Farm to Table for US Veterans

I am definitely one who is always looking to try new experiences.  Two years ago Todd and I headed out to the country for an Outstanding in the Field dinner.  This afternoon, Christine and I headed to Arcadia Farm in Alexandria, VA.  The organization, located on the Woodlawn Estate, is "dedicated to creating a more equitable and sustainable local food system in the Washington, DC area."  The funds raised from this evening's dinner will go towards their Veteran Farmer Program.  Today's American farmer is on average 58 years which means there will be thousands of farmers retiring in the next decade.  This program hopes to train unemployed veterans to be farmers and ultimately have them start up their own businesses.  

Before the dinner started, there was an hour of cocktails and appetizers which gave us time to explore the house and the gardens.  Arcadia has a ton of different vegetables which ultimately go to their Mobile Market or to local shelters; they even have beehives. 

The table scape was great and set the scene for the rest of the evening.  The tables were filled with fresh picked wildflowers from the garden, okra and tomatoes; picture credit goes to Tini.  One of the great things about these kinds of dinners is that your dinner companions for the next few hours are total strangers.  

Arcadia got a great picture of everyone sitting down to dinner.  

Six of DC's best chefs prepared a four course meal with local ingredients, many of which came from the Arcadia Farm.  While I should have taken some pictures of the food, the conversation was flowing and the thought never crossed my mind.  FarmFresh Events did get a great picture of dessert - blueberry pie with corn ice cream. 

As the sun started to set and the dinner came to a close, Christine and I got a private tour of the vegetable garden from the head horticulturalist.  All in all the event was a total success!