BEYOND FARM-TO-TABLE

Let’s set this up right from the beginning. Granor Farm is a wildly delicious dining experience. Set in a striking, architecturally-significant glass greenhouse with a state-of-the-art kitchen and accomplished culinary team, you couldn’t be blamed for confusing it with a restaurant. But make no mistake, despite the style, grace, and skill behind the dinner program, Granor is first and foremost an active, certified organic farm.

Founded in 2006, Granor grows over 100 varieties of organic and heirloom vegetables, flowers, herbs, and grains with a mission to steward the land, feed the community, and educate. The programming here is intuitive and experiential—tours, camps, markets, recipes—even a Saturday bike ride through the surrounding countryside. But the most distilled journey from seed to plate is Farm Dinners.

Led by Abra Berens—a James Beard and New York Times-celebrated chef and author—meals are yummy, comforting, surprising, and visually beautiful. Each week’s menu an artful, of-the-moment expression of the harvest presented with Granor’s signature juxtaposition of refined and homey. Served at long tables overlooking the farm, the experience is a lot like a fabulous dinner party. Great food, lovely wine, engaging conversation, and discovery.

Space is limited, and tickets sell fast, so advance planning is a must. But absolutely worth it for this rare and charming way to experience Southwest Michigan food culture. 

Local Tip: Come as a single or couple. Everybody here, guests and staff, never fail to be open and engaging, so you’re likely to leave with new friends. However, if you can’t resist bringing a crew, Granor’s private dining space makes for a super-memorable occasion.

words  Collette DiJohn Kemper
images  Jamie Kelter Davis