Photo courtesy of Carla McLemore Lawrence

Dinner in the Orchard took place on a portion of the 280 acres belonging to Wes and Marlene Isom on Saturday, Oct. 15.

The setting was magical. It was a nature lover’s delight, combining dazzling sunshine, grassy fields, sparkling waters, and meandering trails, amidst the gentle embrace of peach orchards. The feeling of the place hearkened back to times past in honor of the four generations who have farmed the land. The event was all about local fare and flavor.

Guests enjoyed award winning goat cheese by Belle Chevre and Humble Hearts creameries, and a variety of Alabama wines including Morgan Creek, Wills Creek, Vizzini Farms, and Grissom Cellars.  Members of the Athena League, also known as Apple Annie ladies, acted as hospitable hostesses and served dinner. Music was provided by Consort A L’Ancienne, playing distinctive melodies of the 1700-1800’s. 

The afternoon and early evening soiree provided the local Athens- Limestone Hospital Foundation a check for $11,000.  It also provided the 126 guests a culinary affair to remember.

The tables were set with decorative grasses, colorful squash, flowers, pumpkins, and  vines grown on the Isom’s farm. Guests brought their own dinner plates and the din of conversation slowed as the first courses began.

  The salad featured lettuce planted especially for the dinner by Grandaddy Joe Isom, and it was complemented by a locally prepared black fig vinaigrette. This was followed by a Tex Mex butternut bisque, created by Mary Stephenson, and served in mini pumpkin vessels that were grown on the farm.

An array of  Alabama foods followed,  including grilled squash and eggplant, freshly ground cheese polenta from McEwen & Sons Mills, and a vast selection of pickles, pepper jelly, and peach chutney prepared by Mrs. Snow Howard, who is Marlene Isom’s mother.

Mrs. Howard spent the entire Summer canning the specialties, and comments were numerous as to the exceptional flavors abounding in her condiments. Fresh breads by Amy Carter accompanied the perfectly prepared apple pork tenderloin from 306 Bar B Que. For dessert, the homemade apple cake, was topped with honey infused ice cream from Humble Hearts farm.

   In honor of  30 years of marriage this year, Wes and Marlene Isom threw the community a celebration to benefit the local hospital.

Instead of jetting off to an exotic locale, they decided to give back, inviting guests to help in the effort, while enjoying the pristine wonder of the orchards in the fall. Wes’s mother, Jo Ann, worked for 44 years at Athens-Limestone Hospital.

In making their philanthropic decision, they determined that developing a fundraiser to benefit the renovation project in the local Emergency Department was their best choice.

Marlene Isom has also spent years working to build community awareness about locally grown food.

Her dream to continue this mission through an orchard dining experience succeeded on Oct. 15. She reached out to many like-minded food enthusiasts working on goat farms and creameries, grist mills, and on local Alabama farms, and in vineyards. They passionately stepped up and assisted  Marlene Isom in her mission.

The overwhelming community response to the Isom’s experience has led Marlene to plan another event in the spring.

The delicate pink peach blossoms will be a perfect backdrop to host a benefit luncheon for breast cancer.

The first Dinner in The Orchard proved that locally grown events such as this, provide all the elements required to satisfy one’s desire for fine food, feel good fun and philanthropy.