The Ecology Center: Community Table Summer Series – An edible conversation between a farm, a chef, and the community.
The Ecology Center has been a vibrant hub, promoting health and sustainability through engaging experiences for the last 15 years. Visitors can explore beautiful demonstration gardens showcasing ecological principles and sustainable design. Field trips, workshops, movie nights, and speaker events offer a wealth of knowledge for all ages.
The Ecology Center understands the power of community. Their signature Community Table dinners, now over a decade old, have become the premier farm-to-table experience on the West Coast. Every Friday night, from March to November, guests gather under the stars for a culinary adventure. Renowned chefs create exquisite 5-7 course meals using the freshest ingredients – straight from the Center’s farm, with local dairy and protein completing the picture. With menus that change with the seasons, each Community Table dinner is a unique and unforgettable experience.
Join The Ecology Center for an unforgettable experience at their Community Table series this summer. The Community Table Summer Series is bringing together a new lineup of world-class chefs to create an edible conversation between a farm, a chef, and the community. This series celebrates a seasonal palette of fruits, vegetables, herbs, berries, and flowers, all grown on their 28-acre Regenerative Organic Certified™ farm.
By inviting these culinary artists to the heart of their farm, they open doors to new ingredients, inspire them with their bio region’s historic foodways, and deepen their connection with the land. This intimate, family-style feast features thoughtfully crafted courses, showcasing the freshest farm produce.
Upcoming Dinners
A Plant-Based Community Table Meal with Chef Davin Waite of The Plot
June 14, 2024
A unique plant-based Community Table meal with Chef Davin Waite, a local legend in sustainable dining known for his innovative technique and commitment to minimizing food waste.
Community Table with Chef Joshua Gil of Mirate
June 21, 2024
Chef Joshua of Mírate brings a Californian twist to Mexican fare, complemented by a “farm to bar” cocktail program.
Community Table with Chef Reyna Venegas of Rancho La Puerta
June 28, 2024
Executive Chef Reyna Venegas fuses the culinary and cultural heritages of her own Northern Baja roots to prepare fresh and delicious food that energizes, inspires, and nourishes guests. Gather on the farm for a fireside dinner with Chef Venegas.
Community Table with Chef Joe Bower of Finca North Park
July 5, 2024
Chef Joe Bower brings his culinary expertise from Atlanta to Albuquerque to San Diego’s Finca, offering inventive tapas with global flavors and locally sourced produce, earning acclaim with prestigious awards.
Community Table with Chef Aiden Owens of Herb & Sea
July 12
Australian native Chef Aidan Owens brings a farm-to-table ethos and a passion for sustainability to Herb & Sea, blending East Coast culinary traditions with a modern Californian sensibility.
Community Table with Chef Aaron Zimmer of La Vaquera
July 19
An edible conversation with Executive Chef Aaron Zimmer of La Vaquera, whose career spans from an apprenticeship at the Ritz Carlton, Buckhead to leading culinary roles at Rosewood Hotel Group and Google — now bringing innovative cuisine rooted in San Juan Capistrano’s history to La Vaquera.
Community Table with Chef Adam Hiner
July 26
Chef Adam is a part of the founding team of Boochcraft, Southern California’s first high-alcohol kombucha brewery. Most recently, Chef Adam launched Pacha Bakery offering fermented, organic gluten-free bread. Join us for a special evening with Chef Adam Heiner.
Community Table with Chef Charlie Knowles of bica
August 2
With a passion for California-fresh cuisine and a commitment to ethical sourcing, Chef Charlie brings a unique blend of flavors inspired by the city’s tuna fishing community and the vibrant tempo of modern-day European cafes.
Community Table with Chef Jorge Valines
August 9
With a local, seasonal and sustainable ethos at the forefront of his craft, Chef Jorge Valines’ cuisine focuses on the fresh and flavorful but also the impact for future generations. Currently working as the Corporate Chef for Blackhouse Hospitality, Jorge leads a culinary team spanning 7 independent restaurants. His intensity for learning keeps him motivated for new techniques, ingredients and adventures.
Community Table with Chefs Nic Webber and Jacob Jordan of 24 Suns
August 16
Chef Nic and Jacob use an age-old method rooted in the Chinese agricultural solar calendar. They embrace this philosophy through locally sourced, micro-seasonal cuisine that draws from Chinese techniques and traditions, blending them with classical training and the abundance of Southern California’s offerings.
Community Table with Chef Ben Martinek of Pendry
August 23
From working in a Colorado dive bar at eleven to becoming Culinary Director at Pendry Newport Beach and The Elwood Club, Chef Ben’s extraordinary journey and commitment to locally sourced, plant-based cuisine has earned him accolades and admiration in the culinary world.
Community Table with Chef Michael Campbell of Pacific Pearl Cafe
August 30
Chef Campbell uses The Ecology Center’s local seasonal produce to craft sublimely simple dishes that showcase unforgettable character and soul. Gather on the farm for a fireside dinner with Chef Michael Campbell.
