The Farmer’s Hand Brookfield Dining Experience: A Culinary Journey of Two Farmers Turned Chefs
In the rolling hills of Brookfield, Vermont, Betsy Simpson and Kyle Doda, the talented duo behind 1000 Stone Farm, have embarked on a unique venture that blends their culinary, cidermaking, and farming expertise into a delightful farm-to-table dining experience. What began as a chance meeting in 2017 has blossomed into a thriving partnership, with the couple now at the helm of a seasonal, on-farm restaurant known as the Farmer’s Hand.
A Match Made in Farming Heaven: Culinary Dreams Sprout from the Fields
When Kyle Doda first crossed paths with Betsy Simpson, he was seeking a crew member for his vegetable farm. Little did he know that Simpson, a farm kid at heart, would become his lifelong partner in both farming and the culinary arts. With Simpson’s background in dairy farming and culinary school education, she brings a unique perspective to the kitchen, infusing dishes with fresh, homegrown flavors that reflect the bounty of 1000 Stone Farm.
Simpson’s culinary journey began at the Culinary Institute of America, where she honed her skills in farm-to-table cooking. While her formal training prepared her for a career in restaurants, her love for the outdoors drew her back to the farm. On the other hand, Doda, a Virginia native with a passion for sculpture and ceramics, found his calling in agriculture, establishing 1000 Stone Farm in 2014. Together, the couple has cultivated a diverse array of crops, livestock, and fruit trees, creating a thriving ecosystem that sustains both their farm business and their culinary aspirations.
A Love Story Rooted in the Soil: From Farmhands to Restaurant Owners
As Simpson and Doda’s relationship blossomed, so did their farm business. From shared snowshoeing adventures to a cozy barn loft living arrangement, the couple’s journey has been intertwined with the growth of 1000 Stone Farm. With a keen eye for sustainable farming practices and a deep respect for the land, Simpson and Doda have expanded their farm operations to include a variety of crops, livestock, and value-added products that showcase the best of Vermont’s agricultural bounty.
The Farmer’s Hand: Where Farm Fresh Meets Culinary Craftsmanship
In November, 1000 Stone Farm unveiled the Farmer’s Hand, a charming 30-seat restaurant and tasting room that offers a taste of Vermont’s finest farm-to-table cuisine. From wood-fired pizzas to marinated mushroom skewers, each dish is a testament to the couple’s dedication to showcasing the flavors of the season. As Simpson works her magic in the kitchen, Doda delights guests with his farm-fermented ciders and wines, creating a harmonious dining experience that celebrates the best of Vermont’s food culture.
The restaurant’s bright, welcoming atmosphere reflects the couple’s passion for sharing their farm with the community. With a menu that changes with the seasons and ingredients sourced directly from their fields, the Farmer’s Hand offers a unique culinary experience that is both delicious and sustainable. As diners savor each bite, they can rest assured that the food on their plate was raised, grown, and prepared with love and care by the hands of two dedicated farmers turned chefs.
A Culinary Adventure Awaits: From Field to Fork at the Farmer’s Hand
With each dish that emerges from the kitchen, Simpson and Doda invite diners to experience the true essence of farm-to-table dining. Whether it’s a tender chicken drumstick with slaw, a hearty goat panuozzo sandwich, or a decadent chocolate pot de crème, every bite tells a story of the land and the labor that went into its creation. As guests enjoy their meal, they can take comfort in knowing that they are supporting a local farm and savoring the flavors of Vermont at its finest.
As Simpson and Doda continue to share their culinary creations with the community, they remain committed to their roots as farmers first and foremost. With a deep-seated respect for the land and a passion for sustainable agriculture, the couple hopes to inspire others to connect with their food and the farmers who produce it. At the Farmer’s Hand, every meal is a celebration of the land, the labor, and the love that goes into each and every dish.
As the sun sets on another day at the Farmer’s Hand, Simpson and Doda look forward to another evening of culinary delights and shared memories. With a private restaurant nestled in the heart of their farm, the couple’s journey continues to unfold, one dish at a time. So why not join them for a meal, a glass of cider, and a taste of Vermont’s finest? After all, at the Farmer’s Hand, the table is set, and the feast awaits.
