RMFR gets the unique opportunity to share the first look at “A Night on the Ranch” the 2018 schedule for A Grazing Life dinners at Corner Post Ranch in Black Forest, Colorado. The legitimate, real-deal presentation of a farm-to-table feast is the brain-child of former employee, Mike Preisler, who holds onto his unpretentious title of “professional party planner” as he brings together the second season of the multi-faceted meals that celebrate all things local.
“A Grazing Life is just trying to show off what Colorado Springs and what the front range has to offer,” says Preisler. “It’s not about “A Grazing Life,” it’s about the chefs, the bands, the wineries and the breweries. We want to be a platform to showcase the amazing things people are doing around the area.”
The events feature a meet-and-mingle happy hour with local vendors, such as Sette Dolori Winery to provide tastings, samples of Axe and the Oak whiskey and kegs of craft beer from nearby Pikes Peak Brewing Company. Guests then enjoy a 90-minute farm tour of the sprawling property with opportunities to meet the animals, followed by a five-course supper courtesy of the rotating, acclaimed chefs. Wine pairings throughout dinner, swag bags, a bonfire with s’mores and performances from local bands round out a fulfilling evening in the not-so-distant countryside that lies just outside of Colorado Springs proper.
“One of the biggest things is the education,” says Preisler. “Getting [people] to Corner Post Ranch and to see their sustainable ranching and agriculture with the Audubon Society, that’s what started everything. Then we sprinkle in all the other awesome stuff, live music, wine tastings, the farm tour and then the center piece is this great family-style farm dinner.”
“A Night on the Ranch” begins on Saturday, June 30, with Mario Vasquez, co-owner/executive chef at Colorado Craft Tejon Street Social appropriately paired with entertainment from the lively and zestful Tejon Street Corner Thieves. Tickets are available for purchase on Thursday, March 1, for $115.00 to $135.00 per person.The events continue weekly through mid-September with additional brunch dates woven in starting June 3, for $75.00, and intermittent family farm tours and picnics for $10.00 per guest.
See the full 2018 calendar and list of chefs here.
*Header photo credit: A Grazing Life
