2019 Saratoga Wine & Food Festival Farm-to-Table Harvest Dinner

By Chris Shaw On Oct 7, 2019

It was a chilly night that ushered in the first Gala dinner celebrating The Saratoga Food & Wine Festival on the grounds of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. The dinner was built around the theme, “Forest Magic”, fitting after the drive that bought you to the front gate through then imposing Avenue of the Pines.

The VIP Farm-to-Table Harvest Dinner included a sumptuous pre-dinner event with delectables prepared by two young chefs from the UK, Tim Spedding and Louise Rødkjær Jørgensen. The mood was set by the harp and guitar music of Martha Gallagher and her husband Dennis. The music for the weekend was curated by the Caffe Lena.

Duck Pate with Cranberry Chutney and Brie

Charcuterie with fresh berries and a variety of cheeses

(Left to right) Locally based philanthropist Chet Opalka with widely acclaimed sculptor John Van Alstine, with SPAC President and CEO, Elizabeth Sobol

The first plate was prepared by Chef Dan Spitz from Fat and Happy LLC. A Scallop Crudo/Sweet Potato/ Fermented Corn and Hot Pepper Salsa with Wild Grape Jus.

The second plate was from Chefs Michael Blake (Yaddo) and Ayurvedic expert Austin Peltier
featured a Parisienne Gnocchi/Corn Fondue/Opal Basil and Tomato Confit

The third and final plate was prepared by Chef Kevin London (Lake George’s Farmhouse Restaurant at Top of the World), a tasty Duck with Carrots, Cabbage, and
Ancient grains with a spicy finish.

Wines paired for each course were donated by Jackson Family Wines and an interesting botanical beer was offered by Druther’s Brewing of Saratoga. All proceeds from the festival go to Art in Education projects funded by SPAC, a program that served more than 38,000 students in 2018. SPAC has announced its goal to double that amount by 2020. Folks were wise to rest up because the next day it was on to the Grand Tasting!

Farm-to-Table Harvest Dinner Saratoga Wine and Food Festival