Ridge to Reef Farm at VISFI welcomes two of the island’s top chefs and members of its closest family of neighbors, Negust and Olubayo Kaza,for the next Guest Chef Slow Down Dinner on Saturday, April 16.
For this special evening, the guest chefs will be offering six courses of the finest on-farm organic foods available to St. Croix fromRidge to Reef Farm at VISFI in the rain forest. Chef Negust Kaza is executive chef at the lauded Tutto Bene restaurant and a member of the VI Culinary Olympic Team. Kaza enjoys creating food inspired from the islands and utilizing local ingredients. In 2009, he won first place at the Taste of St. Croix for his vegetarian Curry Carrot Soup, earning him his big break to later join the VI Culinary Olympic Team. Joining him is brother Olubayo Kaza, boasting a wide range of styles and food transformation techniques featured at Pickled Greek, Tutto Bene, Blue Water Terrace and other fine establishments. House Chef Angletta Pascal will help the chefs navigate the fields of fresh food for a night of farm-fusion gastronomy.
Each element is infused with the farm’s certified organic crops and grass fed livestock. Between courses, enjoy brief presentations and stories from the farmers and chefs. Dress is island casual. Arrivals are welcome starting at 5:30 p.m, and dinner seating is at 6 p.m. (until?). Seats are limited and are first-come-first serve; reservations and confirmations required. Make reservations instantly at http://vi.locallygrown.net/
Show support for food production and farming education by making a love offering for the evening of a suggested $50 to $100 per person. Donations go toward organic farm operations and seasonal expenses so the farm can increase its capacity to provide more organic food and educational programs to St. Croix. Ridge to Reef Farm also will welcome any separate contributions for its partner community organization Crucian Heritage and Nature Tourism (CHANT) who supports its local youth summer camp with scholarships. Please consider as well gratuity for your farmer/servers and kitchen staff.
Directions toRidge to Reef Farm (same location as Creque Dam Farm/VISFI): From east, take Mahogany Road into the rainforest past Norma’s Domino Club and take the second right turn onto 58 (look for Creque Dam Farm sign). Follow until reaching top of hill where scenic west connects and look for the farm sign and metal gate at that intersection. Follow into farm property and descend into Caledonia Valley in 1/2 mile and park at bottom of hill near the solar-powered community center. We recommend driving slowly over speed bumps and taking a higher clearance vehicle if possible, and carpooling as parking is limited with all the new gardens.
From west, take Creque Dam (Annaly) Road 58 past Creque Dam and Mt. Victory Campground to the top of the road where it connects with scenic west (approximately 2.7 miles from Sprat Hall). Turn sharp left at farm gate and follow directions above from the gate.