Outstanding in the Field

A fabulous farm-to-table event took place last week in Kentucky and, alas, I did not attend. But, I’ve been privy to many-a-photo of friends and acquaintances who were lucky enough to join the feast, so I just had to share.

First, some background on Outstanding in the Field. If you’re a reader of Garden & Gun magazine, you’re likely quite familiar with this event/concept. From the website:

Our mission is to re-connect diners to the land and the origins of their food, and to honor the local farmers and food artisans who cultivate it.

Outstanding in the Field is a roving culinary adventure – literally a restaurant without walls. Since 1999 we have set the long table at farms or gardens, on mountain tops or in sea caves, on islands or at ranches. Occasionally the table is set indoors: a beautiful refurbished barn, a cool greenhouse or a stately museum. Wherever the location, the consistent theme of each dinner is to honor the people whose good work brings nourishment to the table.

Ingredients for the meal are almost all local (sometimes sourced within inches of your seat at the table!) and generally prepared by a celebrated chef of the region. After a tour of the site, we all settle in: farmers, producers, culinary artisans, and diners sharing the long table.

Milk-braised Duncan Farms rabbit with roman gnocchi, celery, nutmeg and lemon.

To. Die. For.

The Outstanding in the Field movement recently paid a visit to Woodland Farm in Goshen, Ky., which is a gorgeous piece of land overlooking the Ohio River. My neighbor blogged about the evening on Style Blueprint Louisville, so I’m borrowing some of her photos she posted on Facebook, as well as on the blog. Another blogger from Lexington also traveled to Goshen for the event, and her recap is here.

I love the idea that people bring their own plates to the event. 

The main house at Woodland Farm

Sunset over the Ohio River

If you find out that Outstanding in the Field is coming to your neck of the woods, you may want to seriously consider attending. Then, be sure to share your experience with us. Would love to hear about it.
Images from Style Blueprint Louisville and Whitney Pannell, Realtor

Caffeine: My Drug of Choice

So, I've been crafting a wellness-related article, warning folks about the risks of energy drinks, which have high contents of sugar and caffeine. There's been a surge in their consumption and medical specialists are warning against over-use of these drinks and the health implications.

Anyhoo, I was feeling good about myself reading these stats because I don't drink Red Bull, Monster or any of these energy drinks. Never have. Yes, I look down upon you energy-guzzling poor souls who require your jolt of energy from a multi-colored can!

But, oh yeah, I consume coffee on a daily basis. So, I must dismount from my high horse, because I do require several butt loads doses of caffiene each day.

According to the publication "American Nurse Today":

Caffeine is the most widely ingested psychoactive drug in the world.

Well, as long my psychoactive drug is presented to me in a pretty cup, I don't mind. So, I'll continue to stop by the mommy crack house, aka Starbucks, on my way to work and consume my drug of choice. Hey, don't judge me. I have two kids and a full-time job; I cook, I clean and make sure that my house runs like an well-oiled machine. Who am I kidding? After the kids go to bed, I stay up late reading a novel or watching the latest train wreck of "The Real Housewives" series. Thus, the need for giant cups of coffee in the morning.

So, dear friends, do you need caffeine to get you through the day? Coffee? Diet Coke? Other energy drinks? Or are you one of those healthy sorts who only consumes natural liquids into your system? If so, you know we hate you, right? :)

Note to Hubby: You accidentally broke my ceramic Starbucks travel mug the other day. I forgive you. But I'm waiting for the replacement model. Remember, I'm on a psycoactive drug. You've been warned.
Images from Starbucks and Lilly Pulitzer