A year ago Marla and I took a night off, away from the kids to attend a farm feast by the fine folks at Outstanding in The Field at Sage Mountain Farm in Hemet, CA.

We met Phil Noble, the owner of the farm who grew most of the vegetables that would grace our plates. We met Ilan Hall, owner/chef at The Gorbals in L.A. and winner of Top Chef. And, of course, we met several of the other hundred couples and friends that were there to enjoy the meal and the open space.

The evening was an amazing experience – far more than a meal. It started with light appetizers and local wine. (The very kosher bacon wrapped matzoh balls were amazing.) Once the meal really began we were treated to chicken, spare ribs and many more delicious meats paired with vegetables grown right along side the table. Dessert was similarly local, with fresh strawberries from Farmer Noble’s fields.

We skipped OiTF in 2011, unfortunately, but I think there will definitely be more farm dinners in our future.