The Season of Plenty

Annual Belluz Farm Hall Dinner Will Celebrate the Harvest

Story by Lindsay Campbell, Photos by Kay Lee

‘Tis the season where the local harvest is at its peak. On Belluz Farm, Jodi Belluz is on a mission to raise awareness about the region’s bounty, and in the coming weeks she’ll be at the helm of this year’s Farm Hall Dinner, bringing it to life. “I call it the season of plenty,” she says. “And what’s a better way to celebrate than through an authentic farm to table experience?”

The dinner, which is slated for the evening of October 5, will be held at Goods & Co. Market. This is the second year in a row the event will be held at the north side location—a decision, Belluz says, intended to make agriculture more accessible to city residents. “It seems people are becoming more and more distanced from seasonality and what you can grow in your area, versus what is imported,” she says. “Returning people to what is available in our region creates a better sense of community and a better connection to our land and the environment. Then in terms of food security, it’s practically important as our world continues to change and navigate challenges. We need strong, local food systems.”

In the spirit of further fostering community connection to local food, proceeds from the dinner will support the continuation and development of educational programming on Belluz Farms. The programming will support families in need by providing them with fruits and vegetables from area farms, including Belluz Farms. Funds will also be used to create a permanent community learning garden on the farm for schools and nonprofits to use as an outdoor classroom environment and rehabilitative space. Belluz says she hopes to launch the garden next summer.

This year’s event will begin with a cocktail hour and appetizers, followed by a five-course meal prepared by chef Akkash Rathod of Woodside Catering. Side dishes and ingredients will be provided from chef Allan Rebelo of El Tres, The Growing Season, The Pasta Shoppe, Uncommon Baked Goods, Superior Bakes, and Superior Seasons Farm Store. As of mid-August, Jones Insurance, Lakehead Printing, and Tents & Events were confirmed as sponsors. The full menu is still in the works, but Belluz says guests can expect to eat in comfort.

“We really want to bring this cosy feeling to the event. We’re playing around with the idea of connecting farm and forest, bringing in foraging elements,” Belluz says. “From leafy greens and roasted root vegetables to a sustainably sourced protein, people will really get that perfect snapshot of food in Northwestern Ontario at the start of October.”