Leaf Peep & Aperitif Adventure Dinner

Sat, Oct 12 | 12 PM
MerCk Forest & Farmland Center, Rupert, VT

Guests laced up their hiking boots and joined us as we took foliage season to a whole new level at Southern Vermont’s best-kept secret, Merck Forest & Farmland!

This special collaboration was an immersive culinary experience—we pulled out all the stops to show folks peak foliage with peak Adventure. We scattered four fire-cooked courses–each highlighting the farm bounty of the season–along a two-mile trek through the forest and pasture. Each stop was strategically placed near farm barns, breathtaking vistas, and prime fall colors for a fully immersive foliage experience. 

Our trek ended at the Maple Sugar Shack, where guests relaxed, taking in the last course and paired drink, and soaking in stunning foliage views.

Producers + Partners

Merck Forest & Farmland Center / host venue

Sas Stewart / host

Chef Eric Hodet / chef

Lauren Hayes / dir. of beverage and operations

Ali Kaukas / photographer

Tara Lynn Clayton / graphic design

MENU

1ST COURSE

Grilled Skewer

Pumpkin, Apple, Shallots, Marinated Pork Belly, Jasper Hill Fondue 

Cottage Core

Apple Brandy, Tarragon Syrup, Pernod, Lime

mocktail: N/A Gin, Tarragon Syrup, Lime, Anise Extract 

2ND COURSE

Smoked Beets

Pastrami Spices, Walnut Gremolata,  Shaved Fennel, Blue Ledge Lake’s Edge, Crispy Lettuce

Orchard Cobbler

Cocchi Americano, Sherry, Fresh Apple Cider, Orange Blossom Water

mocktail: n/a Apple Cider, Happy Belly Tea, Honey, Lemon, Orange Blossom Water

3RD COURSE

Fall Spiced Mushroom Broth

Pho Braised Beef, Rice Noodles, Cilantro, Mint, Limes, Bean Sprouts, Chili Crisp

Apple Of My Eye

White Wine, Elderflower Liqueur, Green Apple Juice, Juniper, Lavender, Apple-Fir Syrup, Lemon 

mocktail: Green Apple, Juniper, Lavender, Apple-Fir Syrup, Lemon

4TH COURSE

S’mores Grazing Board

Lake Champlain Chocolates: Milk Chocolate, Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate, Peanut Butter Cups 

Homemade Marshmallows: PSL +  Madagascar Vanilla 

Gluten-Free Graham

Cardi G Iced Latte 

Blend of Costa Rica Tarrazu + Decaf Nicaragua (Brio Coffeeworks), Cardamom Syrup, Fresh Ginger, Oat Milk