Courtesy Normandy Farm
At the far end of Normandy Farm’s Silo Ballroom, a big barn door conceals a television production-quality demonstration kitchen. The kitchen is a good clue to the importance of food and the versatility of the culinary staff there.
“We feed and entertain people,” said Melissa McDevitt, the property’s sales director.
Several three-hour team-building events put groups up to their elbows in flour and spices for fun and relationship-building.
One option has participants select, season and grill steaks, then give their work taste test during dinner on the patio.
Other activities challenge teams to create, bake and decorate cupcakes or twist dough and seasonings into Philly-style soft pretzels.
Yet another calls for teams to prepare a home-cooked meal for a soldier who is returning from abroad. The meal is shared with the soldier and his or her family.
Normandy Farm has created a niche here that spans the historical significance of food on farms and people’s heightened interest in food fed today by the Food Network.
And the beat goes on after hours. A comfortable space in the new bar and lounge encourages guests to gather around a fireplace for conversation or a casual meal. On Thursday nights, local wines and beers are featured.
