Something for Everyone at Farm-to-Table Dinner

One hundred people gathered at the Farm to Table Dinner on Arrowdale Road in North Haven to not only enjoy the 4 course dinner, but to also tour the Brockett’s Farm Museum filled with antique farm tools, the Christa Jo Glass Studio with beautiful fused glass and stained glass gifts, and Walt Brockett’s fully equipped woodworking shop tucked away in the hay mow of the old barn. If that was not sufficient, dinner guests could also see the visiting animals, including mammoth donkeys, llamas, goats, and sheep, which were brought in from Guilford by Kim Brockett Cappelli, her husband Mike, and son Drew. A display of tractors, dating from 1950 up to the current time, and historical farm photos, provided additional farm atmosphere just beyond the dinner tent.

The beautiful and very appropriate setting for this dinner is the property of Sue Brockett Lorusso and her husband, Jim Lorusso. The large open field offered plenty of space for the tent, and guests enjoyed seeing the antique corn crib, flower filled wagon, and gorgeous gardens in the area. This land is part of the old Arrowdale Farm which was a very productive dairy farm for generations of Brockett’s.

The dinner was prepared by Stellato’s Deli and Catering, led by Steven Stellato, and assisted by Tim Carr and Jill DeChello, editor of The North Haven Magazine. Frankie Muzio, owner of Frankie’s Organic Fruits and Vegetables Market on Hartford Turnpike, donated many boxes or organic vegetables and fruits. Frank Bumstead, also from Hartford Turnpike, donated grass-fed local beef, and Liuzzi Gourmet Food Market on State Street in North Haven, donated the chicken. Recipes used local raw honey from Ray Sola’s honey bees, and guests took home a filled honey bear container to enjoy. All of these generous donations are greatly appreciated and made the event possible and very successful.

The Daytime Gardeners of North Haven contributed country casual flower bouquets in Mason jars decorated with raffia. The gardeners used flowers from their own gardens and gathered at the home of Brenda Howlett to create the colorful centerpieces. The gardeners also shared patio pots from their homes to decorate the tent areas.

The proceeds from the dinner will benefit the renovation work being done by the North Haven Historical Society to upgrade the exhibits and displays, and to continue preserving important memorabilia. The Daytime Gardeners will also receive some proceeds that will help fund their community projects with gardens and educational activities for youth and adults.

Frankie Muzio will present a discussion and slide show for the Daytime Gardeners on September 24, 2019 about gardening with praying mantis and other tips for success with organic gardening. This is one of several educational meetings that are scheduled and open to the public. A $5.00 donation from guests is appreciated.

Submitted by Sally Brockett

203-239-5269

Photos by Sally Brockett