Elodie Farms – Dinner on the Porch
If the idea of an elegant multi-course meal, prepared by one of the region’s top chefs, served on quaint farmhouse porch sounds fabulous to you (as it does to me), then allow me to introduce you to Elodie Farms. Located in Rougemont, NC (north of Durham, halfway to Roxboro), Elodie Farms is primarily a dairy and cheese-making operation. They focus on fresh farmstead cheese (chevre, or goats cheese), but they also produce camembert and queso fresco, as well as a variety of hard cheeses including cheddar, gruyere, and gouda, among others. And that’s where the chefs come in.
For the past two years, Elodie Farms has hosted some of the areas best chefs in their “Dinner on the Porch” series. The series has attracted chefs such as Amy Tournquist (Watts Grocery), Adam Rose (Il Palio), Chris Stinnet (Pops), and John Vandergrift (Rue Cler), among others. The dinners consist of 5-6 course menus that prominently feature the farm’s cheeses along with local meats and produce. In nice weather, the meals are served on the porch of their lovely old farmhouse, although indoor seating is also available. Although I have not yet had the chance to attend, it all sounds like an incredible experience!
The series starts this year on March 7th, and dinners thereafter are on the first Saturday of every month through December (with April 18th as the only exception). The cost is $65/person, which is expensive, but you are welcome to bring your own bottle of wine. The series is apparently wildly popular so reservations are required. They can be made on the farm’s website (see below).
One final note: Elodie Farms also supports agritourism and can host tours, weddings, classes, parties, and the like. With prior notice, they can work with your group to arrange a great day on their farm.
For more information or to make a reservation for dinner, visit http://www.elodiefarms.com
I want to go to there.