The first time I was ever invited to a Simple Farm Dinner was through Chef Adam. He and I have known one another for almost 20 years and he needed somebody to take some photographs of a farm dinner he was preparing, and I was so excited to help.
When I got to the farm, it was unlike anything I had ever seen… welcoming, alive and rustic. There was a friendly, welcoming vibe from everyone I encountered. I spent the night hopping around meeting different people, Michael and Lylah, being two of them. I am immediately felt like I had known them forever. The way that Lylah made me feel so welcome at the farm was like a relative welcoming you to their home after years of not seeing them. I’m between conversation and photos she showed me her apothecary store and took me back to meet the goats. It was such a special experience. Even though I was photographing, chef Adam and his team, they still made me dinner, and I got to experience some of the freshest, most amazing dishes I had ever tasted. I watched as strangers broke bread, laughed over conversations and got to know one another from across the family style setting. It was late 2020 so I didn’t know what to expect but everyone was gentle and kind and respectful of one another. I was hooked.
I’ve been to almost every single farm dinner since that first experience. Sometimes I photograph a few things, and other times I show up simply to enjoy the company and the food. Lylah has become one of my most cherished people to talk to and catch up with, even though we don’t get to do it very often in person. I value the small and meaningful chats we have, or even invitations to special events now and again. I consider the simple farm and the guests of those events, family and friends whether for the evening or longer.
Thank you to Chef Adam, Michael and Lylah for introducing me to some of my favorite people, and being some of them as well. I look forward to many more experiences with all of you.
