Over recent years Bonton Farms has become an inspiring centerpiece for the surrounding neighborhood in South Dallas. With its homegrown produce and Market Cafe, it has helped an area that had struggled through rough times to prosper. On the evening of Sunday, September 6, Bonton was the site of A-Farm-To-Table celebration of African American vendors and volunteers benefiting Miles of Freedom. Here’s a report from the field:
A hidden oasis in South Dallas, Bonton Farms stands gracefully and gives life to the neighborhoods around it. No matter its spot in Dallas, Bonton Farms would entice anyone walking by, but because of its location, it is making a bigger impact. The lush gardens not only provide meals but bring healing to a community in great need.
Buke Dube and Chipo Size came together to curate A Farm-To-Table Soirée, an event aimed to highlight some of Dallas’ Black-owned event industry vendors. An event for all to experience farm-fresh meals cooked by a Black chef while listening to live soul music by Private Property Band – all organized by Black women.
Walking into Farm-To-Table Soirée the first thing to notice is the minimalism meets charming farm aesthetic, warm lights strung above, and the sound of cicadas. It has that clean Texas farmhouse charm so many people strive for in their living room. It feels like you’re going to be greeted by Joanna and Chip Gaines. The gardens are open to wander through, the scent of fresh rosemary is wonderful, and handfuls of hummingbirds are easily spotted. It is wild to think this is only fifteen minutes from downtown Dallas in a place that feels off the grid completely.
Bonton Farms raises an eyebrow in salute to how much potential South Dallas has to flourish if given more attention, and Farm-To-Table Soirée is a prime example of what South Dallas can bring to the table of fine dining.
At the helm of the evening’s smooth sailing was Emma Ndebele who planned and designed the entire event, even committing herself to the floral table pieces. Ndebele’s company Atukio – A Bold Event Design Experience created a warm inviting atmosphere. Despite tables of strangers not knowing each other and social distancing, it felt like being at a family affair.
Chef Linda Mainja created a three-course meal that embraced fresh garden-to kitchen-cooking. The first course featured a jumbo lump crabcake over a bed of zesty arugula salad followed by a second course of garlic mashed potatoes topped with chicken thigh in a creamy white sauce and sautéed asparagus. Then a sweet finish of custard-filled crepes topped with berry sauce brought out the smiles. It proved when fed by this Zimbabwe native, you will leave the table full and satisfied. Mainja runs her own catering business named Tinaye Catering, which kept the ball rolling all night.
There wasn’t an awkward silence to be heard with Private Property Band jamming out classic soul and R&B hits, everything from Stevie Wonder to Roberta Flack. Their “Killing Me Softly with His Song” cover had the vocal integrity and spunk of Lauryn Hill so much so that anyone would be tempted to shout, “One Time, One Time.”
It isn’t often that an event is about the people hosting and running the show, but this truly embraced vendor options without being a distraction to the experience of the entire night. Buke made the message clear, “I ask you that at least by the end of the evening, whether you’re having a small event or large event, if you like the food, be sure to get in touch with Chef Linda. If you like the decor and how everything has been planned, certainly get in touch with Emma Ndebele of Atukio – A Bold Event Design Experience. The band is amazing! The Private Property Band is here! Our photographer Joseph Rivers from Jay Sonata Photography and the videographer Nikki G. are all excellent. Our events empower the community. All the services here today are from the Black community, so I hope you join us at our next event!”
The event benefited awareness for Miles of Freedom, a prison re-entry program designed to equip, empower, and employ individuals returning home from prison and provide support and assistance for families and communities impacted by incarceration. www.milesoffreedom.org
* Photo credit: Joseph Rivers