Outstanding In The Field

Pete and Kati Rasmussen (pictured on right) of Sand Hill Farms, were the recent hosts of the Outstanding in the Field 2011 Utah Farm Dinner. The mission of Outstanding in the Field is to reconnect diners to the land and the origins of their food.

I loved Pete's story how he returned to his family home after attending the University, wanting to expand his knowledge and practice of sustainable agriculture. This organic farm in the city of Eden, Utah is a prime example of young person with a passion for fine food and a connection to the land.

As you can see, the tables are set in the middle of the farm to facilitate the 120 eaters that joined Sandhill Farms and Pago Restaurant to enjoy local Utah foods. Many of the ingredients were picked fresh that morning in the gardens surrounding the participants. Participants spent four hours full of absolute beauty and solitude while dining on some of the freshest and tastiest foods on earth.

Pete and Kati have studied the culture of Agriculture in Cuba. This Caribbean island nation struggled from an economic collapse as a result of the US blockade. Cuba had to create a sustainable food system including bio-intensive, urban gardens and rural cooperative farming programs. Cuba has a wealth of ingenuity, creativity and ecological literacy which Pete has patterned his farming practice after. If you really want to kindle a desire to garden and grow your own food, it is worth a trip to Eden and a tour of this beautiful setting.

Thanks to the Rasmussen Family, Outstanding in the Field staff, Pago Restaurant's Scott Evans and Chef Michael Richey and staff, as well as the many delicious Utah products that made this event such a success. This is the first event in Utah from Outstanding in the Field. For those in attendance, we hope it is not the last.