A Conversation with Vanessa Driscoll Bialobreski
October 22, 2015
Managing Partner, Farm to Table Event Company
Vanessa Driscoll Bialobreski, the Managing Partner of the Farm to Table Event Company is so well-known in the Midlands that many people just refer to her as “Vanessa.” For instance, when local people ask who’s doing a unique farm-fresh event; the answer is simply, “That’s Vanessa’s event.” www.farmtotableeventco.com
We were able to catch up with her earlier this week and hear about some of the exciting foodie events that we can look forward to in the Midlands.
ML: The name of your company is unique. Can you tell us more about where it came from?
Vanessa: It was named after the Farm to Table Movement that was revitalized about 20 years ago. The advent of the first fast food restaurants and processed foods in the 1950’s caused the decline of farm-fresh fare and the increased purchasing of pre-packaged and convenience food.
ML: We understand that you moved back to Columbia in 2010 after living all over the country — most recently Asheville.
Vanessa: Yes, when I came back home I saw that there was a new movement in Columbia that wasn’t here when I left. People had started caring about farm-fresh food, farmers, and local chefs.
I seized the opportunity to create events that I’d like to go to. First, we started a progressive dinner series of local restaurants and then gave our first Harvest Dinner in October 2011. I basically found a chef and a farmer and we created the dinners. We had 45 people, which meant that we sold out and we were thrilled! We had another one later that month. Then we went from having them in the fall and the spring to year-around. Every dinner sells-out and we have about 100 people at each event.
ML: How can we find out what’s coming up?
Vanessa: Just go to www.farmtotableeventco.com to see upcoming events. Our next fun event is a Farm to Trunk Wine Tasting on Nov. 18th at City Roots.
ML: What makes you unique?
Vanessa: It’s basically a partnership among a farmer, chef, and an event planner. We have high standards. It benefits both our small businesses and the community as well.
ML: You have some very impressive partners, right?
Vanessa: Absolutely! I could never pull all of this off without my talented partners:
Eric McClam, Co-Founder of City Roots Farm http://cityroots.org/
Kristian Niemi, Owner of Rosso Trattoria and Bourbon http://www.rossocolumbia.com/ http://www.bourboncolumbia.com/#welcome
Resident Chef: Travis Rayle, Exec. Chef of Rosso
Resident Chef: Frank Bradley, Ex. Chef of Bourbon
We also occasionally use local guest chefs.
ML: We’re frequently disappointed that your Farm to Table Dinners sell out so quickly. Do you have additional events?
Vanessa: Yes, we’ve actually started doing private harvest dinners, pig and oyster roasts, and Lowcountry boils. We’re pretty psyched about it as we can accommodate up to 400 people.
ML: What’s included?
Vanessa: Everything! All you have to do is just show up and have fun!
Vanessa Driscoll Bialobreski
Vanessa grew up in Columbia, SC. After graduation, she went to Brevard College, then proceeded to travel and live in various places, while consistently returning to Columbia in between. After a time spent living in Asheville, where she worked with a national green events company, Vanessa decided to focus on highlighting the local goodness where she lived instead of highlighting other cities’ products.
Eventually, she discovered her true passion when she created Farm to Table Event Company, a partnership with City Roots, Columbia’s in-town, sustainable, organic farm. Working with local chefs and farmers, she helps orchestrate dinners and events that bring a community together over locally-grown food.
Vanessa has always been proud of her hometown community and the natural hospitality it shows everyone, and she loves continuing that tradition with events supporting traditional farming, talented chefs, and local businesses.
Please send all inquiries to [email protected]
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