The Greenery Nursery in Turlock is inviting the community to dine among their colorful array of flowers, plants and trees, all for a good cause. The Greenery’s first Farm to Fork Harvest Dinner will feature a meal made from locally sourced ingredients, supporting the area’s farmers and local nonprofit Jessica’s House while bringing Turlockers together.
“The Greenery is dedicated to supporting our local community, and with harvest right around the corner I knew there was something we could do” said Jay DeGraff, owner of The Greenery. “We’re in the heart of the Central Valley and with a local abundance of food, our beautiful surroundings and this amazing community, we’re certain it will be a success.”
Guests at the Farm to Fork Harvest Dinner will be treated to a three-course meal of locally grown produce, as well as delicacies from The Greenery’s very own pantry. Hors d’ oeuvres like grass-fed ground beef meatballs, goat cheese-stuffed Medjool dates and BLT bites will kick off the dinner, followed by a salad course. The main course will include grilled tri-tip, grilled chicken breast skewers, roasted fingerling and sweet potatoes and a corn and lima bean succotash.
Local growers contributing to the dinner include Turlock Fruit Co., which will provide a summer melon salad for the event, Farm Management of Ballico, which has donated sweet potatoes to the dinner and Rhodes Bean and Supply of Tracy, which will supply lima beans for the succotash to be served with the dinner’s main course. Angelini’s Italian Restaurant is also contributing chocolate cake bites for dessert.
Some items used in the dinner will come from The Greenery’s pantry, such as onion jam for the meatball hors d’ oeuvres and ingredients for a homemade almond pound cake, which guests will also have the option of choosing for dessert.
“Since we live in the agricultural breadbasket of the state, we wanted to create a menu and dinner to celebrate that,” said event partner Ali Cox.
Wine, champagne and live music will also be provided during the hors d’ oeuvres hour, featuring Modesto native and singer/songwriter Neill Buettner.
“I’m hoping this event gives us a chance to get together, enjoy great food and wine, while appreciating all that we have – while contributing to a great cause,” said DeGraff.
A portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit Jessica’s House, a nonprofit organization that provides support in a safe place for children, teens, young adults and their families grieving a death. Jessica’s House is also a resource for the community as they provide education, resources and onsite support for schools and organizations.
The Greenery’s Farm to Fork Harvest Dinner will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 25 at The Greenery, 742 E. Olive Ave. Tickets are $100 each and can be purchased at www.greenerydinner.eventbrite.com or can be bought in-store to avoid processing fees.
