Glow
ROWLEY, MASSACHUSETTS | OCTOBER 2024
Hidden in the small town of Rowley, Massachusetts is the historic Barn at Bradstreet Farm. We set a crescent of farmhouse tables (hand-built by Bradstreet’s current steward, Michael Sabatini) around the on-site arbor in the barn’s back yard. From here, we had panoramic views of the changing foliage flanked by flower gardens, a spent field of corn, and even a pen of friendly goats to greet guests during cocktail hour.
When guest chef Chris Viaud arrived the morning of the Supper, we had set the table inside the barn. Chef Chris, ever committed to making the experience a memorable one, asked if we could move the event outside. His whole team pitched in to pull tables onto the lawn so that Supper could take place in the autumn sun (and, admittedly, a bit of autumn breeze).
After cocktail hour with craft beverages from Bully Boy Distillers and Rodney Strong Vineyards, we sat down to a fall-focused Haitian meal. Around dessert, the sky started to change — the Northern Lights turned what was a memorable Supper into a once-in-a-lifetime event, and we couldn’t be more thankful to Chef for the location change!
WELCOME
We welcomed guests with two cocktails, the bright and fresh Rodney Strong Vineyards Charlotte’s Mule and a warming Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour with Bully Boy Whiskey.
The colors of the cocktails reflected the colors dusting the tops of the surrounding trees to greet everyone for the seasonal celebration.
MENU BY CHEF CHRIS VIAUD
Chef Chris Viaud and the team from Ansanm executed a wonderful Haitian-inspired feast on the lawn outside the barn.
The meal was warming and comfortable. Each plate offered a bite of Chris’s heritage alongside the best bits of fall; from kabocha squash soup to beet and carrot salade russe to grilled chicken with spicy pikliz.
MENU
WELCOME
Légume Croquette epis aïoli and pickled shallot
Creole Chicken Pâté piperade and caramelized onion
Cocktails:
Rodney Strong Vineyards Charlotte’s Mule
Bully Boy Distillers Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour
ON THE TABLE
Housemade Adobo Brioche whipped sweet plantain butter
Wine: 2021 Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay
FIRST
Soup Joumou kabocha squash, cabbage, celery, turnip, creme fraiche, croutons
Wine: 2021 Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay
SECOND
Salade Russe beets, potato, carrots, peppers, peas, alliums
Wine: 2021 Davis Bynum Dutton Ranches Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
MAIN
Poule Nan Sos chicken breast, creole sauce jus
Diri Djon Djon
Banan Peze
Pikliz
Wine: 2021 Rodney Strong Vineyards Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
DESSERT
Pineapple Upside Down Cake spiced Chantilly cream, tablet nwa
Bully Boy Distillers Amaro
WINE PAIRINGS
We shared wines from Rodney Strong Vineyards throughout the meal, starting with Chalk Hill Chardonnay before moving into reds. First, a Davis Bynum Pinot Noir then a classic California Cabernet Sauvignon from the Alexander Valley.
NIGHTCAP
We ended the night with a pineapple upside down cake topped with spiced Chantilly cream, which paired perfectly with Bully Boy Distillers Amaro. Boston’s innovative take on this Italian classic helped to warm everyone up from the inside out.
Alongside each pour of Amaro, guests received a set of conversation cards from Lumitory to get the conversation flowing again after a speechless moment watching the Northern Lights glow.
SECRET LOCATION: THE BARN AT BRADSTREET FARM
The Barn at Bradstreet Farms is not only beautiful, it is one of the oldest barns in the United States. The farm has been in continuous operation since 1635, when it was deeded to Humphrey Bradstreet by England’s King Charles I.
The farmhouse and grounds had fallen into some disrepair until three years ago, when Michael Sabatini lovingly restored the buildings to create a space for friends and family to gather. Now, he and his partner, Michelle Faulkner, open up their home for select events and weddings, while maintaining the working farm as part of the conservation agreement that came with their purchase of the property.
A strong sense of history is present on the farm, but Mike and Michelle’s passion, playful energy, and excitement to share their hard work really bring this landmark to life.
