By LORI SZEPELAK
Corresponden
WESTFIELD – A brother and sister team are lovingly tending to the vegetable and herb gardens at the Genesis Spiritual Life & Conference Center on Mill Street which will contribute to the produce at three Farm to the Table Dinners in the coming months.
“Outside of our kitchen is Janet’s Herb Garden,” noted Liz Walz, executive director at Genesis, during an interview with the Westfield News earlier this week. “Janet Kondrat worked for us for 27 years and retired two years ago but still tends to the garden.”
Since the herb garden is just a few steps away from the kitchen, head cook Jen Moynihan has easy access to what is ready to be picked. Currently, there is lavender, thyme, oregano, basil, dill and mint to pick and add to meals being prepared throughout the day.
Kondrat’s brother, Ronnie Sienkiewicz, tends to the vegetable garden which is currently producing green beans, kale, chard, tomatoes, carrots, radishes, yellow pole beans, squash and zucchini.
“The 19 serene acres at Genesis is the ideal location for such an experience and we are pleased to bring Farm to the Table Dinners to our neighbors,” said Walz.
Farm to Table Dinners, culinary adventures served in the fresh air, are growing in popularity across the country, according to Suzanne M. Boniface, Genesis’ marketing director.
“The fresh air dining experience provides an opportunity to eat exquisitely prepared food with local produce in an environment, 19 acres, best online casino that is cared for in a very sustainable way,” said Boniface.
Boniface suggested the concept to Walz earlier in the year and soon they were working with Lenita Bober of Blossoming Acres in Southwick and John Keilch of Yellow Stonehouse Farm in Westfield, to showcase what local harvests can produce.
“They have been so knowledgeable in helping us design our menus for each dinner,” said Boniface. “We have talked about what vegetables will be available when, what works well with what, and different recipe ideas.”
The July 26 dinner is already sold out but tickets are available for the Aug. 16 dinner from 5 to 8 p.m. and the Oct. 4 dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. On Aug. 16, musician Lara Tupper will perform and The Beeline Ramblers will be the featured musicians on Oct. 4.
Seating is limited and early reservations are recommended.
“The meal for each evening will be uniquely designed and will feature local garden-fresh harvest of the moment,” said Walz. “Also at each dinner, local musicians will entertain guests and activities for children will ensure a wonderful evening for all our guests.”
Boniface added that parents are encouraged to bring their children.
“We love to see children outside in the open air, running around,” she said. “We have plenty of outdoor space. We also have chickens on our property for them to see.”
The costs for the dinner is $35 per adult, $15 for ages six to 12, and children five and under are free. Ticket prices include appetizers, dinner, dessert, non-alcoholic beverages, tax and service. A beer and wine cash bar will be available.
In the event of inclement weather, the event will be conducted in the Carriage House.
For more information on the dinners, including menus or to purchase tickets, visit www.GenesisSpiritualCenter.org or call (413) 562-3627.
Sponsors of the dinners include the Westfield News Group, Mercy Medical Center, Northern Tree Service and Kevin and Judy Mealey.
“Genesis is pleased to bring this experience to the local community,” said Walz. “Western Massachusetts, with its distinctive array of farms and their delicious harvest, provides a unique setting to enjoy culinary adventures in the way of Farm to Table dining.”
