Feast on®️ the Farm:
Wellington County
Sunday, October 1st, 2023 | 11AM - 3PM
TICKETS ARE SOLD OUT
Welcome to Wellington County!
Join us at Thatcher Farms to meet the people creating change in Ontario's food and drink space. Indulge in creations by some of the best chefs in Ontario serving up incredible food inspired by the innovation, hard work, and creativity of local farmers.
Every ticket includes:
A selection of dishes curated by participating chefs
A variety of beverages, including craft beer, cider and VQA wines
An exclusive, behind the scenes tour of Thatcher Farms
A $25 Feast On® Gift Voucher that can be redeemed at participating Feast On® restaurants
Price: $125 + taxes and fees
Tickets are non-refundable but can be transferred to someone else.
Looking for information about Industry Day? Click here.
MEET THE CHEFS
Chef Dacha - Danijel Markovic
A culinary journey that commenced in the heart of the Balkans during the early nineties has profoundly influenced the culinary odyssey of Dacha-Danijel Markovic. Dacha-Danijel Markovic's culinary journey began in the Balkans in the early nineties. His hospitality affinity emerged from a young age, nurtured by assisting his parents in their culinary ventures. With a stroke of luck, he grew, crafted charcuterie, and developed an unwavering commitment to quality and home cooking. He studied culinary arts in Belgrade and, upon immigrating to Canada, explored its terroir. Leading kitchens in London, he sought excellence, learning from luminaries, including Langdon Hall and Fogo Island Inn. His pursuit of culinary mastery spanned Canada, orchestrating wilderness cooking in northern BC. As Executive Chef for Elora Mill Hotel and Spa, he shapes Ontario's premier destination. A serendipitous meeting with his wife, Brie, further enriched his journey, now embracing fatherhood. Dacha-Danijel Markovic's narrative is defined by passion, excellence, and a heartwarming tale of love and family.
Chef John Black
John Black is a creative, detail-oriented, and driven chef with a passion for sustainable and responsibly raised foods. Using local ingredients and supporting local businesses and farmers is of the utmost importance. John celebrates seasonal products with thoughtful menus that carry purpose, simplistic flavour profiles with elevated techniques. John is motivated by his exceptionally high personal standards and is inspired by others around him who share similar passions for everything Food & Beverage. Working with a team to achieve a common goal is what inspires him most. John began his culinary career working in fine dining establishments in and around Toronto, followed by owning and operating his catering business in Oakville for 6+ years. Afterward, he completed stops as Executive Chef of Copetown Woods Golf Club and spent the past year working at Langdon Hall Country House Hotel & Spa. He is now beyond excited to take on the role as Chef de Cuisine of Miijidaa Cafe + Bistro.
Chef Denis Fontana
Denis Fontana is well known in the food circles of Fergus-Elora. He started by selling fresh pasta made on-site at the Elora Farmers Market. When a beautiful old stone building came up for lease in Elora, he decided it was time to make the leap into the restaurant business. Located on a quieter part of Mill Street in this active artistic village, the restaurant is shaded by ancient walnut trees and overlooks the Grand River. The patio is tremendous! Denis moved from Italy in 2007 to Canada and accumulated vast experience in the hospitality industry, both in Italy and North America, having worked in various positions in the kitchen and front of the house. The restaurant menu is the result of his passion for cooking and Italian background, focusing on using local and sustainable ingredients, showcasing the possibilities of creating different cultural dishes with what is available in the surrounding areas.
ON THE MENU
CANAPÉS
6 Hour Braised Beef Cheeks
with crispy Potato Boat, Mountain Oak Nettle Gouda + Chive
Savoury Cannoli with tomato ricotta (Gluten Free available)
Vegan: Savoury Cannoli with tofu and tomato confit, crushed salted pumpkin seed
MAINS
Braised beef and polenta (GF)
Vegetarian Option: "ribollita" stew with polenta (vegan and gluten free)
Gnocchi Parisienne
Parsnip Puree, Hen of the Woods Mushrooms, Butternut Squash Croutons, Porcini Mushroom Foam, Kale Pesto + Crispy Sage
Heritage Hen Ballotine
poached in Mushroom Jus
Mixed Vegetable Succotash with Sunflower Miso cooked in Paella Pan
Corn meal chips
DESSERT
Apple Tart, Walnut Frangipane, Chicory Root, Apple Cider Sabayon
AT THE BAR
Ontario VQA Wines by Sustainable Winegrowing Certified Wineries from across Ontario
Craft beers and Cider by Wellington Brewery & Heartwood Farm & Cidery
Spirits by Elora Distilling
Every Feast On® the Farm ticket supports recovery in the hospitality sector and helps cover the costs of the industry day
The Venue
Experience the heartwarming allure of Thatcher Family Farm, a cherished family-operated sanctuary dedicated to local, sustainable goodness. Led by Adam, an agricultural graduate, and Dana, a former educator now a creative force, the farm welcomes you to a world where the rhythms of life merge with the care of livestock—beef, pork, lamb, chicken, and turkey—all tended by the family's three children. Amidst chores, they find solace around campfires near the stream and in shared daily meals, uniting their passion for farming and togetherness. With a commitment to preserving local farms and reducing environmental impact, Thatcher Family Farm invites you to savor the freshest, most nourishing produce and meats, bridging the gap between their fields and your table in a symphony of community, sustainability, and culinary delight.
Experience the ultimate culinary celebration at Feast On The Farm in Wellington County! Be part of the excitement and cast your vote for the best dish - the prestigious RBCx Feast On: People's Choice Award will be presented to the winning chef with a cash prize of $1000! This is an event you simply can't afford to miss if you're a foodie! So come out and join us for an unforgettable day of food, fun, and excitement, and witness the crowning of the next "Champion Chef"!
MUSIC BY RBCxMUSIC ARTIST
PRESENTED BY
