Farm to Table Dinners

Upcoming Dinners

Meet Chef Jeff Schlissel

Introducing Chef Jeffrey Schlissel, affectionately known as Cheffrey or the notorious Kingpin of the Bacon Cartel! With over 30 years in the culinary arena, Chef Schlissel’s journey began innocently enough, cooking alongside his mother, only to evolve into a lifelong odyssey of gastronomic adventures.

Renowned for his prowess in crafting delectable dishes that blend Pan Asian Floribbean influences—a fusion he fondly dubs “Floribbeanasian”—the Kingpin thrives on infusing locally sourced and sustainable ingredients into his culinary creations. Notably, he’s even delved into the realm of modern cuisine, mastering the art of smoking and, believe it or not, conjuring up the most tantalizing VEGAN bone marrow!

Hailing from the vibrant culinary landscape of South Florida, Chef Schlissel’s palate was shaped by the bold, fiery flavors of Latin cuisine and the sweet, tropical symphonies of the region. The result? A harmonious dance of flavors that promises a Zen-like experience for your taste buds.

With a diverse background spanning corporate restaurants, independent eateries, hotels, and country clubs, the Kingpin has left his mark on the culinary world. A seasoned presenter at the National Convention of the American Culinary Federation, he advocates for sustainable practices and collaborates with local farmers to elevate the quality of ingredients while minimizing waste.

For Chef Schlissel, smoking food isn’t just a cooking technique—it’s a primal ritual that brings people together around the flames, sparking conversations and kindling connections to simpler times. His ultimate quest is to achieve that perfect balance in the smoker to produce culinary perfection!

Among his accolades, the Kingpin has reigned as the Palm Beach Chefs Association President and earned prestigious titles such as Best Asian Fusion Restaurant in 2012 and Cutting Edge Chef in 2016. His culinary prowess was further recognized with the Chef of the Year Award 2017 for the Palm Beach chapter and the prestigious 2021 Presidential Medallion from the National President of the American Culinary Federation. Chef Schlissel published his first book (08/09/2024), the first of its kind to merge mental health and a cookbook. Look for Craveable Obsessed Journals of a Food Addicted Chef on Amazon.
When he’s not ruling the kitchen, you can catch Chef Schlissel co-hosting the number one food podcast Apple, “The Walk-in Talk,” serving up a delicious blend of culinary insights, humor, and perhaps a dash of bacon-infused mischief. So, if you’re craving a culinary experience that transcends the ordinary, join the Kingpin on his flavorful escapade—!

More About Our Farm to Table Dinners

Celebration of Local Produce

Our Farm to Table Dinners are a unique dining experience that brings together farm-fresh produce and expert culinary techniques. These events celebrate the best of Florida agriculture and promote a sustainable food culture.

Delight in the Farm Fresh Flavors

Feast on a specially curated menu that showcases the vibrant flavors of Fresh from Florida produce and every dish is an ode to the bountiful harvest of Florida agriculture.

Connect with the Farming Community

Our dinners are also an opportunity to connect with the local farming community. Meet the dedicated farmers, understand their farming practices, and learn more about the journey of your food from the farm to your plate.

Unforgettable Experience

Visitors are captivated by our farms and enchanted by the beauty of our Barns. We look forward to welcoming you to an unforgettable experience. Come, be a part of the next Farm to Table Dinner and celebrate the beauty and bounty of local Florida agriculture!

Farm to Table Movement

In recent years, the farm to table movement (also known as farm to fork) has surged in popularity, redefining how we think about and experience food. This culinary trend emphasizes the importance of sourcing ingredients directly from local farms and producers, offering a fresh, sustainable, and more meaningful dining experience. If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of enjoying a farm-to-table dinner, here’s a guide to understanding what makes these meals so special and how you can embrace the concept in your own life.

What is Farm to Table?

At its core, the farm to table and farm to fork philosophy focuses on connecting diners with the origin of their food. This approach involves sourcing ingredients from local farms and producers, reducing the distance food travels from production to plate. The result is a dining experience that celebrates seasonality, freshness, and the rich flavors of locally grown produce. For example, our blueberries ripen in April so while you can oftentimes get blueberries from the grocery store, year round, you get Florida blueberries in April.

Why Farm to Table Matters

1. Freshness and Flavor: Ingredients that haven’t spent days or weeks in transit are often more flavorful and nutritious. Farm-to-table meals showcase the peak of freshness, from crisp vegetables to succulent meats.

2. Sustainability: By sourcing locally, farm-to-table practices reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance food transportation. This method also supports sustainable farming practices, which are often better for the environment.

3. Community Support: Purchasing from local farms and producers helps bolster the local economy. It fosters relationships between consumers and farmers, ensuring that money stays within the community and supports local livelihoods.

4. Seasonal Eating: Farm-to-table dining encourages eating with the seasons. This not only ensures the best quality ingredients but also reconnects us with the natural rhythms of food production.

The Joy of Farm to Table Dinners

A farm to table dinner is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of the journey that food takes from the farm to your fork. It’s a testament to the hard work of local farmers, the richness of seasonal ingredients, and the joy of sharing a meal with those you care about.

Beyond the Dinner Table: The Broader Impact of Farm to Table

The farm totable movement also has implications beyond the dinner table. It promotes a cultural shift toward appreciating where our food comes from and understanding the environmental impact of our choices. As more people embrace this approach, it can lead to:

1. Policy Changes: Increased demand for local foods can influence public policies that support sustainable agriculture and food systems. Advocating for farm-to-table principles can contribute to broader efforts in food justice and environmental stewardship.

2. Educational Opportunities: Farm to table principles can be integrated into educational programs, from elementary schools to universities, helping to raise a new generation of informed consumers and future farmers.

3. Culinary Innovation: Chefs and home cooks alike are experimenting with local ingredients and traditional recipes, leading to new culinary creations and preserving regional food traditions.

4. Healthier Communities: Access to fresh, nutritious food can improve overall community health. Farm-to-table practices encourage people to eat more fruits and vegetables, potentially reducing diet-related illnesses.

5. Preservation of Rural Landscapes: Supporting local farms helps maintain open space and prevents urban sprawl. This not only benefits local agriculture but also preserves the beauty and ecological health of rural areas.

By embracing farm to table dining, you contribute to a larger movement toward more conscious and connected eating. It’s about celebrating the rich tapestry of flavors that come from local soils, honoring the efforts of those who grow our food, and enjoying the simple pleasure of a well-prepared meal. So, whether you’re attending a farm to table dinner or planning your own, relish the experience and the stories that each meal tells. Bon appétit!