Scenes from our Spring Farm Dinner at No.9 Farms
One long table sets the stage for new and old friendships, music, drink and great local food at the Edible Farm Dinners.
2024 Spring Farm Dinner at McKinney Farm
Magic in a greenhouse and an epic rain
On the 3rd and 4th of May, in the gorgeous greenhouse at McKinney Farm, located within the 2,000 acre Big East Fork Farm in Leiper's Fork, Tennessee, Edible Nashville hosted its signature Spring Farm Dinner. The stars aligned on Friday night as the weather was picture perfect, casting a crisp, golden hue over the valley. Saturday was a bit more memorable, and adventurous, as a torrential downpour greeted us along with the guests.
With picture perfect weather, guests strolled to the greenhouse down a lush garden path lined with flowering blackberries, to arrive at the dinner, complete with band, bar and passed appetizers. The long table, set for 124, awaited in the greenhouse as guests mingled, munched and greeted Rosie the donkey and the piglets in the field. The tantalizing aroma of open fire cooking by Edible Chef Skylar Bush and 1Kitchen's Chris Crary and Tyler Lee, added to the excitement of the evening.
The main bar was nestled in the field between the band and an accompanying setup from Corsair and George Dickel serving cocktails and doing tastings. Edible Nashville Editor, Jill Melton, and greenhouse owner Wade McKinney and farm owner Jonathan Oppenheimer offered warm greetings. Guests were seated for a family style meal of locally sourced, seasonal dishes. Candles were lit, bread and sides were passed and new friends were made.
Photo 1: The table in the greenhouse at McKinney Farm
Photo 2: The Gubernaughts provided soulful sounds
Photo 3: Piglet
Photo 4: Bar in the open field
Photo 5: Dinner is served in the greenhouse
Photo 6: Passed apps by the chefs of 1Kitchen
Photo 7: Jonathan Oppenheimer, owner of Big East Fork Farm in Leipers Fork
Photo 8: Wade McKinney of McKinney Farm at Big East Fork Farm
By the end of the night, what started as a gathering of acquaintances had transformed into a close-knit community of friends. The live music, and laughter filled the greenhouse, leaving everyone with lasting memories and exciting takeaways in the swag bags.
Saturday, Mother Nature was not so kind, as a record breaking rain, slowed guests and eventually flooded the parking area and creek bed that accessed the farm. But staff and guests were not deterred. The entire team rolled up their sleeves and got to work. Glasses were set, wine was poured, appetizers were passed. The bar was moved to the greenhouse as well as the musicians. Pants were rolled up, shoes were kicked off. Guests were shuttled over the swollen creek in a truck. With drinks in hand, guests observed the adventure of the rain, as cars were moved and everyone improvised. With one big happy table of guests bonded over Mother Nature, stories were swapped and hilarity ensued. By dessert, guests ambled out of the greenhouse to a beautiful foggy and dramatic sunset. When the evening wrapped, there was one final adventure as guests were shuttled over the still raging creek in a four wheeler. An adventure they will not soon forget.
The 2024 Edible Nashville Spring Farm Dinner was not without drama, and a resounding success, and it wouldn't have been possible without Corsair Distillery support, beautiful libations, and of course Dylan and the Corsair teams' charismatic presence.
It's with immense gratitude that we thank all of our sponsors for their support and for contributing to the magic of the weekend; Corsair, George Dickel, 1Kitchen and Mayker Evetns.
Related Stories & Recipes
Flowings: A Creek Dinner in Leiper's Fork
Second seating Friday night, September 11. Get tickets here and check out last years creek dinner!
Scenes from our First Farm Dinner
There's something convivial and magical when you eat under the stars. Especially at one long table where food is served family-style. It's hard to not converse with your neighbor when you're sharing W...
