It was an absolute delight to witness alfresco dining in my neck of the woods. This has been on my bucket list for so long and now I can finally check it off. Outstanding in the Field is a roving restaurant without walls. In other words, they bring their kitchen to you to experience an adventure in food, a gorgeous setting, and a family-style dinner where you will have the opportunity to chat with strangers and hear their amazing stories. Since 1999, the culinary caravan has been setting tables at farms, beaches, vineyards. mountain tops, fishing docks, city streets, and other extraordinary sites. Outstanding in the Field has traveled from Hawaii to California to Florida to Mexic to France and Sweden and many more. The objective is to gather at one long table for a joyful celebration of human connection.
On February 10, Outstanding in the Field celebrated a get-together at the bright and lively Ecology Center, an organic farm in San Juan Capistrano. With a backdrop of rolling hills surrounded by organic vegetables, fruit trees, and flowers no doubt this is a perfect setting for an epic dinner. The event was attended by almost 100 exquisite meal aficionados from different parts of the country. Gail from Las Vegas claimed it’s her first time at Outstanding in the Field event and first time in this ecological oasis, “It is wonderful. The place is great, the food is delicious. We are really enjoying ourselves.”
Guest chefs Ashley & Tyler Wells owner of All Time restaurant in Los Feliz also mentioned it’s their first gig with Outstanding in the Field.
“Everybody’s been so wonderful. We’re super honored to be part of this and The Ecology Center are our good friends. What they are doing with regenerative agriculture is very inspiring and super important to Tyler to Chef Paul and me and all people who work with us so we’re really stoked to support it and contribute.”
I chatted with Chef Paul Downer who also mentioned it’s his first Outstanding in the Field event.
“It’s a unique experience. I think that everyone should try it. It’s a challenge but I think it’s good. It teaches you to be a little bit more rustic and simple which is what people want.”
Some of the menu includes:
Wild-caught local tuna ceviche
Schaner Farms avocado and citrus
Tehachapi heirloom corn tortilla chip
All Time bread, Di Stefano Cheese burrata,
Schaner Farms winter squash & agrodolce onion
Crispy Milliken Family Farms sweet potato, romesco
& sauce with so many herbs from The Ecology Center
Vermina Vermouth on the rock with orange garnish
& many more fresh ingredients
For Outstanding in the Field tours, click here.
For more info about Ecology Center , click here.
To make a reservation at All Time restaurant, click here.
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