Discover the delights that guests enjoyed at the last outer East Portland supper soirée of the season. And learn about the upcoming ‘Winter Camp’ for kids …
As evening settles over the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood, guests arrive at Zenger Farm for the last ‘Chef’s Series Dinner’ of the year.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Food is usually the featured attraction at Zenger Farm events – and their last “Chef’s Supper” of the year, held in their Urban Grange on Monday evening, November 5, offered guests fabulous victuals, created by some of Portland’s top chefs.
The some 40 guests first noshed on passed appetizers, such as “Imperial Fried Chicken Skewers”, buteubrodi with sturgeon pastrami, and chanterelle cornmeal fritters.
On the deck of the Urban Grange, guests enjoy beverages and served hors-d’oeuvres before dinner.
“Our family are big supporters of Zenger Farm; it’s been an important part of our lives,” smiled arriving guest Multnomah County District 3 Commissioner Jessica Vega Pederson.
“Zenger Farm has made a major commitment to serving outer East Portland community,” Vega Pederson observed. “Not just because of its location, but also by giving back to our students in their programs and, as well, helping groups such as immigrant communities with space for their own gardens.”
Multnomah County District 3 Commissioner Jessica Vega Pederson spends a moment with Zenger Farms’ Executive Director Michael Wenrick.
“Here at our third and final ‘Chefs Series Dinner’ fundraiser of the year, we have three of Portland’s original ‘rock-star’ chefs in the kitchen!” enthused Zenger Farms Executive Director Michael Wenrick.
“Like our other fundraisers, all of the money raised here tonight will help support the Zenger Farm scholarship program, so that low income, and low resource, schools can participate for free at no cost in our educational programs,” Wenrick told East Portland News.
In the kitchen are chefs Matthew Jarrell of Paley Hospitality Group; Vitaly Pailey owner of that business; Michelle Vernier from Bella’s Italian Bakery; and Cory Schreiber, Consulting Chef for Cisco Foods.
Specifically, he remarked, “About 1,200 fifth-graders from the David Douglas School District participate in three full days of class at the farm during the school year, thanks to the community’s support. Also, this financial support helps us contribute no-cost ‘CSA Shares’ to food-insecure families in the neighborhood.”
At many of these events, Wenrick pointed out, the guests aren’t even familiar with Zenger Farm. “They come because they’re fans of the chefs – they come here for the food and wine pairings – and while they’re here, they get to learn about the great work that we do here.”
Guests are about to be seated for dinner, at which they’re served a three-course dinner, paired with wine.
Registration open for ‘Winter Camp’
There’s no reason for youngsters to sit at home when they can spend one day, or several, at the “Winter Camp” program, beginning December 17, Wenrick pointed out. “Our Winter Camp will be available for first- through ninth-grade kids who are out of school for those two weeks – so this is the time to register to get in on the action for the entire camp, or just for a day.”
The camps, held December 17-21, and December 31-January 2, provide age-appropriate activities for 1st through 3rd graders; 4th through 5th graders, and 7th through 9th graders, with classes such as:
- Winter Farm Critters
- Little Chefs
- Junior Chefs
- Chef Masters
- Winter Wild craft
For details about the camps at Zenger Farm – including hours, fees, scholarships, and other information – see their official webpage: CLICK HERE.
© 2018 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™
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