The Right Direction!

Organic farmers, ranchers, fishermen, vintners, and notable chefs team up to donate cooking talent and locally-grown, artisanal foods at The Ecology Center’s third annual outdoor farm-based fundraising dinner, Green Feast.

From all over Southern and Central California, organic farmers, ranchers, wine makers and renowned chefs will contribute their expertise and their foods, to serve up The Ecology Center’s third annual Green Feast on Saturday, September 10, 2011. Over two hundred supporters of The Ecology Center will sample hors d’oeuvres and enjoy a five-course meal served on tables set up end to end outdoors at The Ecology Center. For a look at the full menu, click here.

The Green Feast generates funds for educational programs at the South Orange County non-profit, housed in an historic farmhouse. Conceived by founder Evan Marks, the three-year-old learning facility offers programs for school children, families and adults interested in learning practical ways to grow organic gardens, conserve water and energy, and design environmentally responsible living environments.

The Feast will take place from 4:00 p.m. until after dark. Dinner will be served on tables dressed in white linens and candles, set up communal-style next to The Ecology Center.

Before dinner, guests will be entertained by the Eco App Off where they will be sampling appetizers from 10 stations spaced around The Center. Guests will be asked to vote for their favorite appetizer. Chefs participating in The Eco Ap Off are Ryan O’Melvey Wilson (Five Crowns Side Door), Casey Overton (Loft at Montage Resort), Nathan Coulon (True Foods), Ryan Adams (Sorrento Grill), Gina Galvan (Chomp Chomp Naition), Justin Monson (Vine), Paul Buchanan (Primal Alchemy), John Cuevas (Crow Bar and Kitchen), Scott Brandon, Ryan Carson (Anqui), Pascal Olhats (Pascal), and Cathy McNight (What a Dish).

After The Eco Ap Off, Chefs Cathy McNight (What a Dish), Jenny Ross (118 Degrees), Rich Mead (Sage and Canyon), Rob Wilson (Montage Resort), and Yves Fournier (Andre’s Conscius Cuisine) will prepare the remaining four courses. All food is prepared in an outdoor kitchen. As each course is served, the rancher, fisherman or farmer responsible for the main ingredient will speak to guests about his or her special approach to organic, pasture-raised and sustainable farming.

Among the purveyors participating in this year’s Green Feast are Santa Monica Seafood, Carlsbad Aqua Farm, MM Livestock, South Coast Farms, Weiser Family Farms, Hidden Haven Farms, Tablas Creek Vineyards, Bonterra Vineyards, and Edward Sellers Vineyard.

Tickets for the event are $180 per person for members of The Ecology Center. Tickets for non-members are $225. Persons wishing to become members, at a minimum price of $50 per person, can telephone The Ecology Center at (949) 443-4223. Non-members can purchase tickets either by calling The Ecology Center, or online at TheEcologyCenter.org.

The Ecology Center is located at 32701 Alipaz Street in San Juan Capistrano. For additional information, please contact Vicki Marks at The Ecology Center, 949-443-4223 or vicki@TheEcologyCenter.org.