Outstanding in the Field, elegant food in a rustic setting, Orcas Island, Washington….

Outstanding in the Field is a series of delectable “table to farm” dinners held across the world. We had a joyful evening at Maple Rock Farms on Orcas Island celebrating the best of our local cuisine at this extensive, beautiful arching, white linened table, the epitome of elegant food in a rustic setting. We sat with island friends, and made many more friends throughout the evening,

we also met people who came from afar just to experience one of these dinners.

The guidelines say to bring your own plates, but many diners have “plated it forward” so if you forgot yours you can still add something colorful to the tablescape to be filled with fine food.

After sipping Pear & Grape Country wine from NV Smockshop Band

and a variety of starters featuring local produce and seafood we were led on a tour of the farm, passing these perfect little lettuces before sitting down at the table.

The first course was cooked in a wood-fired pizza oven on the grounds of the farm,

a slightly charred thin crusted pizza with fresh cows cheese, and basil and young garlic from Maple rock farm.

Next, we got to actually taste the lettuces grown right by our table

in this melange of summer vegetables with a burnt brassica vinaigrette.

I loved the whole sugar snap peas {I had bought some at their farmstand the day before}, the ribbons of zucchini and carrots and the blue edible Borage flowers sprinkled on top. With these courses they served a refreshing cold, white Partida Creus from SP Subirat Parent from Spain,

this was my favorite wine of the evening.

All of the foods were prepared in these tents on the property

and served family style in these elegant Celadon, white and cream bowls

I loved the contrast of the crunchy crust and the delicate honey~whipped Myers Creamery goat cheese  tart they served for dessert, topped with summer berries.

Outstanding in Your Field was started by Jim Denevan, click on message to read about his inspiration. To see if they are coming to a field near you or to travel along the trail for these splendid dinners click on tour.