The farm-to-table movement has been popular throughout the country for quite sometime, yet it was not until recently that I was able to experience it myself.  Yes, I’ve enjoyed meals at restaurants that claimed their ingredients were directly from the farm many times.  Unlike in restaurants, though, this farm-to-table event was onsite at a beautiful local farm and vineyard, named Rosedale Farm. 

The event was the final “Max Chef to Farm” event of the year, part of a series of events held each spring-summer-fall with themed menus specifically created to celebrate local farms, food, and spirits.  Max Chef to Farm is part of Max Restaurant Group, which owns and operates eleven restaurants in the greater Hartford, CT and Western MA regions.  Some of their restaurants include Max Burger, Max Fish, Max’s Tavern, and Max’s Oyster Bar. A group of us were fortunate to attend ‘BBQ, Bluegrass, and Brews’ to celebrate our good friend’s big birthday!

How does the event work?  You purchase tickets online. We had one person in our group of friends purchase them for the entire group.  The event was held at a beautiful farm surrounded by vineyards and sunflower fields and it was under a big open tent, so rain would never be an issue.  It did rain when we were there, but the rain actually provided a cozy, romantic setting for the occasion.  As we entered the tent, there was a table in front with all registered guests names on tags with the assigned table number (when purchasing tickets you indicate who is part of your group so you will be seated together).  Checking in was seamless and parking was right on-site.  

A smaller tent provided an area with beverage stations.  There were unlimited servings of beverages, with both white and red wine options by Rosedale Vineyards.  The main dining area was under a large tent where long tables seating 15-20 people were arranged.  Appetizers were passed by wait staff prior to the sit down dinner.  Dinner was a four course meal, which started with a summer melon salad.  The second course was pulled pork, third was seafood gumbo, and fourth was smoked beef brisket.  Each course was paired with a tasty beer by a local brewery - Thomas Hooker Brewery.  As much as I enjoyed tasting all the beers, I preferred wine with my dinner and I was able to easily request either white or red wine.  Again, drinks were free flowing, as it was covered under the ticket which made this event such a great value. 

The food was delicious and each course seemed to be more delicious than the last.  Dessert was a bourbon root beer float with apple cider doughnut.  While we enjoyed the food and drinks, there was a one man band playing bluegrass music in the background.  If you are a vegetarian, have some food allergies or other dietary restrictions, you can inform the coordinator when you purchase the ticket or call prior to the event date.  As the serving size of each course was generous, we recommend bringing a container to take some leftovers home. (The staff might provide a few containers, but they run out quickly.)  We loved the food and the surroundings so much and look forward to attending their future events.  The event prior to the one we attended was called ‘Ode to Tomatoes’ and I can only imagine what a wonderful meal that would be.