Annual Forum Dinner
During one special evening, the Vermont Fresh Network brings together some of Vermont's best chefs, farmers, food producers, and specialty food makers to create a sensational meal at the Shelburne Farms Coach Barn, on the shores of Lake Champlain. It is a celebration of the best food of summer, and VFN's largest fundraiser. And on Sunday, August 6, 2023, we came back for our 25th year!
Not only is this event a way to feature and celebrate our members and the best of local food and drink, but this grazing farm-to-table dinner is a fundraiser for the Network — all proceeds from this event provides Vermont Fresh Network with resources that allow our work to have a greater impact on the health of the rural economy, and the sustainability of Vermont's restaurants.
Thank you to everyone who helped make our 25th Annual Forum Dinner a huge success! The Forum allows us showcase the incredible talents of the Network - dedicated food producers sharing and celebrating Vermont grown ingredients.
Thank you to each and every one of our participating chefs, artisans, farmers, beverage makers, sponsors, VFN staff members, board members, the Shelburne Farms staff, silent auction donors, prize donors, photographers, volunteers, and guests who made this year's dinner such a memorable and magical evening.
Congratulations to the 2023 Best Bite and Best Sip winners!
Best Bite: Wake Robin
Shishito pepper stuffed with smoked tamari mushrooms and garnished with pickled radishes and habanero lemongrass honey
Honorable Mentions: Cha Cha Garna, Luiza’s Homemade with Love
Best Sip: Mad River Distillers
Blueberry Mojito
Honorable Mentions: Barr Hill Gin, Tipsy Trout
Thank You to our 2023 Sponsors:
Affiliate Sponsors: Farrell Distributing, Vermont First/Sodexo, Community National Bank, Foley Services
Our host for 25 years: Shelburne Farms
Gold: The Essex Resort & Spa, Vermont Farm to Plate, Black River Produce
Silver: Efficiency Vermont, Farm Credit East, University of Vermont Extension, Wake Robin
Bronze: Vermont Creamery, Lake Champlain Chocolates, City Market/Onion River Co-op, Vermontijuana
Please see our Instagram or Facebook for photos. View this video from 2018 to get a sense of the evening.
