2022 Farm Dinners in Connecticut: Grab Your Rez NOW!

As summer rolls around, Connecticut’s food lovers look to take advantage of the seasonal ambience and garden produce in order to experience unforgettable meals. And nothing epitomizes the combination of beautiful sights and fresh food more than field-to-table dinners. This summer, a handful of Connecticut’s most beloved farms are offering outstanding on-site prix fixe meals made with locally-sourced ingredients. So that you don’t miss out on these special experiences, we’ve rounded up the best that Connecticut has to offer.

RIVER TAVERN: DINNERS AT THE FARM

It would be impossible to discuss farm-fresh dinners without bringing up Dinners at the Farm, Connecticut’s longest lasting and most highly-regarded field-to-table initiative. A project by Chester’s River Tavern restaurant, this series of dinners features five courses of expertly-crafted fare with ingredients sourced directly from the Chester Sunday Market. Each Sunday from July 24th to September 25th, chef Jonathan Rapp will curate a menu inspired by the day’s market offerings for the night’s 100 guests. Each of the ten weekly dinners will be held in the picturesque tented garden of the nearby OTTO restaurant, centrally located in Chester’s quaint downtown village. Surrounded by luscious greenery and an awning of beautiful trees, diners will enjoy Rapp’s innovative menu and the cocktails and wines that accompany. 

AMBLER FARM: OUTSTANDING ON THE FARM

Outstanding on the Farm is hosted by the beautiful Ambler Farm in Wilton. June 4th will be the dinner’s inaugural evening, the first in what Ambler hopes will become an exciting tradition: the farm plans to host one intimate dinner each year, rotating between acclaimed local chefs. This year’s menu, curated and prepared by the celebrated Baldanza at the Schoolhouse restaurant, will feature five courses of fresh fare. Many Baldanza fan-favorites, such as the Signature Beet Salad and beloved Pappardelle Bolognese, will accompany exciting new dishes. All courses will be paired with wines from North Stonington’s Jonathan Edwards Winery and will, of course, feature only the freshest locally-sourced ingredients. In fact, the dinner’s singular long table, which will be placed right in front of Ambler’s historic red barn, will overlook the very same fields in which much of the food will have originated. With a backdrop of colorful trees, vibrant gardens, and the summer sunset, diners won’t just enjoy an expertly-crafted meal, but will also marvel at its charming setting. After the dessert course of carrot cake concludes with coffee and tea service, Ambler will send diners on their way at 10 o’clock. Those wishing to take part in this one-of-a-kind event can purchase tickets now.

THE HICKORIES: OUTSTANDING IN THE FIELD

Sunday, August 29th will see The Hickories in Ridgefield hold its annual event, hosted by farm-to-table dinner company Outstanding in the Field. Since 2013, The Hickories has offered diners beautiful views of blooming gardens, grazing sheep, verdant orchards, and its trout pond. This year, farmer Dina Brewster’s 160 varieties of fresh produce will be utilized by guest chef Johan Jensen of Stonington’s acclaimed Whitecrest Eatery. As tickets are almost sold out, those wishing to attend should reserve a spot soon.

Dinners at the Farm was conceived in 2006 and quickly gained national media attention for its quality and inventiveness. In 2008, the River Tavern team received Working Lands Alliance’s Pathfinder Award recognizing their support of local agriculture. Later, the group earned a spot helping former First Lady Michelle Obama kick off her “Chefs Move to Schools” initiative at the White House, as well as an invitation to cook at the FarmAid music festival. Those wishing to experience Dinners at the Farm’s acclaimed culinary excellence should promptly purchase tickets on the program’s website, as they are sure to sell out soon.

HOST A PRIVATE FARM DINNER

If large gatherings like these aren’t your style, then you’re in luck: a handful of Connecticut farms offer private field-to-table dinners for a more intimate experience. Field House Farm in Madison offers guests a delicious meal concluded with sweet desserts crafted by Guilford’s Hen and Heifer Bakery. Local wine experts select all of the dinner’s drink pairings, which guests can enjoy while on a guided tour of the farm’s beautiful property. Private bookings are available year-round through Field House’s website. Similarly, White Gate Farm in East Lyme offers brunches and dinners for up to sixty guests. Parties can enjoy farm-fresh food and drinks while marveling at the property’s 100 acres of pretty fields and forest. Those wishing to reserve a meal should do so by contacting White Gate through their website.