The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Farm to Table Dinner benefits center’s efforts
WOODBURY » The culinary talents of several esteemed chefs will be showcased on Sunday evening Aug. 27, as Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust holds a Farm to Table Dinner & Auction on the grounds of the Van Vleck Farm & Nature Sanctuary in Woodbury.
A sell-out event last year, this year’s memorable evening will showcase a multicourse dinner using the season’s freshest ingredients prepared by a lineup of the area’s most acclaimed chefs. They include coordinating chefs, Dan Magill of Arethusa al tavolo in Bantam and Carol Byer-Alcorace of New Morning Market in Woodbury, as well Dennis DeBellis of John’s Café in Woodbury, Chris Eddy of Winvian Farm in Morris, and three-time James Beard Award nominee Joel Viehland, of the anticipated Ore Hill & Swyft, opening soon in Kent.
John Bourdeau of The Owl in New Preston, James Cosgriff of the Torrington Country Club, Whitney Flood of 9 Main in New Preston, and Isaac Olivo of Grace Mayflower Inn in Washington will prepare delicious hors d’oeuvres for the cocktail hour. The dinner will be professionally plated, and served at long, linen- covered tables under a large tent for a one of a kind culinary experience. Wine for the evening will be supplied by Walker Road Vineyards of Woodbury and owner Jim Frey, recently named Connecticut “Wine Person of the Year” by the prestigious Amenti Del Vino of Mystic, will be pouring wine at the event.
“Holding a Farm to Table event is very appropriate for Flanders since its history is deeply rooted in farming,” said executive director Arthur Milnor, in a written statement. “Our founder Natalie Van Vleck was a farmer raising sheep and prize winning turkeys, and our Van Vleck Property is still home to a working farm. The farm helps support our mission of promoting an appreciation of nature and land preservation. This very special celebration fundraiser will help promote awareness and appreciation of our local farmers by bringing the community together to experience the beauty and flavors of their harvests. It also brings to the forefront local chefs who are committed to the farm to table concept and are experts in bringing the freshest ingredients to the table in creative and unique ways.”
This is Flanders’ major fundraiser of the year, with all proceeds benefitting the mission of providing environmental education and the preservation and stewardship of open space. Among the major sponsors for the event is LaBonnes Market in Woodbury
The event starts at 5 p.m. Tickets are $150 per person and seating is limited. The event sold out this past year so people are encouraged to purchase their tickets early. To purchase tickets, or make a donation go to www.flandersnaturecenter.org or call Flanders at 203-263-3711; Ext 10.
Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust is a nonprofit organization that focuses on environmental education, and on the acquisition, conservation, and stewardship of open space. Through its land trust initiatives, Flanders actively works to protect important natural sites and the area’s landscape character and quality of life. Flanders manages over 2,300 acres of preserved land in Woodbury and neighboring towns. Educational programs for children and adults are offered at the Van Vleck Farm Sanctuary, Flanders’ main campus in Woodbury. Trails at its major nature preserves are open to the public at no charge from dawn to dusk. For more information, call 203-263-3711 or flandersnaturecenter.org.