After giving southwestern Connecticut quite a thrashing of wind and rain last weekend, mother nature has relented and offered a few sparkling days, with sunny skies and warmer temps. This is causing spring fever and has gotten me thinking about the summer ahead. It’s no secret, I’ve got a thing for eating good food… outdoors. This not without peril as I found out on my wedding day, but I still can’t resist the allure every summer. We’ve been to a few Connecticut-based Dinners at the Farm, but for years I’ve been waiting for Outstanding in the Field to come to town. This year, they are FINALLY headed to Wilton’s Millstone Farm, with guest chef Michael Nischan of Wesport’s Dressing Room.

These celebrations of food and farmer take place all summer-long across the US, so visit the newly re-designed Outstanding in the Field website to find dinner near you. If this type of meal is right up your alley – don’t delay – many of these dinners sell out. Tickets go on sale Saturday, March 27, 2010. ,

Photo from our first Dinner at the Farm event. This magical evening ended under a full August moon. White Gate Farm in Old Lyme, CT (2008)