Farm to Fork Dinner

Farm to Fork Dinner

Sunday, September 8: Dinner on the Farm: 4 – 7:30pm; Dancing in the Hay Barn 7:30 – 9:30pm

Join us September 8th for an evening on the UCSC Farm, featuring music, appetizers, tours, and local wine followed by a four-course family-style dinner on the farm overlooking the Monterey Bay. As the sun sets, head down to the Hay Barn for music, dancing, and dessert. Dinner will feature produce from the Farm and Chadwick Garden prepared by Ty Pearce of Busy Bee’s Cafe and Catering, with wine and beer provided by Storrs Winery, Madson Wines, and Discretion Brewing. Proceeds of ticket sales support the Center for Agroecology’s programming and facilities.

Ticket Options 

Tickets for the four-course dinner on the UCSC Farm from 4-7:30 PM include dessert and dancing in the Hay Barn from 7:30-9:30 PM. Tickets are $200 per person.

Not interested in dinner? You can skip the meal and join us from 7:30-9:30 PM for dancing and dessert in the Hay Barn for $25.

Purchase Tickets

Attire

Like many farms, the terrain at the UCSC Farm can be uneven and dusty. We recommend wearing shoes you can walk confidently in. Fall evenings on the farm are the perfect opportunity to layer—a sun hat and scarf would be perfect accessories for the event—and, if you are joining us for the barn dance portion of the evening, some boots would make great footwear for the evening.

About our Chef

Ty Pearce is the chef/owner of Busy Bees Cafe & Catering. Ty fell in love with food at a young age and decided that was the path he wanted to be on. He started his food journey in the family’s restaurant and catering business at age 14, working his way up over the years from bus boy to executive chef. He also worked in like-minded restaurants like Chez Panisse that focused on the freshest produce and sustainable practices.

He went to culinary school in the East Bay Area and then moved abroad to work and study food, which gave Ty a broader understanding of culture, ingredients, menus, and traditions. He has devoted his career to and is passionate in keeping traditions, quality ingredients, and customer service the primary focus of his business ventures.

Menu

Appetizers 

• Farm Fresh Spring Rolls: featuring a vibrant mix of produce from the UCSC Farm and featuring a ginger chili sauce (gluten free and vegan)
• Gorgonzola Fig Honey Crostini: Irresistible crostini topped with creamy gorgonzola, dried figs, and local honey
• Burrata Crostini: Lush, creamy burrata paired with ripe, sun-kissed farm tomatoes and fragrant basil from the farm, served on artisanal crostini
• Charcuterie Board: A luxurious assortment of artisanal cheeses, savory meats, and succulent dried fruits, accompanied by both gluten-free and regular crackers

Family-Style Dinner 

• Fresh baked rolls with butter (Gluten free option)
• Farm Fresh Corn Salad blend of seasonal corn, cherry tomatoes, crisp arugula, zucchini, and radish, all tossed in a zesty citrus dressing (Vegan and gluten-free)
• Farm Fresh Greens Salad highlighted by pomegranate seeds, juicy oranges, and crunchy pecans, dressed in a bright citrus vinaigrette (gluten-free and vegan if no cheese is added)
• Creamy Polenta served with a choice of cheese on the side to add your perfect touch (Gluten-free, vegan if no cheese is added)
• Roasted Farm Vegetables fresh from the farm and garden (Gluten free and vegan)
• Grilled Tri-Tip with a smokey flavor
• Mediterranean Chicken infused with Mediterranean spices and herbs
• Grilled Cauliflower Steaks with a savory and herbaceous sauce. (Gluten-free and vegan)

Dessert Buffet Style Served in the Hay Barn 

• Apple Crumble Pie Bites featuring farm-fresh apples and a buttery crumble topping
• Berry Crumble featuring farm fresh berries
• Gluten-Free Brownies- rich, fudgy brownies from Companion Bakery, perfect for a sweet finish (gluten free)

Parking 

Please plan to park in lots 115/116. A shuttle to the event will be available for those with limited mobility.

Getting to lots 115/116:

• Continue on Bay Street as it becomes Coolidge Drive.
• Continue up the hill on Coolidge and turn right at the Ranch View/Carriage House Road stoplight into the
• Carriage House/Campus Facilities parking lot (Lot 116).

The Farm is a 5-minute walk across the street from the parking lot.

• Walk across Coolidge and follow the signs that say Hay Barn.
• Stay on Ranch View Road and turn right into the Hay Barn parking lot.
• Walk up the hill from the back of the Hay Barn parking lot.
• Proceed through the two gates to reach the UCSC Farm and the event check-in table.

The Center for Agroecology is a new sponsor of this year’s Open Farm Tours. Please support their programs that provide future generations with the farming and agricultural training we need for a more sustainable world.