Epiphany Farms

Read an article in the Trib in May
http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/ ... 5513.story
about a group of Las Vegas chefs who have moved to central Illinois to start a farm and restaurant.

Being originally from central Illinois, I gathered up some hometown friends and had them cater a dinner last Sunday, and it was phenominal!

Had 8 people over to my sister's house for a 5 course meal fresh from the farm that morning @ $40/per person (BYO)

Their spirit was infectious and while I already subscribe to the food model the were promoting, it really brought around a lot of the other people. They are idealistic, ambitious and talented. They are literally trying to change the world, and believe they can. (I'm a little more cynical than that.) I wish I had taken pictures because the food was as beautiful as it was delicious. I'll post the menu once I find my copy.

They are in the second year of their 3 year start up plan.
Year 1: Start a farm
Year 2: Do some catering gigs to test out recipes, refine the farming, start work on the restaurant space
Year 3: Restaurant

I think one of the guests put the experience best saying she has met people with amazing amounts of enthusiasm, and people with amazing amounts of talent, but it is rare that she meets someone who combines them at such a high level.

They do their thing in Chicago to (for I believe a $200 travel fee.) Cool concept, cool guys, great food, worthy cause, worth checking out.

Thanks for the post - sounds like a good experience, and I just enjoyed the site (here is the link with the party details):

http://www.epiphanyfarms.com/party.html

I noticed this on their blog:

You can use your herb guild to elevate the taste.

I'm not sure what an herb guild is, but I want to join.

I've gotten to know Ken and the crew this summer at the Bloomington Farmers Market. I totally agree with jt's assessment: they are really great and ambitious and friendly. It's also good since Ken's wife is the second Korean person I've met in Bloomington since moving here a year ago. They are also growing some familiar Korean produce, which has been comforting for me to see down here! They are going to open their restaurant in the spring and you can bet that my husband and I will be one of the first people in the doors. The Tribune article is an inspiring read and it makes me smile that it's happening right here in my backyard!