Farm-to-Table dinner benefits programs

WOODBURY — The culinary talents of several esteemed chefs will be showcased on Aug. 26 at 5 p.m., as Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust holds its third annual Farm-to-Table Dinner & Auction on the grounds of the Van Vleck Farm & Nature Sanctuary in Woodbury.

A sellout event the past two years, this year’s evening will again showcase hors d’oeuvres and a multi-course dinner using the season’s freshest ingredients prepared by a lineup of the area’s most acclaimed chefs.

This year’s lineup includes coordinating chefs, Dan Magill of Arethusa al tavolo in Bantam and Carol Byer-Alcorace of New Morning Market in Woodbury, as well as James Arena of Arethusa al tavolo, Dennis DeBellis of John's Café in Woodbury, Whitney Flood of 9 Main in New Preston, and Chris Prosperi of Metro Bis in Simsbury.

Denis Niez, of Ovens of France in Woodbury will prepare bread for the event, while hors d’oeuvres will be prepared by John Bourdeau of The Owl in New Preston, Jeff Smart of Sasso’s in Torrington, Paul Pearson of Community Table in Washington and culinary students from Naugatuck Valley Community College.

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.

Owner Jim Frey, recently named Connecticut “Wine Person of the Year” by the prestigious Amenti Del Vino of Mystic, will be pouring at the event. Live music will be provided by The Zolla Boys, a popular bluegrass band.

“Holding a Farm to Table event is very appropriate for Flanders since its history is deeply rooted in farming,” said executive director Arthur Milnor. “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 its mission of providing environmental education and the preservation and stewardship of open space. Among the major sponsors for the event are LaBonnes Market in Woodbury, Connecticut Community Foundation, TD Bank, LaBonne's Market, Giuliano Richardson & Sfara LLC, Taylor Rental of Torrington, Carmody & Torrance, Dr. James Bauer Family Dentistry, and the Law Office of Lisa E. Wnuck, LLC.

The event starts at 5 p.m. Tickets are $160 per person and seating is limited. The event has always sold out 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.