Locavore Farm — Attraction in Cedar Lake

Locavore Farm is the most incredible dining experience. I chose the 'Dine on the Land' evening to celebrate my birthday in August of this year, with my husband and a few close friends. It was MAGICAL... imagine twinkling lights, live music, and the most beautiful dinner table set underneath the bright blue sky. The food was incredible, the atmosphere was so beautiful and inviting. But much to my surprise ... Locavore Farm is so much more than just a dining experience. My favorite part was Rachael, who is the owner and such a personable and inviting host, she's an absolute force of nature. She gave everyone there a tour of the farm and the backstory. Listening to her love of the land, her perseverance to build this oasis and create this dream is so inspiring. She is the soul of the operation and once you meet her, you can't help but be inspired to reach for more in your own individual path. I wish that every community had a Rachael. We'd have flourishing gardens, community improvement projects and live music every night. People would have meet ups, and be connected through her ideas. Our children would be playing outside in nature and teaching one another how to harvest and care for animals. Someone nominate this woman to be in a position of influence and power. We will be back, because we already miss the beautiful scenery, the s'mores and the tiny tomatoes we got to taste fresh...

The minute I got out of my car I was greeted warmly by Paul who checked in my guest and I and explained the process for the evening. Next we were offered an appetizer (and invited to come back for more!), while we waited for the farm tour. There was so much info shared during the tour about the history of the farm and the family themselves.

Each course of the dinner was exquisitely planned and prepared. Obviously the chef knows how to combine the seasonal veggies to come up with colorful and tasty sides and the entree. The sourdough chocolate chip cookies for dessert were amazing! I certainly didn't leave hungry!

All through the evening we were serenaded by live acoustic music and a vocalist with a beautiful voice. After dinner we sat back with a drink (cash bar) and enjoyed the summer breeze and meeting other diners as well as staff... including the resident felines who came out once dinner ended.

Some reviews have given a negative on the cost. While the evening was on the pricy side, I do not regret anything and will absolutely go back again. It isn't just a meal being served for the price, the cost goes toward the development of the farm and land, in addition to the wonderful programs they offer for kids to learn about and be a part of the farming experience!

I highly recommend everyone try the Saturday experience. My next stop is the Thursday evening ala cart...

I went by myself and I could not have been more welcomed by all who attended the dinner this past Saturday. Starting with check-in via Rachel, receiving an onion-polenta appetizer bite to lining up for a bourbon-lemonade with fresh mint (1) included with dinner pricing. Next I toured the farm with Rachel & attendees featuring all vegetables grown on this family farm to chickens raised here as well. The dinner was served in the new barn started with a sausage plate which lead to a fresh beet salad with a kick to grilled-roasted chicken with mash potatoes and kale. A local music group kept us entertained and engaged throughout dinner and post dessert. Lastly, while sitting by myself outside, I was invited by a group from Mokena to sit with them. Of coarse they were orignially from the Southside of Chicago, Mount Greenwood, Roseland, and Calumet City. All of them were as funny as all heck! Can't wait to get back to Chris and Rachel's Locavore Farm for another night...