entertaining by Grace Bonney 32

outstanding in the field


this past christmas, aaron and i received one of the most thoughtful and interesting gifts from my parents: tickets to an upcoming meal with outstanding in the field. i know this is a bit off-topic from my normal morning-design-eye-candy posts, but this entire event series really encapsulates so many of the things that i, and the d*s team, hold dear (supporting local artisans and communities and spending time in nature) that i couldn’t resist a quick design time-out.



outstanding in the field is a traveling culinary experience that brings together local farmers, food artisans, chefs, and winemakers to “celebrate food at the source”. a HUGE winding series of tables are set up and guests are invited to join the chefs for a meal hosted at a wide array of locations, most revolving around farms. i love the idea of getting together with a large number of people and celebrating so many of the things i feel most strongly about in life- food and local agriculture. i find the drive and spirit behind the event, the beautiful locations and humble, rustic decorations are more than to keep me checking online for more images from people who’ve attended previous events.


the schedule for 2010 is due to be posted any moment now, so if you’re interested in attending one of the outstanding in the field events this year, you can view the schedule here. maybe ac and i will see you at one of the events this summer! [thanks to my mom for the great idea!]

*all images by andrea wyner

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entertaining / food
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32 Comments

Jill E.

this looks amazing. there is something so nice about an event gift rather then a physical gift. hope you enjoy and report back on it!

Alex Snowdon

What an amazing and uplifting experience that must be, I’m very jealous, wish they did things like this in the UK, but then it would probably rain!

Becky J.

Such breath-taking scenery! Where is that? It’s so beautiful.

MPH

Thanks for the post. Just spent an hour (and counting) visiting their website, signing up for 2010 schedule and reading their blog. What an amazing idea!

MPH

btw, how did your parents already have tickets for the upcoming events when it’s not even available yet?

grace

mph

they don’t have tickets yet- they basically bought us gift certificates for an upcoming event of our choice through outstanding in the field. we have a code we can enter when we register for the event.

grace

Erin @ Cultivating Home

Wow. I read through some of the previous event menus and am so impressed; I can almost taste the flavors. And the locations are breathtaking. I’m crossing my fingers its coming near North Carolina!

KD

Beautiful! They have something similar here at a place called Pie Ranch. Last year the guest of honor was a calf named Adelaide!

Halley Caitlin

Wow! Thanks for starting of my Tuesday with such amazing photos! I think Ill keep these people in mind for my wedding someday in the future!

Brittany Jones

we did one of these in atlanta a few years back and love, love loved it. so much fun and you will meet great people!! enjoy it…and bring your own plate (and camera-you will want pictures!!)

Llubav

What a fantastic gift!!
I tried to get tickets for an event out in the Hamptons a couple of years ago and it sold out fast.
Have a great time!! xxo

Kayla

What an amazing idea. I immediately forwarded this to my friend who is interested in local food. I am going to see if they have an event near me!

liz

My husband & I were given this as a gift two years ago – at Queens Farm. Yes, a farm in Queens! It was beautiful & definitely a night we’ll always remember. I’ll look forward to seeing where you go. It’s such a treat.

Jess

I attended an Outstanding in the Field dinner in Boulder, Colorado, and it was magical. Not only was the setting beautiful, but meeting the local chefs and farmers and hearing their stories was really special. Not to mention getting to know 50 perfect strangers at dinner. A good time was had by all.

Kelly

This is such a cool idea and it’s exciting to see that there will be an event right here in my town — my holy moly, no way can we can afford to go (Ticket prices are per person?!) . Definitely a special occasion, in all ways.

Katy

LOVE this idea! I’ll have to start saving now for their next event in Boulder!

Nia

Ssssssh! Keep quiet. I was planning to go to one of their dinners later this year. I don’t want it to sell out before I get my tickets.

Emma

This is such an awesome idea. I would love to do this, shame I live in the UK.

AlpineGypsy

Oh my god. Your parents are SO COOL! What a great idea….and I notice that they have events in BC….yipeeeee! Thanks for this. :)

Heidi

Lisa

Thanks for the wonderful post, Grace. For you U.K. and Euro folks, Outstanding in the Field is planning events across the pond in 2010! The team is working to put together dinners in Wales, Denmark, Italy, France, Spain. Sign up on the website to get details as they’re available. It’s going to be a great year!

Dina

Wow that IS a great gift idea. I may give tickets as a wedding gift.

I have attended two OITF dinners (one in Chicago and one upstate NY) both were all kinds of fun. Hoping to attend one in Maine this season. Thanks for sharing.

Quinn

This is such a great idea! As food photographer I’m so passionate about celebrating and support local farmers and food artisans. Off to check the schedule right now…

Meghan

A friend of mine got to go to one of these last year – I think in Napa? It looked amazing just based on her photos.

Gosia

The event photographs like a movie scene, I can only imagine the taste of the food served. I’m so excited to know there are events by my home – Vancouver and Pemberton. I’m especially excited about the Okanagan Valley location – so beautiful.

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