Farm to Table Dinners slated at Lakota’s Farm
JACKSON, N.Y. >> As Labor Day weekend quickly approaches and the season comes to a close, I’m reflecting back on all the fun summer memories I’ve made in the past few months.
I spent much of July and August in my two favorite cities, the Collar City and Spa City, going to concerts, dining in the downtown districts and hanging at some of my favorite hotspots with friends and family — but the best summer evening I can recall was spent out in the country on Lakota’s Farm.
Located in the town of Jackson in Washington County, just outside of Saratoga and Rensselaer counties, Lakota’s Farm is a truly special place.
Owned and operated by Kimberly Finney, the farm is the site of an event venue called Wedding Barn at Lakota’s Farm that’s gained national recognition for its beauty. It’s also home to several rescued horses, including the farm’s namesake Lakota.
Recently I had the opportunity to experience Lakota’s Farm in a unique way as a guest at one of its Farm to Table Dinner events.
Lakota’s Farm has partnered with Suburban Kitchen to present a series of sensory overload farm-to-table family-style dinners.
When I was invited to visit the historic 247-year-old farm for a wonderful evening of gourmet alfresco style dining, live music and a cozy bonfire, I was definitely excited to check it out.
Along with views of the countryside and a relaxing atmosphere, my date and I enjoyed some horderves and Saratoga Apple hard cider at the barn before heading to the outdoor dining area for our locally inspired multi-course dinner.
From the beets and fresh ricotta salad to the peach fritters for dessert - this meal was the best I’ve tasted in a long time. Some highlights were the beef (served with cilantro, garlic, lime juice and smoked pepper), the ratatouille, and by far my favorite part of the dinner was a side dish featuring sweet corn, braised greens, chili peppers and pickled onions.
These delicious selections were prepared by Ryan O’Shea, chef and owner of local Clifton Park-based business Suburban Kitchen.
Another aspect of Farm to Table Dinner that made it enjoyable was the music. Local artist Rick Webb played guitar and sang throughout both cocktail
hour and dinner, providing an excellent soundtrack for the event.
What really set the night over the top for myself and other guests, whom I enjoyed socializing with throughout the evening, was seeing the horses of Lakota’s Farm run across the field at dusk to greet us after dinner.
While most any night in Troy or Saratoga Springs can involve drinks, dinner and live entertainment, swapping urban for rural on an evening out can make a big difference.
The Farm to Table Dinner at Lakota’s Farm is not only an unforgettable dining experience - but one of the best memories in my 2019 scrapbook so far.
Lakota’s Farm has three upcoming Farm to Table Dinners scheduled, on Friday, Sept. 13, Thursday, Oct. 3 and Sunday, Oct. 13. I’m sure the fall foliage, along with the fall harvest, will lend itself well to these future events. More information about these and other upcoming events at Lakota’s Farm, including an Artisan & Wellness Fall Fest and some Movie Nights on the Farm, is available online at lakotasfarm.com.