Woodland Gardens - Garden Party

Jan went with us to Winterville, GA just outside Athens to a Georgia Organics benefit dinner hosted by Woodland Gardens. It was quite a happening and it was sold out.

We first toured the 5-acre farm, which is beautiful. They have acreage for outdoor plants as well as hoop houses for growing in the cold months. Recently they've added about 40 egg-laying hens and have them housed in a mobile hen house atached to a free-range enclosure. The link below has some photos of the farm.

Then some of the best chefs in Atlanta entertained the 150 - 200 guests with a sit down dinner that was the most amazing display of food and cullinary skill I've ever attended. 100% orgainic of course.  These are the chefs who were there:

Anne Quatrano - Bacchanalia
Hugh Acheson - 5 & 10
Gary Mennie - Livingston
Joseph Truex - Repast
Joshua Hopkins - Abattoi
Steven Satterfield - Miller Union
David Larkworthy - 5 Seasons Brewing
Drew Belline - Floataway Café
Carla Tomasko - Quinones
Matt Palmerlee & Edward Russell - farm255

David Roberts - Community Q
Luis Vasquez - Star Provisions
Ron Eyester - Rosebud
Andy Carson - Bacchanalia
Hilary White - The Hil
Matthew Roher - Cha Bella
Cathy Conway - Avalon Catering
Angie Mosier - Angie Mosier Food
Tiger Mountain Vineyards
The Johnston Family Farm.

This thing was over the top.  Normally I'm not much of a food person but get this:  just one of six salads was House smoked Escolar with Endive, Apple and a Hard Cider Vigaigrette and Rey Croutons; darn yummy.

For the main meal there were a dozen entrees including  Mom's Macaronu & Cheese from Bacchanalia and Mr. Wang's Wild Georgia Shrimp served by Rosedud in the Highlands. We had some of each.  And yep, there was dessert - lots of dessert.

But the best deal was the atmosphere:  two long tables in a big old hoop house with lots of smart happy folks.  We are definately on for next year.  Take a look at a few images.