How to Attend Outstanding in the Field in 2023

Diners eating along a very long table atop a grassy hill with views of trees and the ocean — A very long table is needed to accommodate up to 200 diners.

At McCabe Ranch, a sprawling cattle farm nestled into the base of the cosmically beautiful Elk Mountain range near Snowmass, Colorado, roughly 200 diners gathered recently for a farm-to-table dinner of house-made sourdough, red wine–braised beef cheek, and gala apple tart with streusel topping and Boulder-foraged rosehip-infused chantilly cream prepared by Chef Mattia Agazzi of Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura Beverly Hills. It was one of 77 Outstanding in the Field events (a roving, outdoor dinner series) that will be taking place across the United States, Canada, Europe, and South Africa this year, wherein celebrated chefs from the area prepare a multicourse family-style meal with locally sourced ingredients.

“Outstanding in the Field was founded to connect diners to the origins of their food and to create an experience that is in harmony with its environment,” Jim Denevan, who started Outstanding in the Field in 1999, told AFAR. “The communal seating, interactions with the farmers and producers, and guided farm tours encourage guests to interact, share stories, and develop a deeper appreciation for the food, the people, and the values that underpin the farm-to-table movement. Every guest experience is unique, but many will attest to having made new friends and to have gained an appreciation for the hard-working hands that feed them.“

While the Snowmass event took place in a historic barn, others will be held in vineyards, at ranches, on beaches, atop mountains, and in the middle of downtown streets. Regardless of the venue, all the diners are seated at a single, long, communal table.

A long dining table flanked by chairs extends into a lake surrounded by trees with cloudy skies overhead — Outstanding in the Field events often take place among visually striking surroundings.

This season, the focus is on handmade and local contributions by makers and purveyors, including a slew of new female winemakers, oyster farmers, and artisanal cheese makers. Among them are James Beard Foundation Award nominees, such as Rob Rubba of Michelin-starred Oyster Oyster; Renee Touponce of Port of Call and Oyster Club; Michael Diaz De Leon of Brutø; and Rene Andrade of Bacanora. Other notable chefs include Alex Hong of Michelin-starred Sorrel, Eric Adjepong, a Bravo Top Chef finalist, and Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski, the married duo from Michelin-starred and James Beard Award–winning State Bird Provisions.

“We look for chefs from around the world who, like us, enjoy showcasing dedicated farmers and ingredients grown with intent and who prioritize local sourcing in their own practice,” Denevan said. “Our guest chefs have a deep understanding of how to curate menus that highlight the natural beauty and quality of the produce. They are known for their creativity and innovation in the culinary world and bring fresh perspectives, unique flavor combinations, and unexpected culinary techniques to the table.”

The series kicked off on May 13 at Markegard Family Grass-Fed near Half Moon Bay, California, and will end on November 19 at Pie Ranch near Pescadero, California. Typically, events sell out quickly, but there are currently still tickets available for most dates.

Here’s what you need to know about getting a ticket for Outstanding in the Field in the 2023 season.

How to book Outstanding in the Field

Reservations for the remaining Outstanding in the Field events can be made on the 2023 tour page up to 24 hours prior to the dinner. Some of the events have already sold out, so it’s a good idea to book as soon as possible. If your preferred date no longer has tickets, you can join the waiting list to be notified if more tickets become available for sale. There are no refunds, but would-be guests are welcome to transfer their tickets to someone else.

How much Outstanding in the Field costs

Tickets for Outstanding in the Field start at $375 per person and include a welcome reception with wine and an assortment of passed appetizers, a farm tour (if the event is on a farm), and a four-course dinner, including dessert with wine pairings. Between 130 and 200 people attend each event, which lasts roughly five hours.

Diners eating at an Outstanding in the Field dining table situated among vineyard in Burgundy, France — Outstanding in the Field has become a global collection of food-focused gatherings with international events.

Outstanding in the Field 2023 dates and locations

Rockies

Europe

Midwest

Canada

August 19: Vignoble Camy, Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle, Québec City

Northeast

Mid-Atlantic

South/Southwest

California

Africa

November 11: Kleinood Farm & Winery, Stellenbosch, South Africa

Bailey Berg

Bailey Berg is a freelance travel writer and editor, who covers breaking news, trends, tips, transportation, sustainability, the outdoors, and more. She was formerly the associate travel news editor at AFAR. Her work can also be found in the New York Times, the Washington Post, National Geographic, Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, the Points Guy, Atlas Obscura, Vice, Thrillist, Men’s Journal, Architectural Digest, Forbes, Lonely Planet, and beyond.

The Outstanding in the Field Dinner Series Is Back—and You Can Still Get Tickets

In 2023, the lineup of epic outdoor culinary gatherings includes striking locations across North America, Europe, and South Africa.