef took care to create interesting pairings and do little to disguise the actual taste of the ingredients.
The make shift kitchen
They even made provisions for vegetarians and provided delicious alternatives. I never knew that haricot verts could be so crunchy and taste so good.
The butter milk panacota with local fruit was a divine and a perfect end to a magical evening. It would have been an additional bonus to have had access to some farm stalls and the great produce.
