Farm-to-table series starts in Iowa City

DES MOINES — The Iowa Tourism Office and Choose Iowa have partnered with the Iowa Restaurant Association to launch a seasonal farm-to-table dinner series, beginning Oct. 29 in Iowa City.

The first dinner will take place at Wilson’s Orchard & Farm where Chef Benjamin Smart of Big Grove Brewery will showcase ingredients from local farms in a five-course menu.

Tickets are on sale at iowafarmtotable.org.

Each dinner will highlight fresh seasonal offerings, with thoughtfully curated menus featuring Iowa ingredients. Smart’s fall-themed menu will be paired with seasonal beverages from Big Grove Brewery and Wilson’s Orchard.

The series also provides an educational component. High school students pursuing culinary arts will work side by side with chefs, gaining practical experience in meal preparation, presentation and kitchen operations.

Proceeds from the dinners will benefit the Iowa Restaurant Association Education Foundation, which supports culinary mentorship and scholarships for Iowa students.

The second event in the series will take place in December at Rose Farm in Warren County, with Chef Aaron Holt crafting a winter-themed menu.