If you've ever dreamed of dining beneath the stars with a bounty of fresh, locally-grown food on your plate, get ready for the official return of Swank Specialty Produce's annual dinner series.
Now in its 12th year, the South Florida season isn't complete without at least one trip to Swank Specialty Produce for its annual farm-to-table pairing series taking place each month from December through April. More than just another pairing dinner, Swank Table dinners transport you to a peaceful, pastoral night of food, wine, dancing, and more.
Starting Thursday, August 29, the hydroponic farm will launch ticket sales for its upcoming Swank Table season , a lineup of 10 al fresco dinners set on the Swank family's 20-acre Loxahatchee property.
This year's Swank Table season begins Sunday, Nov. 3, and continues through April with a variety of themed culinary events that showcase a variety of chefs, restaurants, breweries, suppliers, and spirit makers across Palm Beach County and South Florida.
Founded by Jodi and Darrin Swank, Swank Specialty Produce has become regionally famous for its 350-plus varieties of pesticide-free vegetables, edible flowers, and micro-greens. Over the years, the business has expanded to include two dinner series, a seasonal farmers market, and private events.
The Loxahatchee farm, Swank Table, rolls out its 2024 farm-to-table dinner season with new chefs, three new themes
For local residents, the Swank Table dinner season ushers in a special time to celebrate the bounty of South Florida. Each meal is a celebration of local purveyors and Florida agriculture, shares Jodi, with themed menus aimed at showcasing ingredients sourced from Swank and neighboring farms prepared by an ever-changing roster of local chefs who collaborate to create multi-course meals.
"I'm excited for the team we've put together this season, from the new and returning guest chefs to our longtime supporting sponsors like Independent Seafood," adds Jodi. "We've really seen things rev back up since the pandemic, and this year is sure to be one of the best."
Guests are welcomed with a cocktail, an array of appetizers, and a farm tour before they're seated for a themed, five-course plated dinner beneath the farm's rustic pole barn. Set to the tune of live music from some of the region's favorite bands, a portion of proceeds from each dinner contribute to a different local charity, adding a meaningful layer to the dining experience.
A number of events have become a hallmark of the Swank Table series, whether it's channeling groovy attire for a throwback to the 70's , dressing in all white for the popular " vêtu de blanc " evening, or wearing a cowboy hat and boots to the hoedown-style dinner .
This year, Swank will welcome a number of never-before-seen chefs and three new themed dinners. They include an 80's music-themed pajama party ; a Southern-inspired menu with a blues band for entertainment; and a special tribute to Alice Waters , a West Coast chef known for her role in pioneering California cuisine while helping to establish the state's farm-to-table movement.
This year, the event will also welcome first-time guest chefs Eduardo Lara, the chef behind the popular Wolf of Tacos pop-up; Miami chefs Michael Beltran and Hedy Goldsmith; chefs from both EAU Palm Beach and the Breakers; Stage sous-chef Anthony Moses; and Fiola chef/owner Daniel Ganem, who is readying to debut Daniel's Steakhouse in Fort Lauderdale.
There may even be a special appearance by Alice Waters herself, says Jodi, who is expected to attend the tribute dinner in her name.
Swank farmer's market and curated produce 'sacks' return in Loxahatchee
In addition to the outdoor dinner series, Swank Specialty Produce will return with its annual farmer's market and " Swank Sack ," a community supported agriculture program that allows locals to purchase a share of the farm's production during the growing season. Priced at $200-$260 per person, it contains lettuces, juicing greens, seasonal vegetables, microgreens and herbs, shoots, edible flowers, tomatoes, and strawberries.
Now in its fifth year, the weekend market will return on Saturday, Oct. 12, and will run every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through May 31. The market is free to the public, and offers live entertainment, fresh produce, and a varied selection of local products from more than 25 vendors , many of which are new this year.
"After more than 20 years the community continues to be so supportive," sums up Jodi. "We're very thankful for that."
Swank Table farm-to-table dinner events for the 2024 season
Day of the Dead
Sunday, Nov. 3
Celebrate Día de los Muertos with chefs Eduardo Lara of The Wolf of Tacos; Johnny DeMartini of Ravish; Jobani Ralac-Cristal of Alu; Anna Ross of AnnaBakes; and J. Wakefield Brewing. Music by Spred the Dub.
