Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Photos: L.A. Chef Braves Sandstorms For Stunning Communal Gourmet Dinners At Coachella
Outstanding in the Field has grown to become one of the most beautiful examples of farm-to-table dining, hosting collaborative dinners with world renowned chefs on farms all over the globe. Since starting up 15 years ago in Santa Cruz, founder Jim Denevan has organized over 600 such dinners to 45 states, and even taken the show on the road to nine countries.
So if anyone would be prepared for whacky weather conditions, it was the team at Outstanding in the Field.
There were not one, but two, insane sandstorms the Saturday night of Steve Samson's dinner, but that didn't stop Sotto's chef from putting on a show. The meal served as a welcome respite from the chaos outside the rose garden, with well-orchestarated yet playfully casual service and incredible eats. And did we mention there was Barolo in the desert? Because that was nothing short of amazing.
Though many of the seats at the stunning 180-seat table were left empty, those who did dine were served up a real treat. (The organizers offered sold out tickets as part of a $600 package and likely some kids were just too busy raging to acts like Duck Sauce to sit down for Samson's exquisite duck liver paccheri pasta. Definitely their loss.)
Here's what we ate.
Related:
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
