Spring is in the air -- if not the actual calendar -- which means it's time for some of the Valley's biggest chefs to join forces with farmer Pat Duncan for the annual Farmer in the House dining series.
This year's series includes seven dinners (so far) with chefs such as Kevin Binkley, James Porter, and Vincent Guerithault. Each event will feature a special menu that highlights the "the exotic fruits and vegetables from [Duncan's] boutique organic farm."
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Though the menus are veggie-centric, Farmer in the House dinners aren't strictly vegetarian. Each dinner also will feature one or several wineries, with courses paired by the chef and/or restaurant's sommelier.
Pat Duncan, owner of Duncan's Trading Co., will be on hand to discuss the selection of vegetables featured at each event. His farm grows more than 150 varieties of organic fruits and vegetables including 18 varieties of lettuces, 12 varieties of greens, and six varieties of multi-colored beets.
A portion of the proceeds from each dinner will also be donated to the Association of Arizona Food Banks.
Thursday, March 27 Chef Vincent Guerithault Vincent on Camelback Multiple vineyards
Tuesday, April 1 Chef Charles Kassels El Chorro Lodge Multiple vineyards
Thursday, April 1 Chef/owner Carolyn Ellis Arcadia Farms Café Multiple vineyards
Monday, April 14 Executive chef Chuck Wiley Café ZuZu at Hotel Valley Ho Selby Winery, Russian River Valley, CA
Tuesday, April 22 Chef/owner James Porter Petite Maison Multiple vineyards
Wednesday, April 30 Executive chef James Ducas Lon's at the Hermosa Inn Multiple vineyards
Wednesday, May 28 Chef/owner Kevin Binkley Binkley's Restaurant Multiple vineyards
Additional dates and menus will be posted on the Duncan's Trading Co. website as they're confirmed. Call the restaurant for reservations.
