Last Sunday was the Farm to Table Field Dinner! We sold out a week in advance and with limited seating unfortunately had to turn people away the week of. It was my first time attending a field dinner, both as a guest and host. It was also my first time collaborating with Chef Melissa Harrison, founder of Seasonal Montana. My focus was to create an environment that aesthetically and gastronomically defined the Farm to Table concept. I wanted guests to experience fresh local food in an agricultural setting. And with the help of Melissa and her staff, I think we accomplished just that. Of course I might be a little biased so perhaps our guests can offer a better review!

Chef Melissa crafted a vibrant seasonal menu featuring Cooper Hereford beef and produce from other local farms. Guests were greeted with a fresh tomato, basil and goat cheese appetizer and a selection of wines paired by Vino per Tutti Wine Shop located in downtown Bozeman. A favorite of mine being the Cotes du Rhone.

We dined family style sharing two different salads; Ode to Beet and Black Lentil and two different entrees highlighting Cooper Hereford beef; sliders with duck fat bacon and relish and gaucho rubbed sirloin with spicy kimchi and sea salt and thyme roasted potatoes.

We ended the dinner with a strawberry rhubarb trifle. My jaw still aches for the flavors of summer served in a bowl that evening. The baby strawberries were so delicate and succulent, I ate the tops and all. And I am sure you’ve read about my long love affair with rhubarb, so I will stop now.

I was thrilled to have so many people join us for an evening under the willow trees. Thank You and come again next year! If you are interested, I have posted more photos here and I have listed participating farms and ranches below. Support local!

Almaltheia Dairy / Cooper Hereford Ranch / Crazy View Farm / Gallatin Grown / Gallatin Valley Botanical / Lifeline Dairy Farm / Market Days Foods / Ruby Valley