Thirty years ago, two events happened in the western communities that led to amazing outcomes today. In 1996, Wellington began its first year as a municipality. And across Southern Blvd. in neighboring Loxahatchee Groves, Jodi and Darrin Swank began operating a hydroponic farm.
On Sunday, March 8, those histories converge. That evening, Swank Specialty Produce’s renowned Swank Table dinner will benefit the Wellington Historical Society, the local nonprofit organization working to preserve Wellington’s past for a bright future.
“We are delighted to be the beneficiary of this Swank Table dinner,” said Sue Bierer, president of the Wellington Historical Society. “The Wellington Historical Society proudly celebrates all aspects of our community’s past, including its agricultural roots, and no one highlights the farm and table quite like Swank. We hope you’ll join us for this fantastic event.”
The evening is an opportunity to experience the elevated “down on the farm” dinner that presents the culinary expertise of renowned chefs from South Florida and often features local produce in a feast for all the senses. The March 8 event is themed “Global Spice, Mediterranean.”
The evening begins at 5 p.m. and includes handcrafted cocktails, wine pairings and craft beers, an array of appetizers, and a delectable multi-course plated dinner served beneath the farm’s rustic pole barn bedecked with glistening lights and a backdrop of live music.
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The five-course plated dinner features four area chefs — Josh Elliot; Eric Baker, partner/chef of Alleycat in Boca Raton; John Kreidich, owner/chef of Camille’s in Oakland Park; and Lee Mazor, owner/baker of Lovelee Bake Shop in Fort Lauderdale.
During the evening, guests can tour the hydroponic farm and take a chance on winning raffle and silent auction items provided by the Wellington Historical Society, including tickets to polo matches and other equestrian events.
The Wellington Historical Society, which was founded in 2018, preserves Wellington’s past through several programs and initiatives. It hosts a Lunch & Learn series with speakers who focus on historical topics. The Wellington Historical Society also has an archive of items and documents representing Wellington’s history. It has created an educational program taught in Wellington’s elementary schools and has compiled oral histories from many of Wellington’s early pioneers and leaders. Visit www.wellingtonhistoricalsociety.org to learn more.
Swank Specialty Produce is a hydroponic farm founded by Jodi and Darrin Swank and is regionally famous for its 350 varieties of pesticide-free vegetables, edible flowers and micro-greens. The 20-acre farm also features an expansive pole barn and stage where they host a free weekly farmer’s market and the renowned Swank Table dining experiences.
The farm is located at 14311 North Road in Loxahatchee Groves. Tickets for the Swank Table dinner are $195 per person. Book tickets today at www.swankspecialtyproduce.com/dinners.
Dining and Cooking