Tickets still available for Chef and Farmer Brunch

MILLERTON — It’s not too late to buy tickets for the Chef and Farmer Brunch, scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 9, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at No. 9 restaurant on Main Street in Millerton. The days are ticking away, however, and those interested in attending are encouraged to purchase their tickets as soon as possible.

“Tickets are still available but selling fast,” said NECC Executive Director Jenny Hansell. “We only sell about 150 tickets and they are usually gone by the day before the event. We have some of our favorite vendors from previous years and new ones like Monte’s and the White Hart … the chefs are always so creative, it’s a delight to taste all their creations”

The brunch has become something of a tradition and is in its fifth year. It’s a fundraiser for the North East Community Center (NECC) and its programs. More than 150 people attended last year’s brunch, raising more than $10,000 for NECC’s community service programs.

Some of NECC’s programs include the Summer Lunch Box, which provides free breakfast and lunch to hundreds of children in northeastern Dutchess County, Growing Together and Mom’s Morning Out, the Teen Team, after-school programming, income tax preparation assistance, the Care Car, Dial-A-Ride and more.

The event brings together some of the top regional chefs with local farmers and their goods.

“It’s really a celebration of the rich agricultural heritage of this area and the many new creative farmers who are carrying on the tradition in innovative ways,” explained Hansell.

This year’s list of participating restaurants and farms includes past favorites and new additions, including: No. 9, 52 Main, students from NECC’s Farm and Food program, McEnroe Organic Farm, Monte’s Kitchen, Back in the Kitchen, Farmer’s Wife, Stissing House, Jacuterie and Morgan’s at the Interlaken. Drinks will be provided by: Harney & Sons Fine Tea, Irving Farm Coffee Roasters, Dutch’s Spirits, Millbrook Winery, Chatham Brewery and Hill Rock Distillery. NECC is still waiting on confirmation from: Stagecoach Tavern and Noah Sheets.

About a dozen chefs will participate.

“The chefs really are a great advantage here,” said Taryn Cocheo, NECC client advocate and farmers market manager. “The farm-to-table movement is certainly a big trend right now and I think we’re right in the heart of it, and this is the best place to bring that to customers.”

Local businesses are supporting the brunch with sponsorships, including: Hammertown Barn, Sharon Hospital, Salisbury Bank, Associated Lightning Rod, Herrington’s and Silo Ridge. Famed chef Mario Batali is also a sponsor for the event. 

In September there will  be another NECC affair, in celebration of the center’s 25th anniversary. The Barn Party and Community Service Awards will honor local volunteers and celebrate their work with a pig roast, live swing music and dancing.

For more information on any of NECC’s events, call 518-789-4259 or go to www.necc25.com.