Farm Dinner Series in its 10th Year
- John Fitts
- Aug 29
- 3 min read
Photos by John Fitts
Italy on the Farm came to the pastoral fields at Sub Edge Farm July 26, as part of an ongoing series presented by the farm and DORO Catering & Events.
Held on the Avon portion of the land Sub Edge leases, several dinners are organized each growing season, and the series is now in its 10th year.
This one, featuring members of DORO’s Catering division, as well as teams for its Treva and Casadoro locations, was presented in a festival style. That offered some 350 attendees several hours in the afternoon and evening to partake from seven different food stations, two bars, an Italian soda bar, hydration stations and more – all while enjoying live music and conversation.
Sarah Taggart, Director of Catering and Events for DORO Catering & Events, said people can not only enjoy the offerings and social connections but also witness some of the culinary process and learn about local agriculture.
“One of the favorite things we love to do is to sort of see the finished product and see what the chefs can do with it,” said Rodger Phillips, who runs the farm with wife Isabelle.
Taggart noted that many of the ingredients come right from the farm and each event is tailored around what is available at the time.
“The goal is to really support Rodger and Isabelle,” Taggart said. “The catalyst for all this so many years ago was supporting our farming culture.”
Rodger Phillips described sitting down with people in the community to enjoy a meal as “the greatest joy for us.”
“So that’s sort of what this is - a celebration of the harvest, a celebration of the food that we grow here in our local community,” he said. “It’s all those things together and it’s also another way for people to interact with the farm.”
There are several farm dinners left including: A Farm, Fire and Ice festival on Aug. 30; Chefs for Sub Edge on Sept. 13; Mexican Independence Day Festival Sept. 16; and Sub Edge Cooking Experience on Oct. 4. See more and purchase tickets at https://www.dororg.com/
Learn more about Sub Edge Farm, including the fascinating story behind its name, at https://www.subedgefarm.com/
And while not featured in this photo spread, local farm supporters and foodies will want to check out the long running Max Chef to Farm series, hosted at Rosedale Farms and Vineyards. Upcoming events include: Heirloom & Heritage on Aug. 27; Max Lunch Club on the Farm #2 on Aug. 28; Ode to Tomato on Sept. 3; Tiki on the Farm on Sept. 17; Taste of Max, Fall Edition on Sept. 24 and HOPtober Barrel & Brew Fest on Oct. 18. Find details and tickets at https://www.rosedale1920.com/
