farm to table

The Harvest Gathering

Chestnut Avenue | Earlham, Iowa

A crispy, fall October evening in rural Iowa was the perfect setting for the 2nd Annual The Harvest Gathering, farm to table dinner in Earlham, Iowa. Beautiful reclaimed long and round tables set (spatially) down Chestnut Avenue. Mismatched wine and water glasses, heirloom and velvet pumpkins, beautiful milk jug vases with tall pampas grass and vintage table settings. Having hosted a farm to table dinner the past two years at both Harvey’s in Redfield and Harvey’s at the Hotel Pattee, I was thrilled to be on the other side of the table. Socializing with friends, former Harvey’s customers and new acquaintances, reminded me why local and small towns are so important.

One of the driving forces to open my first restaurant Harvey’s Diner & Pub in Redfield, was the celebration of the small town. Dining local, shopping local, purchasing local, hiring local. It truly makes a difference.

Allison Johnson, Executive Director of Bricker-Price Block, has done just that. With her humor (HILARIOUS) work ethic and pure joy for the small town experience, Allison exudes hospitality. Big city experience with small town charm.

Six courses, creatively imagined and prepared by Chef Hal Jasa. Each course perfectly paired with local cider from Winterset Cidery and ending the evening with a delicious, piping hot cup of Pammel Park coffee. Local 4H and FFA assisted the chef, plated and served the courses with kindness and professionalism. Everything was perfect.