It doesn’t get any more farm to table than this!
Last night we had the most amazing, sustainable, dining experience of our lives! We visited Everoak Farm, a 3 acre local farm here in Orlando doing big things. They are a family farm run by Mike, Nikki, and their three kids (they just had their third a month ago!). Once a month they host dinner on the farm which includes a 5 course meal, cocktails, and a farm tour. You get to literally see where your food comes from, as everything on the menu is sourced within the farm.
The Tour
We arrived at 5 to delicious hibiscus gin cocktails from hibiscus grown right on the farm. We also had an amazing chicken liver pâté which blew my mind! After everyone was settled, we got an intimate tour from Mike and got to explore the farm and hear about the work they are doing.
They raise their own chickens for both meat and eggs, and let them free range around the farm. They also practice a type of farming called syntropic agroforestry, which basically aims to create a regenerative micro-climate to keep it closed loop on the farm. They not only plant their crops, but trees and vegetation that can be used to help create compost which will go to nourish new crops. It was incredibly inspiring to hear Mike talk about the goals they have and what they are working towards on the farm.
The Dinner
The dinner was a 5 course meal which included the introductory hors devours and cocktail. The menus for each dinner are different, but all the ingredients are sourced straight from the farm. There is something beautiful, and arguably more delicious, knowing and SEEING where your food comes from. Non-GMO crops and meat, free from hormones or synthetics. Just straight up what nature gives us.
I have to preface this by saying I am a recovering picky eater. There are some foods I still pause before I try (like the pâté), I ate EVERYTHING at this dinner. The first course was a tomato and fried kale salad (WOW!), second was butternut squash soup (amazing), and third was a cauliflower dish that had it both roasted and pureed. This blew my mind! The pork – well that was the best pork I have ever had in my life! Funny enough, I previously met the pig that fed me last night. He was both cute and delicious and I am grateful.
I can sit here all day talking about each course, but instead I want you to try it for yourself. Choosing this experience helps support a small, family owned farm. You’re supporting local, sustainable, and organic farming. You’re supporting an amazing family who pour everything they have into feeding and sustaining their community.
Eating locally is one of the best, sustainable practices you can make. When we eat in season and eat what is grown within x amount of miles from us we’re saving on emissions, saving the need for preservatives, eating in a way that honors our planet.
Each dinner is very intimate, there were about 10 of us last night. Before each course, Mike talks to us about the dish and the intentionality behind it. You can see his passion for food and the world around him, and it’s so inspiring.
If you can’t make a dinner, there are many ways you can support Everoak Farm. They have a weekly CSA (community supported agriculture) where you receive fresh produce, eggs, and even chicken weekly. They stop by the Audubon Market every Monday, and have farm stand days on the farm almost every Saturday from November-June where you can buy produce, tour the farm, and enjoy pop ups from El Tinto, Cocina Tume, Bliss Creations, and more!
So make this a fun date night, an amazing gift, and an unforgettable experience at this farm dinner in Orlando! If you go, tell them Alyssa said hi!
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