The 7th annual ‘Feast on the Farm’ dinner will be held at Westmoor Park on Sept. 27.

Previous Feast on the Farm at Westmoor Park. Courtesy photo

By Ronni Newton

Diners will once again have the opportunity to dine al fresco at one of West Hartford’s most beautiful and natural locations at the annual “Feast on the Farm” on Friday, Sept. 27, from 6-9 p.m. at Westmoor Park.

Previous Feast on the Farm at Westmoor Park. Courtesy photo

Chef Dorjan Puka of DORO Restaurant Group’s Treva Restaurant, Ávert Brasserie, and Zohara Mediterranean Kitchen has prepared a menu featuring regional produce and products for guests to enjoy under the stars and surrounded by nature on the grounds of Westmoor Park.

Now in its seventh year, the Feast on the Farm features a four-course meal and is a benefit for the Westmoor Park Fund. Proceeds will be used to support improvements to the park’s environmental education infrastructure.

Westmoor Park is self-funded and not supported by tax dollars, Assistant Director Christy Page said.

“The setting is stunning, the food is delicious, and the company is engaging,” said Helen Rubino-Turco, the director of Leisure Services and Social Services for the Town of West Hartford. “Dorjan Puka and his team always create a sublime meal while highlighting local produce and regional products,” she added.

The event, which typically sells out, provides a community experience for a variety of diners, including many long-time supporters of Westmoor Park. It’s informal in every way – jeans and sweaters are totally appropriate, organizers say – with diners seated at long, communal tables decorated with cut flowers in jelly jars.

Page said it’s always wonderful to see so many familiar faces at the Feast.

Westmoor Park, on Flagg Road, West Hartford. Photo by Joy Taylor (we-ha.com file photo)

“There are parents, teachers from school groups, and friends who support Westmoor Park for all of the programs that we do,” Page said. Programs are for all ages – from Gentle Touch for those under age 3, through senior citizens.

Town Manager Matt Hart, who had the opportunity to attend for the first time last year, praised the community-building aspect of the event. “It helps connect our residents with the land and each other,” he said.   

Page also noted that the Hall High School track and cross country teams, which use Westmoor Park for practice, has partnered with the farm as the team’s volunteer project and will be helping with the Feast. “They are a great group of kids, and we love the partnership with them,” she said.

Other than dessert, the menu (see below) is entirely gluten-, dairy-, and nut-free. Chicken and fish will be served, but vegetarian options are also included. A gluten- and dairy-free dessert substitute will be available, Page said.

The cost to attend is $100 per person, and is BYOB (beer and wine). Tickets can be purchased at Town Hall, or through the Leisure Services website, which has just been updated. To register online. go to www.westhartfordct.gov/leisure, and click on RecDesk. To register, patrons first need to establish a family household, then search for “Feast” under Programs. 

Menu

Salad Course:

Hand Gathered Greens
French Breakfast Radish, Shaved Fennel, Chiogga Beets,
Tarragon Vinaigrette

Family Style Main Course:

Roasted Chicken
Salsa Verde, Herb Salad

Dayboat Monkfish Provencal
Tomato Caper Stew, Olives

Slow Roasted Potatoes
Rosemary, Sea Salt, Garlic

Quinoa and Lentil Pilaf
Shallot, Carrot, Dill

Wood Roasted Cauliflower
Green Chili Sauce | Tahina

Dessert:

Flourless Chocolate Torte
Orchard Pear Compote & Salted Caramel

The 162-acre Westmoor Park is located at 119 Flagg Rd., and is “an environmental, agricultural and horticultural education center dedicated to raising awareness and appreciation of the natural world.” The facility includes a demonstration farm, and attracts more than 100,000 visitors a year.

Staff is considering the feasibility of constructing an outdoor classroom at Westmoor Park to support school and summer programming.

Feast on the Farm sponsors include The Chase Family Foundation, YHB Investment Advisors and the DORO Restaurant Group. Other supporters include Quaker Lane Cooperative Preschool, Falvey Linens, Abbey Tent, Hartford Baking Company, Russell’s Creative Global Cuisine, Café Sofia, Harry’s Bishops Corner, and Moscarillo’s Garden Supply.

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