Farmers Market HoeDown
Sunday, Dec. 15
Shop local vendors for the holidays and learn to line dance with chefs Suzanne Perretto of Brulé Bistro and Rose’s Daughter; Clayton Carnes of Cholo Soy Cucina; The Singer Resort's Glenn Rogers; Coton Guzman of Costa; Megan Lee from The Pantry; Guaca Co. owners Carson and Amber Bennett; and Prosperity Brewers. The dinner will benefit Connections of Palm Beach County with music by Jordan Oaks and the Tommy Lynn Band.
Mambo Italiano
Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025
Dive into the flavors of Italy with chefs Cullen Jones from Polpo at EAU Palm Beach; Michael Hackman of Aioli; Daniel Ganem of Fiola and Daniel's Steakhouse; Zoey Wexler of Two Fat Cookies; and Matthews Brewing Company. Proceeds to benefit Spring of Hope with music by Fuse.
Tribute to Alice Waters
Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025
Honor the pioneer of the farm-to-table movement with chefs Allan Susser; Michael Beltran, of Ariete; Niven Patel of NiMO; Hedy Goldsmith of Sweet Hedy; and Titanic Brewery. Proceeds to benefit the Miami Slow Food Edible Garden Project with music by Good Times Big Band.
Lunar New Year Celebration
Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025
Ring in the Lunar New Year and the year of the snake with chefs Eric Baker of AlleyCat; Chom “Sunny” Kaminski of Two Korean Girls; Rishi Kumar of Mirra Chicago; Graham Lerner of EAU Palm Beach; and Orchestrated Minds Brewing. Proceeds to benefit the Loxahatchee Groves Landowners Association with music by Killbillies.
80's Music Pajama Party
Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025
Groove to the beats of the farm's first 80's music pajama party with chefs Joe Bonavita; Anthony Moses of Stage; David MacLennan Even Keel Fish and Oyster; Sarah Figueroa of Marisol Country Club; and Sailfish Brewing Company. Proceeds to benefit Palm Beach Ray of Hope with music by DJ Jessica.
Throwback to the 70's
Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025
Wear your favorite disco attire and join chefs Nicholas Kurban of Amar Bistro; David Chapman, of Casa Cana; Hassan Obaye of Le Colonial; Benjamin Metais from The Breakers; and Funky Buddha Brewery. Proceeds to benefit Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County with music by DJ Jessica.
Infused: A Cannabis Dinner
Sunday, March 9, 2025
This year also marks the return of Swank's cannabis-themed dinner, a unique event showcasing cannabis grown on Swank Farms with chefs Tara Abrams of Crazy Uncle Mike’s; Jen Knox, of the Warren; Laura Todd of Laura Ashley Catering; M. “Linny” Gannon of Linny’s Cinnamon Sugar Loaf; and Tarpon Bend Brewing Co. Proceeds to benefit the Community Classroom Project with music by Spred the Dub.
Louisiana Blues
Sunday, March 23, 2025
Savor the soulful flavors of Louisiana with former Swank Table resident chefs Emerson Frisbie and Blake Malatesta; Joey Pagel of Meat Market Palm Beach; Lauren Lupo of Key Lime to Happiness; and Prosperity Brewers. Proceeds to benefit Palm Beach Library Foundation with music by JP Soars and The Red Hots.
14th Annual White Party: A Night in Provence
Sunday, April 6, 2025
Experience the elegance of Provence in an all-white affair with chefs Joseph Oesterwind, Angle at EAU Palm Beach; Bryon Velasquez of Café Boulud; Jeff Simms of The Breakers; and Civil Society Brewing. Proceeds to benefit the Palm Beach State College Dr. Gary Paul Swank Scholarship with music by Mitch Herrick and The Homegrown Sinners.
Swank Specialty Produce Table Dinner Series in Loxahatchee
When : November 3, 2024, through April 6, 2025
Where : 14311 North Rd., Loxahatchee
More information: Call 561-202-5648; or visit swankspecialtyproduce.com
Nicole Danna is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post , part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at nicoleadanna@gmail.com . Help support our journalism. Subscribe today .
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: New farm-to-table dinner series kicks off in Loxahatchee. Tickets on sale now
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