Farm-to-Table dinner returns to Main Street in Medina on Aug. 2
Photos by Tom Rivers: Main Street in Medina was closed off Aug. 4, 2016 for the first Farm-To-Table dinner, which included a five-course meal on Main Street.
MEDINA – Medina’s third annual Farm-to-Table Dinner will be held on Thursday, August 2, with 200 people sitting down for a five-course meal on Main Street.
The event is hosted by the Orleans Renaissance Group, as part of the annual activities of the Canal Village Farmers’ Market, a Medina enterprise also sponsored by ORG.
Last year due to rain the event had to be shifted to The Gallagher, a barn that has been transformed into an events center on North Gravel Road.
Organizers are looking forward to the event being back in the historic downtown. A section of Main Street will be blocked off for the dinner.
“It’s very exciting to be going into our third year,” said Chris Busch, president of the Orleans Renaissance Group. “While we knew it would be a sensational event, we never dreamed it would be as wildly popular as it has become. People never really stop talking about it.”
The event delivers not only an exquisite meal in a captivating setting, but also an opportunity to experience how farmers and local chefs capitalize on Orleans County’s number one industry: agriculture.
“The venue is magic,” said Cindy Robinson, president of the Medina Business Association and an ORG board member. “Enchanting, delightful – it’s not just any Main Street and it’s not just any event. It’s something very special and once you’ve experienced it, you understand how special it is.”
Last year’s dinner was moved to The Gallagher as thunderstorms threatened. Busch said the Medina community is “extremely fortunate” to have The Gallagher as an alternative site.
Due to the high demand for tickets, the event again will offer 200 seats and the table will stretch nearly the entire length of North Main Street.
This year’s event will feature a couple of new elements. In addition to a 200-seat table, guests will hear live music provided by The Road to Azure and Dark Road Duo. The ensembles are crowd-favorite regulars at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market.
Last year, 200 people gathered for dinner at The Gallagher, a barn that is an event center on North Gravel Road. The second annual Farm-To-Table Dinner was moved from Main Street to The Gallagher due to threats of rain.
Also, arriving guests will be treated to a complimentary Chef’s Course paired with award-winning Tiny Bubbles sparkling wine, courtesy of Schulze Vineyard & Winery of Burt. The dinner will deliver a sensational locally-sourced, five- course meal with Zambistro once again collaborating with local culinary colleagues.
Among those joining Zambistro will be Mariachi De Oro, Mile 303, Sourced Market & Eatery and the Shirt Factory. All ingredients used in the meal will be locally sourced and farm-fresh, provided almost entirely from the vendors at Canal Village Farmers’ Market.
“Each year we look for ways to surpass the previous year’s success,” Robinson said. “We’re very excited to have such a great team of chefs, the Main Street venue and great live music. It’s going to be incredible.”
Each course will feature pairings from Niagara Wine Trail wineries, including Leonard Oakes Estate Winery, Medina; Schulze Vineyard & Winery, Burt; Chateau Niagara Winery, Newfane; Freedom Run Winery, Lockport; Liten Buffel, Middleport and 810 Meadworks, Medina.
Following the dinner, “official after-party” location this year will be Fitzgibbons Public House on Main Street in Medina. Fitzgibbons is modeled after an authentic celtic pub.
“As you can imagine, making an event like this a reality requires a great deal of time, talent and treasure,” said Busch. “One of the hallmarks of Medina’s success is everyone working together to make good things happen and this dinner is no exception.”
Annual corporate sponsors of the Farm to Table Dinner include Zambistro, PridePak Inc. with Mr. Steve Carr, CEO; Takeform Architectural Graphics of Medina and LaBella Associates of Rochester.
Patrons of the Canal Village Farmers’ Market will have an opportunity to win two dinner tickets. Starting Saturday, July 7 and running through July 28, every $5 spent at the market earns a chance in a drawing for the tickets. The market runs every Saturday morning at 127 West Center Street in Medina’s downtown.
Limited tickets will go on sale July 6 at 10 a.m. They will be available online at www.medinaalive.com and at the English Rose Tea Shoppe (cash & check only), 527 Main St., Medina (585) 798-4410.
“If it is your intention to attend the dinner, my advice is don’t hesitate to buy your tickets,” Busch said. “This event will sell out very quickly, so don’t delay in securing your tickets.”
