Outstanding in the Field | The Berkshires

Outstanding in the Field is a traveling theatrical dinner event where people sit at one long table in the middle of a field. Founder Jim Denevan matches a local farmer and chef to create a unique open-air dining experience for up to 200 guests.  In the past sixteen years, since he started the event, they have been to all fifty states and many countries around the world, including Japan and Australia. 

This was the third year that the Berkshires dinner was held at Lila Berle's farm in Great Barrington. Last year, the skies opened up and presented a dramatic downpour of rain. This year's event was all sunshine, but many of the players remained the same, including chef Brian Alberg of The Red Lion Inn and Eat on North.

Dinner in a Field

For 16 years, Jim Denevan has been creating an outdoor theatrical dining experience by pairing a farmer and a chef to create a locally-sourced meal.

Lila's Farm

The Berkshires dinner has been held hillside on lamb farmer Lila Berle's property for the past three years.

The Menu

In addition to the lamb from Lila, the menu includes many other area purveyors.

The Landscape of a Table

Just like he crafts his beach sculptures, Jim Denevan surveys the landscape to find the "perfect" shape and location for the table.

The Chef

Executive chef Brian Alberg of Eat on North and the Red Lion Inn and team prepare the entire dinner in the field.

Kilts & Chucks

In the heat of summer's end, the chefs don kilts and comfortable footwear.

Table as Art

Denevan makes sure that the elements are part of the table and in this case, panoramic views.

G&Ts

Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres are served in Lila's barn. The bottled gin and tonics are made by Berkshire Mountain Distillery.

Jim Denevan

Jim Denevan warms up the crowd, describes Outstanding in the Field, and introduces farmer Lila Berle.

Lila Berle

Lila Berle has sheep grazing on over 400 acres and the lamb only goes to specialty butchers and a few chefs.

Big Elm

Jim Denevan and his glass of Berkshires' Big Elm Brewery beer.

Time for Dinner

Heading up the hill to dinner.

Bring Your Own Plate

You can bring your own plate or just use one of theirs.

Dinner For 200

200 people dine at one long table. The event is open to the public.

Dinner is Served

Dinner is prepped throughout the afternoon and into the evening.

Chef Brian Alberg

Chef Alberg checks out the "dining room" before sending the next course.

Braised Lila's Mountain Lamb

Braised lamb with carrot, farro, and white bean risotto.

Jim & Lila

Jim Denevan greets guests during the feast.

Sweet Ending

As the sun goes down, dessert is served.

Caramel Vanilla Milkshakes

Milkshakes made with local SoCo vanilla bean ice cream and Fat Toad Farm goat milk caramel.

Goodnight & Thank You

Denevan congratulates the culinary team at the end of the night.

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Video of Last Year's Event

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