It’s no exaggeration to say that my breath was taken away when I arrived at the Tangletown Gardens farm for Outstanding in the Field’s fete earlier this month. Greeted by a field of towering sunflowers and hundreds of Scottish Highlands cattle, I felt like I was in a dream. A tent filled with Flowers Vineyard & Winery Rosé welcomed attendees upon arrival. After an hour of photo ops, wine and delicious small bites from guest chef Jim Christiansen, host farmers Scott Endres and Dean Engelmann led the hundreds of guests on a conversational tour of their beloved farm before seating us at the long, linen-covered table.
Photography by Camille Lizama
The Tangletown Gardens farm is one of the most unique communities of its kind. Owners Endres and Engelmann both grew up on farms, which rooted their appreciation for the pastoral life. The 140-acre property serves as a wellspring for the eponymous Minneapolis garden shop, growing the majority of its plants, as well as Wise Acre Eatery. The techniques used on the farm grounds — sustainable, responsible, and pesticide- and chemical-free — supply the highest quality ingredients to the acclaimed restaurant. More than 10,000 square feet of solar panels provide power to this unique farm, which raises a variety of animals, including the residents of the aquaponic koi pond.
From May to November, the Outstanding in the Field team pops up in different destinations across the globe for a total of 90 long-table dinners. California native Jim Denevan founded the organization in 1999 as an intervention to stale dining conventions. The meals were meant to recognize the farmers of Northern California and tell their stories. Once the fetes gained a following, Denevan decided to embark on an adventure, seeking out farmers across the country. Creating a dining experience right at the source is the most genuine way to celebrate these farmers and their hard work to bring people nourishment. At every event, guests sit amongst strangers at a single long table, where dishes are shared family-style.
In our fast-paced lives, it can be easy to forget where our food comes from and what goes into each bite. The Outstanding in the Field experience centers around this connection, reminding us that no matter where we come from, a simple, quality-filled evening can bring about a deeper relationship with people, place and food.
