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Great chefs are Congregating at the
Summerfield Waldorf School & Farm

The discovery of the Summerfield Waldorf School and Farm in Santa Rosa, CA for renowned chefs Traci Des Jardins of Jardinière, John Stewart and Duskie Estes of Sonoma County's Zazu and Bovolo, Patricia Taan of Farmhouse Inn, and Nick Peyton of Cyrus, has led to the most sumptuous Farm to Table feast fundraiser in the region being held May 14, 2011 at the Summerfield Waldorf School and Farm in Santa Rosa, CA.

Wendy Mardigian (assistant), Duskie Estes of Zazu and Bovolo, and Traci Des Jardins of Jardinière

It's all about the state-of-the-art educational curriculum at the Summerfield Waldorf School and Farm featuring hands-on integrated learning skills to include farming, live circus trapeze skills, music, art, construction, all in addition to an excellent academic curriculum.

A tour of the 38 acre facility is highlighted by a 15 acre garden of biodynamically farmed vegetables maintained by its diverse student body, along with a medicinal garden, an heirloom apple orchard, animal husbandry program with a newborn calf, an exceptional music program, as well as other exciting hands on programs to offer a child a superior education, long thought extinct.

A child at the school's produce stand

The school's Farm to Table program represents the growing awareness that many of today's smartest and best chefs carry into their own restaurant. While the fresh produce grown in your own back yard offers a better, fresher tasting and more nutritional product for even the most cost conscious of us all, it also reminds us that our own backyard offers us all a natural bounty that we've often overlooked in today's "modern age" of getting it all from the grocery store. Traci, Duskie and John, all local Sonoma chefs and practicing gardeners for their own restaurants, have taught the school's student body how to grow and harvest these vegetables, providing the opportunity for the students to then pass on the knowledge to their own parents and local communities. The chefs' participation has not only given the school the skills they need to offer this program, but it plays a key role in the preparation of the yearly fundraisers the school provides each year to raise funds for future scholarships.

"Right now, 35% of our student body is on scholarship. We would love to be in a position to double that," says Development Director Andrea Johnston . "That's why we are going to such lengths to make sure that our community knows of this fundraiser. It would be an excellent opportunity to get to know each other."

Tickets cost $250 per plate, and the five course dinner and wine tasting will be prepared by none other than Traci Des Jardins of Jardiniere, John Stewart and Duskie Estes of Sonoma County's Zazu and Bovolo, Patricia Taan of Farmhouse Inn, and Nick Peyton of Cyrus, and will be served under a 100 year old walnut tree, promising to be a good time for all who attend.

Under the walnut tree lights at last year's dinner
The event begins at 4 pm, and includes pre-dinner wine tasting, a multi-course dinner, and critically acclaimed wines. Tickets ($250) may be purchased at Brown Paper Tickets (www.brownpapertickets.com) while more information is available via www.farmtofeast.org or 707.575.7194 ext 105.

About Summerfield Waldorf School and Farm
Summerfield Waldorf School and Farm (www.summerfieldwaldorf.org.) was founded in Santa Rosa in 1974. It provides a Waldorf-based education for children from early childhood through high school. An integral part of the school's curriculum is a 38-acre campus with 15 acres that have been biodynamically farmed for 30 years and certified Demeter Biodynamic® since 2003. This farm is one of only 100 such farms in the United States. Summerfield Waldorf School and Farm is a 501c (3) non-profit corporation. An early childhood through high school education supports the growth of social awareness, active tolerance and living harmoniously with the environment.

Article by Ellen Walsh
Photos courtesy of Summerfield Waldorf School & Farm

 

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