Mount Vernon Farm
Photo: Courtesy of Mount Vernon Farm
Two Arcadian ventures in farm-to-table dining are timed for the summer solstice on June 20, when the lingering light will allow guests to enjoy their bucolic surroundings to the fullest.
Tables will be set up on a knoll at the historic Mount Vernon farm in Rappahannock, VA, for a multicourse feast prepared by award-winning chef Cathal Armstrong (Restaurant Eve) using lamb raised on the farm's pastures and locally grown fresh produce. Wines will come from nearby Gadino Cellars, Rappahannock Cellars and Grey Ghost Vineyards, while single malt whiskey will be provided by Copper Fox Distillery (cocktails at 5:30 PM on the farmhouse lawn; dinner at 6:30 PM; $180 per person; 206 Mount Vernon Ln., off Route 211 near Sperryville; for tickets call 540-987-8682, mailbox 2, or go to www.gourmetRappahannock.com).
On Loudon County farmland, a locavore feast will start with passed hors d’oeuvres, followed by four courses prepared by chef Anthony Chittum (Vermilion) using ingredients from local growers and paired with Horton Vineyards wines. The farmers and winemakers responsible for the bounty will mingle with visitors (4 PM; $160 per person; 15290 Purcellville Rd.; for reservations contact cparker@neighborhoodrestaurantgroup.com).