September 14, 2016
Thistle Dew Farm, Quakertown | 160 Guests
In 2015, the Certified American Grown program launched the Field to Vase Dinner Tour with a mission of educating the public on the importance of buying American-grown flowers. The tour has continued to raise awareness for American flower farmers by inviting guests to partake in meaningful dining experiences in flower fields and greenhouses across the country.
This past September, David Beahm of David Beahm Experiences played host at his recently purchased flower farm in Quakertown. Beahm has created countless events for celebrity clients, and, in May 2016, designed the flowers for Michelle Obama’s First Ladies Luncheon.
1. Sunflowers hung above the bar area where guests could order a drink or help themselves to the champagne bucket
2. Heirloom Fire had an open-kitchen where they prepared the evening’s menu
Al Fresco
Food was served by Heirloom Fire via their outdoor kitchen. Days prior to the event, they scoured the area for fresh, local produce and poultry.
James Gop’s appreciation for fresh, local food sparked his inspiration to create Heirloom Fire. Located in Massachusetts, the company aims to tell the story of regions across the country and abroad, designing menus solely around what is available locally at that time.
1. Mobile oyster bar, Oyster XO, Oyster Girls
2. Several tables displayed fruit, bread and cheeses that guests could help themselves to prior to dinner
The Mission
“The flowers on the table are as local and fresh as the food on your plate,” says Kasey Cronquist, administrator for Certified American Grown Flowers.
“Today, three out of four flowers sold in the United States are imported from other countries, flown in on dedicated jumbo jets and distributed across the nation,” says Cronquist. “Yet consumer research shows that the majority of people would prefer flowers grown more locally.”
1. Dessert came in the form of peach cobbler, courtesy of Heirloom Fire
2. Chef Jim Gop, founder of Heirloom Fire
3. The night ended with a dance party and s’mores-making around the giant fire pit
4. David Beahm, left, Kasey Cronquist, right
