Last week, we were whisked away in a mini bus courtesy of Destination BC from Vancouver to a magical, long table dinner in Langley at Central Park Farms to enjoy a local, fresh ingredients-focused menu designed by Chef Adrian Beaty, alongside Langley-based farmers and producers.
[Beautiful decor by mother-and-daughter team of Valley Weddings]
In 2015, Central Park Farms began as a part-time venture and since then has expanded to raising non-GMO fed free-range chicken, pasture-raised pork, grass-fed, grass-finished beef and farm-fresh eggs from non-GMO fed pasture-raised hens.
Upon arrival, we were greeted then guided through the acreage by Kendall of Central Park Farms to see how true the farm stays to their mission of providing the best quality of life for their animals and to give their customers delicious and healthy options to feed their family.
Animals at work! The farm “profits” from allowing its animals to freely forage and root around in the grass and dirt, which in turn helps to improve the soil around the property.
[Roots and Wings Distillery vodka-spiked lemonade]
Before dinner, we sipped on lavender-infused lemonbalm lemonade containing Vital Vodka (produced by Roots and Wings Distillery) while listening to Ryan McAllister’s acoustic set. In between courses, we wandered around the farm greeting other animals and slipped in a few games of lawn bowling and ladder toss (formerly known as Horsey Golf).
[Serenaded by Ryan McAllister of Abbotsford-based band Dakona]
By chance, we sat beside the duo that started Langley-based distillery Roots and Wings. Rebekah shared that being a family-owned and operated micro distillery gives them the chance to experiment with uniquely-crafted creations. Just a few blocks away, over on 240th Street in Langley, distillery tastings of their gins and vodka are available from Fridays to Sundays in summer.
[Enjoying dinner with glasses of Backyard Vineyards’ Rose and Riesling wines]
[Chef Adrian Beaty]
Chef Adrian Beaty is known for his decade-plus experience and passion of creating menus featuring farm-to-plate seasonal cuisine via working with local farmers. He studied under two-star Michelin chef Stephen Meyer, was part of many local food menu development opportunities throughout British Columbia and ran a restaurant (since closed), The Seasonal Experience, alongside his wife Shannon.
[Central Park Farms pork and herb biscuits with whipped pork butter]
Currently only available to restaurants through their community-supported agriculture program (CSA), we were delighted to graze on micro-greens and field vegetables by True Grit Farms. The high-quality micro-greens were refreshingly crunchy and nutritious.
Dinner featured BC Buzz honey-glazed Central Park Farms’ slow-roasted chicken and a platter of Central Park Farms pork with Trading Post Brewing stout-brined ham and house-made beer sausage with bacon stout jam.
[A sweet finish: Central Park Farms lard-crusted fruit pies with candied bacon ice cream]
Here’s a quick video showing off the farm’s best citizens (and our serene dinner setting!):
Central Park Farms is located at 527 224 Street in Langley. Their farm-fresh goods can be found at various farmers’ markets and local boutique meat shops throughout the Lower Mainland. Visit them online to learn more.
[Photo courtesy of Central Park Farms]
We’ve heard their next long table dinner (on September 16) will be a good old-fashioned lobster boil featuring 1.5-pound lobsters flown in from the Maritimes.
Where not expressly mentioned, photos by Yumi Ang.
About Our Contributor Yumi Ang
Yumi Ang is a Vancouver-born and raised multidisciplinary, creative professional. Curiosity for innovation drives her to branding, advertising and marketing. Outside her design work, Yumi stays inspired by discovering the latest gift ideas through events and new adventures. On Twitter @yumi_ang.
