Five Fabulous Locations for 2016 Outstanding In The Field Al Fresco Spring Dining Events in Sonoma County and West Marin

McEvoy Ranch
Sunday, May 15th, 2016 @ 4pm

$235

Host Farmers: Nion McEvoy, McEvoy Ranch, Petaluma, CA
Guest Chef: Amaryll Schwertner, Boulettes Larder, San Francisco, CA

Here's what the folk at Outstanding In The Field have to say about McEvoy Ranch, just outside of Petaluma, location of one of a series of spectacular cross-country rustic feasts event organizers have planned for the 2016 season: 

"McEvoy Ranch is a bit swanky. More glam than grit. If you’ve been thinking of wearing those platform heels to a farm dinner, this is the one. Olive oil comes from trees (there are thousands here) and also a giant frantoio (it’s been called the Maserati of olive crushers). We will enjoy a tour that ends at the table. Our guest chef Amaryll Schwertner has a restaurant at the Ferry Plaza Marketplace in San Francisco. Her cooking utilizes the larder — the small shops and farmers produce sold at the Ferry Plaza Market. McEvoy Ranch has a small store down the way from Boulettes Larder. It’s fun that Amaryll is taking the trip from larder to farm."

Tickets sell fast, despite the cost — so if this is your dream dinner, best get on it pronto. Click here to book when tickets are released on or soon after March 20th, 2016. 

The Petaluma event is followed by three more al fresco dining destinations in the area that same week: 

Porter Creek Vineyards
Friday May 20th @ 4pm

$235

Host Farmers: Alex & Ann Davis, Porter Creek Vineyards, Healdsburg, CA (Sonoma)
Guest Chef: TBD

Porter Creek is a major tributary to the Russian River and this is one of the first certified organic vineyards, with some of the oldest Pinot Noir vines in the area. The winery is a father-son team. Son Alex makes the wine — only about 4,000 cases a year. 

Front Porch Farm
Saturday May 21st @ 4pm

$235

Host Farmer: Johnny Wilson, Front Porch Farm, Healdsburg, CA (Sonoma)
Guest Chef: Rocky Maselli, A16, San Francisco, CA

Outstanding In The Field returns to Front Porch Farm in Sonoma County wine country. The Russian River is bordered by mature trees here — cottonwoods, oaks, redwoods. Farm manager Johnny Wilson grows vegetables of all kinds and raises goats and chickens. Pigs and wine grapes (and wine) from another Front Porch property will also be part of the feast. Guest chef Rocky Maselli is an OITF veteran. His A16 restaurant is named for an Italian highway. 

SCRIBE Winery
Sunday May 22nd @ 4pm

$235

Host Farmers: Adam & Andrew Mariani, SCRIBE Winery, Sonoma, CA
Guest Chef: Ryan Pollnow, Aatxe, San Francisco, CA

Andrew and Adam welcome Outstanding In The Field for a fourth visit. Guests will gather for the reception on an oak shaded hill. After hearing the overview from the overview, the brothers are set to lead a tour of the vines and gardens and tell guests more about their “forever wild” approach to viticulture and winemaking. The table will be set near an old hacienda between tall palms. Chef Ryan cooked alongside Thomas McNaughton of Flour + Water and Central Kitchen at a few previous OITF events. At SCRIBE he is out in front. He is also out front with an appearance on the 2016 James Beard Awards long list.

 

 

Stemple Creek Ranch
Saturday, May 28th, 2016 @ 4pm

$245

Host Farmers: Loren & Lisa Poncia, Stemple Creek Ranch, Tomales, CA 
Guest Chef: Justin Everett, Murray Circle, Sausalito, CA

Springtime on Tomales Bay is beautiful — green rolling hills as far as the eye can see and gentle to strong breezes coming off the ocean. Depending on the weather, guests may dine atop a hill or in a wind-protected grove of trees. When it comes to setting the table on a big ranch, there are a lot of choices. Stemple Creek Ranch raises cattle organically and humanely and has garnered many awards for excellence. The details of which you will see and hear, and savor. Hot tip: Murray Circle, the guest chef’s restaurant, is part of Cavallo Point, a beautiful luxury resort a short distance from the towering Golden Gate Bridge with a spectacular view across the bay to San Francisco.