Lowell’s Open Table Hosts Farm-to-Table Fundraiser

Next Wednesday promises to be delicious. Lowell’s Open Table is hosting a farm-to-table meal at Witt’s Inn, featuring three courses prepared by Chef Chad Idema. The Harvest Gathering event is bringing together local food, drinks and music for a memorable evening in the Lowell countryside.

Creating Community Over Dinner

Lowell’s Open Table hosts a free community meal each Thursday evening from 5pm-7pm at the First Congregational Church on Lincoln Lake Ave. The meals invite community members to take a night off from cooking and enjoy a relaxing evening with friends and neighbors. In its first year, Lowell’s Open Table served up more than 5,000 meals.

Kathryn Atwood is one area resident who has enjoyed some of those dinners. “It is great to skip a night of prep and cooking and just focus on each other,” she says. “The meals are always delicious and the atmosphere friendly.”

Knowing that the organization is a volunteer effort, Atwood asked if she could organize a fundraiser to support the work of Lowell’s Open Table. The answer was yes, and Atwood had the perfect idea: a farm-to-table meal that would make use of the local bounty. “It emulates what they are already doing weekly for the community with a slightly more upscale feel,” she says.

Local businesses have been quick to throw their support behind the concept, and the Harvest Gathering will highlight some of the best Lowell has to offer.

Fresh Food Plentiful, Tickets Limited

The centerpiece of the fundraiser is a farm-to-table meal prepared by Chef Chad Idema. The farm-to-table concept involves using fresh, local ingredients to create flavorful meals appropriate for the season.

“I expect it to be fantastic as Chef Idema is extremely talented and has spent a great deal of time mulling over the perfect menu,” Atwood says. The Harvest Gathering meal will start with a salad and then move to a main course of chicken piccata, seasonal vegetables and smashed potatoes. Chocolate truffles will be served up for dessert.

However, the food is only one part of the event. Drinks from New Union Brewery, Painted Turtle Hard Cider, Lowell Beer Store and Blueberry Farm will also be provided as well as lemonade and coffee. Plus, Fusion Rock Orchestra will be performing. Guests can try their hand at yard games and a silent auction will offered featuring the following items among others:

• Framed and autographed photo of Detroit Red Wings player Henrik Zetterburg
• Three hour fishing excursion for two people on Morrison Lake
• Local pickles and maple syrup
• Night at Witt’s Inn

The Harvest Gathering will be held next Wednesday, September 27, from 6-9pm at Witt’s Inn. The Inn is located at 2534 Alden Nash NE, and longtime Lowell residents may know it best as the former McGee Homestead Bed and Breakfast.

Tickets to the event are $40 and include both dinner and drinks. There are only 100 tickets available so you’ll want to reserve your spot ASAP. Use the donate button on Lowell’s Open Table website to purchase your ticket. A confirmation will emailed, and your name will be added to the list of attendees. A physical ticket is not provided.

All proceeds go to support the work of Lowell’s Open Table.