Inspiring Conversations with Mason of Farm Dinner Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mason.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Last summer at the Topanga Farmer’s Market, Diego Ayala and I, both vendors, began talking about the struggles of operating a family run farm. They are responsible for everything – caring for the land, selling at the market and everything else that comes with running their business. Even with great products, competition is fierce in the Southern California produce industry.
Diego, being the only son of the Ayala Family, is an entrepreneur at heart and looking for new ways to generate income for his family. He shared with me that the water bill alone cost $5,000/month just to keep the avocado trees alive. He also told me that they just fixed up an area of their farm with hopes to rent out the space for special events like weddings and quinceneras. However, he didn’t really know how to get the word out.

This got my gears turning. Lately, I’ve been working as a private chef and dreaming of hosting my own events centered around the abundance of the farmer’s markets in Los Angeles. So I pitched to Diego, why don’t we start hosting farm-to-table dinners? Usually finding a venue is the most difficult and expensive part. If we bring people out to the farm, we can keep our costs low and create a truly unique experience that creates countless opportunities for people to connect with the farmer, their food and with each other.

With my background in bootstrapping start ups, it was only a matter of setting the date and everything else would fall into place. Coincidentally, the next week I ran into my friend Matteo at the market, who’s an incredible Michelin trained chef. I shared our vision with him and pitched the idea of getting him to cook for us at the farm. It would be a challenge – we have to build an outdoor kitchen from scratch – but I promised it would be a fulfilling and fun process too. Lucky for us, Matteo had also been dreaming of doing something new and different with his skillset and this was the perfect chance.

We gave ourselves 6 weeks to plan, promote and host our first farm dinner. That was May 2024 and we haven’t stopped since. Granted, we do need to take a break during the winter when the weather is unpredictable on the farm with flash floods and high winds. But as soon as Ana Ayala, the matriarch, gives us the green light, we ramp up and can’t wait to bring our community together for an unforgettable evening on the farm.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not smooth sailing! The biggest challenge was getting the farm ready for visitors and building an outdoor kitchen. Since this is an actual operating farm that means we have limited access to drinking water and electricity. Of course that’s part of the charm but we also need to make the space functional and attractive enough for both guests and chefs. The entire kitchen needs to have the essentials to cook for and serve 50 people while also being minimal enough to break down and store when not in use. All the appliances have to run off propane. This mean we had to build a few custom pieces and convert appliances to be used out doors. Lots of trial and error.

In the middle of figuring that out, we also had to adapt and pivot when things didn’t go according to plan. Being in the middle of farmland means we don’t have access to unlimited kitchen supplies and ingredients. When we forget something then we have to do without. This creates many opportunities for disaster but it also creates opportunities to work together and be creative.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Farm Dinner Los Angeles?
Farm dinners are about getting together outdoors, sharing a meal cooked with passion, and creating memories with familiar and new friends alike.
This isn’t just another supper club or seasonal menu special.
You start to feel the shift on the drive out, leaving the city behind and making your way toward the hills and valley that is the farmland of Fillmore. As soon as you set foot on the dirt road, you can smell the citrus trees and fresh air. The busy noises of LA are replaced with the sounds of wind in the trees, birds chirping, or a tractor. Sometimes there’s no sound at all.
You’re greeted with a smile and a table full of food that highlights the abundance of the season. Cantaloupe or watermelon aqua fresca in the summer or cucumber ginger mint lemonade in the fall. Fresh fruit, dips, breads and whatever else the chef wants to surprise us with.

Once everyone has settled, we gather to meet the Ayala Family and Diego will take you around the farm to pick your own produce. This has become a truly incredible experience for many people who never had the opportunity to get this close to their food source – and a reminder for others who yearn to be outside. Ask questions to learn about the family and the practices that ensure you are getting the absolute most nutritious food for your family. I’m always amazed to see the happy and peaceful faces of our guests as they return from the farm tour.

Upon your return, depending on the event, we will treat you to a sound bath, guided meditation or music. Find your seats and get ready for a 5-course family style feast. Even though you are sure to start the night hungry, you will leave satisfied and satiated with a belly full of laughter and grateful hearts.

Our farm dinners are a chance to unwind and re-connect with yourself. It’s a time to enjoy life and the people you love living it with. It’s a moment to celebrate our chefs and farmers who work so hard for us. These are the things we can do every day and I invite you to make a celebration of it. So come, join us for an evening on the farm!

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
We are part of a rapidly growing industry. Eating / buying local and seasonal is not just a trend – it’s a new lifestyle that many people are adopting. When it comes to food, there is a big awareness and education component so people understand why and how their choices make an impact on their community.

Our mission is directly tied to the vision of regenerative agriculture. This is an emerging philosophy and practice that will only continue to grow in the coming years. As more farmers adopt regenerative agriculture, there will be more products available. With more of those products in the marketplace, consumers will have the choice to support them and learn about why it makes a difference. Our farm dinners create the perfect opportunity to bridge the gap between the farmers and community members. It gives people the chance to get closer to the source of the food and get to know the people who feed them. It also creates a space for like minded people to meet and strengthen their beliefs.

Pricing:

• standard ticket $150/person

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.farmdinnerla.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farmdinner.losangeles
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578369953513#

Image Credits
Sara Benyo
Arthur Hernandez
Piers Harper