HAMPSTEAD SELECTED TO HOST FARM DINNER ON OUTSTANDING IN THE FIELD’S 2011 INTERNATIONAL CULINARY TOU

March 23, 2011

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – March 21, 2011 –Hampstead Farms and Ham and High’s chef Joe Wolfson were recently selected to host an outdoor farm dinner as part of Outstanding in the Field’s 2011 culinary tour across the U.S. and Europe. Set for Oct. 13, 2011, the event marks Alabama’s only Outstanding in the Field dinner in 2011 and the first in all 11 seasons for the city of Montgomery. 

“It’s a tremendous honor to be selected to host an Outstanding in the Field dining experience and represent Alabama among other top chefs and venues across the country and abroad,” said Anna Lowder, co-owner of Hampstead Farms and Hampstead Institute board member. “This unprecedented event perfectly suits The Hampstead Institute’s mission to connect people in the community to each other together through education, sustainable agriculture and incredibly local food.”

Outstanding in the Field’s mission is to reconnect diners to the land and the origins of their food, while honoring the local farmers and food artisans who cultivate it. Since 1999, they have set the long table at unique and unexpected venues across the country, from farms and gardens, to mountaintops or sea caves. Wherever the location, the consistent theme of each dinner is to honor the people whose good work brings nourishment to the table.

Ingredients for the Outstanding in the Field meal will be mostly local, sourced within inches of a guest’s seat at the table or from local suppliers such as Oakview Farms, and prepared by celebrated guest chef,

Joe Wolfson of Ham and High. Following a tour of Hampstead Farms at 3 p.m. by hosts Anna Lowder and Harvi Sahota, diners, farmers, producers and culinary artisans will settle in around the long table for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Tickets are limited and available for purchase online as of Sunday, March 20. For event details or to claim your spot around the table, visit www.outstandinginthefield.com.

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About Hampstead Farms:

A return to Montgomery's agricultural roots, Hampstead Farms focuses on growing local, natural, sustainable foods. Operated by The Hampstead Institute non-profit organization, the 3-acre farm is embedded in the community and serves as a source of seasonal produce for Ham and High restaurant, while a community garden section encourages residents to grow their own produce with neighbors. Hampstead Farms also offers educational events for schools and community programs, a working barn, windmill and well system, raised planting beds, wildflower gardens, beehives and large event space. For more information, visit www.hampsteadfarms.comor follow The Hampstead Institute on Facebook.

About Ham and High:

Ham and High is a locally owned, neighborhood restaurant dedicated to providing seasonal, sustainable cuisine. Situated in the heart of Hampstead's thriving Village Center on Hampstead High Street, chef Joe Wolfson's nationally recognized menu changes daily in keeping with the fresh, seasonal items available. Focused on a true farm-to-table approach, chef Wolfson sources fresh produce from Hampstead's own 3-acre, all-natural farm and works directly with local farmers and artisans to obtain the season's best ingredients and meats. For more information, visit www.thehamandhigh.com or follow Ham and High on Facebook.