Local farm-to-fork celebration has a French twist

The Sacramento region shares a lot in common with France – especially when it comes to what we grow. Here’s an opportunity to celebrate our local bounty with French flair – while supporting the education of future farmers (and a lot more).

The Village Feast – a Sacramento Valley farm-to-fork tradition like no other – returns Sunday afternoon, Sept. 22, to Davis Central Park in Davis. Tickets are on sale now for this al fresco celebration of local food and drink hosted by two non-profit organizations – Davis Farm to School and Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI) Sacramento.

Now in its 21st year, the Village Feast found its inspiration in Provence – the French region with a similar climate to Northern California that grows similar crops – and communal fall dinners saluting the local harvest. Common culinary threads, such as olive oil and wine, naturally link our Mediterranean climates.

In Davis Central Park’s outdoor setting with an all locally sourced menu, the Village Feast gives that Provencal “Grand Aioli” tradition a distinctly California flavor.

Besides enjoying food and camaraderie, patrons also have the chance to bid on unique auction items and experiences provided by local restaurants, farmers and food professionals (such as a seven-course dinner for six at Mulvaney’s B&L). Proceeds support the non-profits’ programs and charitable causes. Since 2018, the Village Feast has raised almost $200,000 for these efforts.

“The Village Feast offers a double whammy,” says Liz Mishler, owner of Bella Bru Cafes and the event space at Milagro Center. “First you have the joyful opportunity to indulge in a delicious meal at the site of the Davis Farmers Market, bid on an array of tempting offers from vacation homes to tasty culinary treats.

“Secondly, you are contributing to the Les Dames d’Escoffier scholarship fund, which supports St. John’s Program for Real Change for women, Center for Land-Based Learning and Alchemist CDC.”

Also benefiting from Feast proceeds is Davis Farm to School, which provides farm- and food-education programs to 8,000 students annually. Davis Farm to School also supports several school gardens, introducing kids to how food grows.

“The Village Feast is a great opportunity for the community to come together, to share a great meal, and to celebrate successes of our organizations,” says Nathaniel Tauzer, executive director of Davis Farm to School. “I always look forward to meeting with old friends and making new ones, as well as supporting programming that has a positive impact on future generations.”

Limited to about 270 guests, this farm-to-fork Feast is held during a fall afternoon in the middle of a park under the awnings of the Davis Farmers Market – an appropriate setting for a meal featuring local produce, cheese, wine, bread, honey, olive oil and more. Buckhorn Grill will cater grilled fresh lamb, the Feast’s traditional entree. (Vegan options are available.) Bella Bru Bakery provides such desserts as fresh pear tarts. Of course, there will be fresh aioli, the garlicky mayonnaise that gives the “Grand Aioli” its name.

As in France, guests bring their own plates, napkins and utensils to this sustainable event; scores of place settings create a colorful patchwork down the long tables.

Says co-chair Amanda Frew, “The Village Feast is in its 21st year and we are thrilled to once again be partnering with Davis Farm to School to bring it to life. It is truly a beautiful event filled with wonderful company and a delicious farm-to-fork menu that celebrates the amazing agricultural producers here in the Sacramento Valley – from fruits and vegetables, to honey, to olive oil, and wine – all while supporting fresh food in schools and women in culinary, agricultural and hospitality sectors. We invite everyone to come break bread with us on September 22nd and hope 2024 is our biggest year yet!”