An Honest Review of Dine on the Land at Locavore Farms in Grant Park, IL
For my 30th birthday, I was really looking for a way to "treat myself." While I had planned to invite all of my friends to this experience, almost all of the additional tickets ended up being bought up by a wedding. Was the $145+ ticket still worth it? Let's get into it!
What is Dine on the Land at Locavore Farms?
First and foremost, Locavore Farms is a farm-to-table experience located in Grant Park, IL. It's essentially a fancy dinner party on a farm, with locally sourced ingredients and a communal dining setting. The menu changes seasonally to highlight the freshest produce available.
The Atmosphere at Dine on the Land
The vibes at Locavore Farms are truly one-of-a-kind. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by the friendly staff and surrounded by the beautiful farm scenery. The long table set up in the middle of the fields creates a charming and rustic ambiance, perfect for an outdoor dining experience.
You have the opportunity to walk around and explore the property before dinner. My personal favorite was playing with the kittens that were wandering around and visiting the cute little piglets!
Generally, the experience sells about 100 tickets. However, I ended up there on a night when 70+ tickets were sold out to a wedding. So, in a way, I was wedding crashing with about 30 other people.
At first, I was a little intimidated about how this experience would go. However, quite literally, when I arrived, the owner came up to my party to say hello, let us know what was happening, and assure us that it was still going to be a great night to remember.
The Food
Now, onto the most important part–the food! As mentioned before, Locavore Farms prides itself on locally sourced ingredients, which is evident in every dish. The menu changes seasonally and includes options for all dietary restrictions.
Truthfully, it's been six months, so I can't remember all the details of the dishes. But I remember that every bite left me saying, "This is so worth the money."
Those lemon bars pictured above? YUM.
The Experience
Locavore Farms not only offers great food, but also an unforgettable experience. The communal dining set up allows for meeting and connecting with new people, while enjoying a delicious meal together. Our seatmates even bought additional drinks for me and my friend in honor of my birthday!
The farm tour before dinner is a unique touch that sets this experience apart from traditional restaurant dining. It allows guests to learn more about where their food comes from and the hard work that goes into producing it.
After dinner, the staff lights up some campfires, and dessert gets put on in the barn. There was live music, and the whole gaggle of people sang me happy birthday.
So, is the Locavore Farms Dine on the Land Experience Worth it?
Yes! I would go every year for my birthday if I could. Despite the hefty price tag– you're getting what you pay for and a whole lot more. It's not just a meal; it's an experience that leaves you feeling connected to the land and the people around you.
Plus, with the constantly changing menu, there will always be something new to try. My only suggestion would be to include at least a glass of wine or beer in the ticket price. All beverages had to be purchased at the bar–including soft drinks.
So if you're looking for a unique dining experience that supports local farmers and producers, Locavore Farms Dine on the Land is definitely worth checking out for a special occasion.
