Dinner on the Farm

DINNER

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS BY ALDRIDGE PHOTOGRAPHY

It's time to get out of the city! While wandering the historical grounds of Lakota’s Farm, you are surrounded by picturesque rolling green hills dotted with quaint ponds and grazing horses. In the Spring, you are valiantly greeted by the daffodils’ delicate faces and tulips swaying in the breeze, as the soft fragrance of the hyacinths’ perfume tickles your nose. Tension seems to loosen its grip on you in this soothing environment. Then, just when you think the dream can’t get any better – you see the amazing food. It’s a celebration!

A DREAMLAND BY DAY & NIGHT The timeless splendor of this breathtaking venue is spread across the agricultural oasis of a 34-acre horse farm. The centerpiece of Lakota’s Farm Weddings & Events is the 150-year-old renovated barn bursting with rustic charm. “When you come to a farm dinner, you can remove yourself from the hustle and bustle and time slows down for you,” said Event Manager Casey Baldwin. You’re comfortably dressed, can feel the earth under your feet, and all you need is a casual jacket or light blanket in case the air gets cool once the sun dips below the treetops. You begin each seven-course, 3 ½ hour farm-dinner with locally-made drinks from businesses such as Argyle Brewing Company, Saratoga Apple Cider, The Real McCoy Beer Co. and more. The only thing that can lure you away from the tasty hors d’oeuvres spread in front of you, is knowing that dinner is being served.

BEAUTIFUL TASTE IN A BEAUTIFUL PLACE If you want to know what beautiful tastes like, dive into the seasonal menus featured at Lakota’s Farm. Prepared by chef extraordinaire Ryan O’Shea, owner of Suburban Kitchen, as well as other local guest chefs, the unparalleled quality and rich color of this food is a pure pleasure from start to finish. Using fresh, locally-sourced produce, cheeses and meats is the secret to crafting a great-tasting meal and sitting among this rural landscape, you realize this area is bursting with it. “I’m a farmer’s daughter and I grew up learning to respect food and the farmland where it comes from,” said Lakota’s Farm owner Kimberly Ann Finney. While enjoying the family-style dinner at the long farm table, you can easily meet and talk with others. “Here, you’re a part of our family – it’s part of the whole experience,” said Baldwin.

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY AND EXPERIENCE THAT IS LAKOTA’S FARM More than a (splendid!) meal, these farm-to-table dinners are combined with a variety of exciting entertainment options. Every farm dinner has something special; from live music, to a comedy, a Burlesque show, or a farm dinner followed by a movie night on the farm.

This venue is injecting new life into the region. Family-friendly events this year will include movie nights on the lawn, a number of spring and fall artisan festivals, as well as a yoga festival. Geared toward attracting locals and supporting local businesses, Lakota’s Farm events are drawing in people from all over New England. One couple from Cape Cod found the farm on Instagram and included a visit here on their anniversary getaway. “Even though they live in a beautiful area already, they don’t have what we have – cows, trees and beautiful expanses. It’s that quintessential New England experience that allows you to slow down, breathe and take it all in,” said Finney.

CALENDAR WORTHY EVENTS The Lakota Farm dinners are being held May 24th & 30th, June 13th & 14th, July 10th & 11th, August 9th, 21st, 22nd and are TBA for September & October. Tickets are $75/person. Guests are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations for local food pantries. Collections are also being taken for Code Blue and Cake, Candles, and Confetti, a grassroots charity that provides birthday parties for homeless children in the Capital District (search FB for more info). The Spring Artisan Fest, featuring more than 70 vendors selling food, bath & beauty products, jewelry, furniture, fine arts & crafts, will be held, June 6th & 7th (the same weekend as Cambridge, NY’s 20th-Anniversary Balloon Festival.) Admission is $1/person. Lakota’s Farm has partnered with Kristen Zorda from Yoga Mandali and Michael Nelson, the creative genius behind Brainworks, for Lakota’s Farm first, Krishna Yoga Festival. Which is scheduled for Saturday, August 29th. There will be six classes in a range of styles. All classes are for all levels. The festival will include local artists and vendors, vegan and vegetarian food options, and live music. Full-Day and half day tickets will be available at KrishnaYogaFestival.com