NJ SPICE

Foodies and other locavores will gather at Cherry Grove Farm in Lawrenceville on September 1 for a very special dinner en plein air – as in outdoors in a field.  The event is mounted by Outstanding In The Field, and is part of a moveable feast that matches local farmers and top chefs across the country each year.

The mission of Outstanding in the Field is “to re-connect diners to the land and the origins of their food, and to honor the local farmers and food artisans who cultivate it.”  You may have seen these dinners featured in national media, and if you’re looking for a truly unusual dining experience, you’ll want to splurge on this.  Dinner, which is served family style, is prepared on site, using ingredients from the host farm and surrounding community. 

But just because it’s outdoors, doesn’t mean it’s picnic food -the local chef in this case will be one of my favorites, Scott Anderson of elements restaurant in Princeton, one of the hottest new spots around.  Tickets are $180 (+ tax), and are available for purchase online now.  That price includes a farm tour, five-course dinner with wine pairings, brief talks by local producers, and gratuities for the staff.  

You won’t want to miss this one!