This summer, we’re inviting you to spend summer at Kelmarna celebrating all the ways food brings people together.
Back on the menu for the eighth year running, Kelmarna’s acclaimed Farm Dinners kick off Wednesday 11 February. With four talented chefs over eight glorious evenings, our Farm Dinners showcase the best of our own fresh ingredients enjoyed al fresco on the farm itself.
Invited to take inspiration from what’s growing on the farm, the chefs will create multi-course meals for diners to share on long tables set amongst the trees, plants and flowers. It’s an experience that truly reflects the farm to table concept.
Elie Assaf and the team from Lebanese Grocer will serve a shared two-course menu celebrating fresh garden produce, vibrant mezze, house-made dips and warm flatbreads followed by fire-cooked protein. Designed to be generous, communal and relaxed, the two evenings over 11 and 12 February bring together Lebanese flavours and local produce finishing with a special sweet inspired by Lebanese Grocer favourites.
Second up on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 February is Kane Wilson from Someplace Somewhere. Kane, part of the Ooh-Fa whanau, finds his inspiration through fire, fermentation and time spent with good produce. "Cooking in such a beautiful, calming space and letting what’s growing guide the menu feels really special." Kane’s food leans closely into modern Japanese cooking.
Returning chef Joe O’Connell of MAMA restaurant brings over two decades of experience and is passionate about sourcing from small-scale producers, including Kelmarna Farm. Joe and his team will create a family style Italian feast on 18 and 19 February featuring some of MAMA’s signature dishes with a Kelmarna twist and lesser-known regional Italian dishes reflecting Joe’s signature low waste, flavour packed cooking style.
For our last two dinners on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 February, Georgia van Prehn (Alta restaurant, also ex head chef at Scotch Wine Bar) is creating a vegetarian, grazing style three-course shared menu, catering to vegans also. Expect simple and comforting flavours but with a bit more creativity, playfulness and thought-provoking elements.
Says Kelmarna General Manager Sarah McFadden: "We’re excited to welcome Elie, Kane, Joe and Georgia and their teams to Kelmarna. Their generous support of our kaupapa really validates the important role the farm plays in the community and raises valuable funds to support the education and therapeutic work we do.”
The Farm Dinners are a highlight of the farm’s event calendar which this year includes two community festivals in March. Little Kai Festival on Sunday 8 March is all about kids, kai and conversation. Come along and learn more about regenerative and sustainable food practices from the experts, while the kids enjoy craft, games and competitions around the green. Alcohol-free, family fun afternoon.
Equinox Festival on Saturday 21 March is your chance to say goodbye to summer and find your equilibrium with a lazy afternoon of music, wine and food. Listen to cruisey beats from local artists, sample artisan beverages and enjoy a selection of delicious kai. kelmarna.co.nz/events/
Kelmarna Community Farm, 12 Hukanui Crescent, T: 09 376 0472, www.kelmarna.co.nz
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