Aldergrove forages for a fundraiser

On Sunday afternoon, in a field in Aldergrove, dinner guests will be scouring the crops of greens, peas, herbs and flowers for a meal – under the tutelage of chef Chris Whittaker of Forage restaurant.

Held at the Fraser Common Farm, home of Glorious Organics, one of the key adventures in the Whole Hog Feast is touring the farm and using a list provided by Whittaker to find the right foods.

Tickets are almost sold out for the long table dinner, according to Tallulah Winkelman of Fraser Common Farm and everything is coming together for a 3 p.m. start on Sunday.

“We are super excited to have such an amazing chef and the whole team at Forage on side,” Winkelman said. 

She also pointed to the support of a number of local businesses like Aldergrove Credit Union, R&B Brewing, and Backyard Vineyards for contributing to the event. 

Guests will be treated to a sparkling wine reception.

Following the tour and food gathering, the four course meal will begin at a long table in the field. Courses will include, as the name of the feast implies, various parts of the pig.

Those not lucky enough to have a ticket for the event, but dying for a taste of Whittaker’s creations, can visit Forage restaurant on Robson Street in Vancouver. On Saturday night, Whittaker will serve up a taste of some of the “Whole Hog” dishes the long table dinner guests will enjoy. 

Saturday is Food Day Canada and Whittaker intends to carry the celebration to Fraser Common Farm in an appreciation of Canadian food.

“People can expect a down to earth, gourmet meal served in a beautiful setting, family style,” said Winkelman.

The long table dinner is first and foremost a fundraiser for Fraser Common Farm.

Funds raised will support the new water station housed in an “up-cycled” shipping container with a living rooftop and grey water system. 

“The funds we raise are going to support kids and community groups on our farm,” Winkelman noted. “This is super important because where our food comes from and how it is produced directly affects our health and the health of the environment we live in.”

With the water station, Fraser Common Farm will be branching even further into educational and community events from children’s camps to more dinners.