ORIENT – Mosa Shayan, farm programs manager at The Wallace Centers of Iowa, is the featured farmer during a “Know Your Farmer” dinner Saturday, July 27, at Henry A. Wallace Country Life Center, 2773 290th St., in rural Orient. This occasional dinner series features conversation with Iowa farmers and multi-course menus featuring their products. Shayan grows more than 40 varieties of fruits and vegetables on about 10 acres. Chefs Katie Porter and Sarah Mathiews are teaming up to prepare and serve a four-course farm to table meal.
“This is a unique summer event that really showcases the best of Iowa,” said Deb Houghtaling, president and CEO. “Diners can walk through the gardens, talk with our farmers and eat the fresh produce in a special meal just steps from the fields where the produce was grown.”
The event kicks off with a welcome at 4:45 p.m., followed by a garden tour at 5 p.m., seating at 6 p.m. and dinner service beginning at 6:30 p.m. The menu includes a farm vegetable platter starter, trio of summer sides, herb roasted pork loin with garlic roasted potatoes and leeks and sour cream cheesecake with caramel and summer apples.
The $50 per person fee includes gratuity. Diners can bring their own beer or wine, or purchase Iowa wine onsite. Seating will be community-style. Call 641-337-5019 or email lisaswanson@wallace.org for reservations.
The Wallace House in Des Moines and Henry A. Wallace Country Life Center in Orient are joined together as The Wallace Centers of Iowa. Together, the two historic sites provide educational programs and community services, produce fruits and vegetables, and offer locally-sourced meals. More information about the nonprofit can be found at www.wallace.org.
