We've all heard the joke about the wonderful farmer who is "Outstanding in the Field" — the name of this jaw-dropping outdoor dinner series. But this artsy venture takes its presentation very seriously. (When's the last time you had a dinner with its own Wikipedia page?)
This dinner series is turning the tables — or rather taking them outside — in San Antonio, at Peeler Farms on October 18. This series is famous for its long tablescape, snaking through open fields and gardens; but in this case, some of the elevation comes from Chef Patrick Jackson of Full Goods Diner and Paperboy.
The Outstanding in the Field dinner series was first produced in 1999 by "land artist" Jim Denevan, who is famous for his crop circle-like aerial mandalas on beaches. The pastoral series has been held in all 50 states and more than 24 countries since then. Each dinner is different by nature (literally) of settling into a different environment. Guest chefs are also carefully chosen from each city's highest ranks and tasked with showcasing local products.
Photo courtesy of Resy and Outstanding in the Field
Although both Full Goods Diner and Austin's Paperboy are famous for brunch, this event will give the chef a chance to use his dinner chops. Of course, the following would apply to just about any dinner with Chef Jackson at the helm, but the event description calls out his knack for "seasonally-driven cuisine that artfully blends Mexican and American flavors, a true reflection of Southern Texas style."
The menu is still under wraps, but the star ingredient will be Wagyu beef produced by the host farm. With the cattle's welfare as a big focus for these ranchers, the picturesque living conditions should be on full display, and the experience will hopefully illuminate more about where meat comes from.
The 3,000-acre ranch also houses goats, sheep, horses, and water buffalo on the same land that diners will experience during the event; Hosts Marianna and Peter may also make an appearance on horseback, the organizers write.
Tickets ($375) are available at outstandinginthefield.com. Guests must be 21 or older to attend.
The "caravan" will also visit Austin for three different dinners: one at the Umlauf Sculpture Garden (featuring Chef Fermín Nuñez) on October 11 at a lower price ($275), and two at Boggy Creek Farms on October 14 and 15. The former, which is sold out, features Rick Lopez of La Condesa, and the latter features Evan LeRoy of LeRoy and Lewis, with tickets still available. A Dallas installment at Bonton Farms on October 12 will feature Chef Chad Houser of Café Momentum.
