Outstanding in the Field Returns to Thaxton's Garlic Farm in Hudson

One “very long table” is central to the Outstanding in the Field events. Credit: Courtesy photo

We’re blessed in Northeast Ohio with a bounty of seasonal culinary events, where food, friends and the great outdoors collide to create lasting memories. Few rise to the level of Outstanding in the Field, an itinerant culinary caravan that makes annual stops in Cleveland. For more than 20 years, the transient team arrives in a location, works with local chefs, farmers, winemakers and brewers, sets up one very long 100-plus-seat table, and hosts a magical event under the stars.

For the past decade plus, Hudson, Ohio, has earned an annual spot on the very crowded OITF dance card. More precisely, the aromatic garlic farm of Chris and Fred Thaxton, where the pastoral landscape meshes beautifully with the mission of introducing diners to the people who grow, produce and rear their food. In addition to growing and selling some of the finest garlic you can buy, the Thaxtons are warm and gracious hosts who make these evenings special.

This year’s event will take place at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, August 12.

As in years past, chef Vinnie Cimino of Cordelia will serve as host chef. He and his team will assemble an outdoor kitchen from scratch that serves as a warm hub for the night’s festivities. At $385 per person, the events are far from cheap, but they come with farm tours, course after course of farm-to-table food, plenty of refreshments and hours of quality time with friends new and old. Despite the large numbers and unconventional settings, these events operate like a well-oiled professional restaurant. There really is nothing like it.

For more information, or to reserve your spot, click here.

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