What Outstanding in the Field Is

Outstanding in the Field is a traveling dinner series that sets up temporary restaurants in farms, vineyards, gardens, and other outdoor locations. A chef and crew arrive at a specific site, build a table in the field or on the property, and serve a multi-course meal to guests who have reserved seats in advance. The meal is tied to the location — often featuring ingredients grown or raised on that same land — and the experience centers on eating outdoors in a working agricultural setting rather than in a traditional restaurant building.

The company has been running these events since 1999 and operates across the United States, with occasional international events. Each dinner is a one-time occurrence at a particular venue, so the same location does not host the same meal twice. You book a specific date and place, not a recurring restaurant.

Key Takeaways

  • Outstanding in the Field dinners happen outdoors at farms and gardens on specific dates, and you must book your seat in advance through their website.
  • Each meal costs between $150 and $300 per person depending on the location and chef, and you pay when you reserve, not at the event.
  • Dinners typically last three to four hours and include five to seven courses, with wine pairings available for an additional cost.
  • You are responsible for getting yourself to the venue, which is often in a rural area with limited parking or public transit, so plan your arrival time carefully.
  • The experience is weather-dependent — if severe weather makes the event unsafe, it may be postponed or canceled, and you receive a refund or credit.

How to Find and Book a Dinner

Outstanding in the Field publishes its calendar on their official website, where you can see upcoming events by date and location. Each listing shows the venue name, the chef leading that dinner, the date, the price per person, and a description of the menu or theme. You click on an event to see more details and to purchase tickets.

Tickets sell out quickly — popular locations and well-known chefs can fill within days or hours of going on sale. The website does not hold seats; you complete your purchase when ready to find your spot. Payment is by credit card, and you receive a confirmation email with your reservation details and directions to the venue.

If you want to be notified when new events are added to the calendar, you can sign up for their email list on the website. This is the only way to know when tickets become available, since Outstanding in the Field does not announce events through social media or other channels before they go live on the site.

What the Meal Includes and Costs

The price per person ranges from roughly $150 to $300, depending on the chef, the location, and the complexity of the menu. This price covers the meal itself — typically five to seven courses — and service. The meal is served family-style or plated, depending on the event, and usually includes bread, butter, and non-alcoholic beverages such as water, coffee, or tea.

Wine pairings are offered separately and cost an additional $50 to $100 per person. If you choose wine pairings, the wine is selected to match each course and is poured by the service staff. You do not have to purchase wine pairings to attend; you can bring your own wine to some events, though you should confirm this in the event details or by contacting Outstanding in the Field before your reservation.

Dietary restrictions are accommodated when you book. During checkout or shortly after, you will be asked to note any allergies, vegetarian preferences, or other dietary needs. The kitchen prepares an alternative course for you if needed, so inform them of your restrictions at the time of booking rather than on the day of the event.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Outstanding in the Field provides the table, chairs, plates, and utensils. You should bring a jacket or sweater, even in warm months, because outdoor temperatures drop as the sun sets and the meal can last three to four hours. Wear closed-toe shoes suitable for walking on uneven ground — venues are often on working farms with grass, gravel, or dirt surfaces.

Bring bug spray or insect repellent if you are sensitive to mosquitoes or other insects. The events run rain or shine, so check the weather forecast for your location and bring an umbrella or rain jacket if rain is possible. Some venues provide umbrellas or tents, but this varies by location.

Arrive early. The confirmation email includes directions and parking information, but rural venues often have limited parking and may fill up quickly. Plan to arrive 15 to 30 minutes before the stated start time so you are not rushed and can find parking without stress.

Timing and Duration of Events

Outstanding in the Field dinners typically begin in late afternoon or early evening — often around 5:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. — and last three to four hours. The exact start time is listed in the event details when you book. The meal is paced to allow conversation between courses, so there is downtime built into the experience.

The event concludes when the final course and dessert are finished, usually by 8:00 p.m. or 9:00 p.m. depending on the start time. If you have other plans that evening, confirm the end time before booking, as some dinners run longer than others.

What Happens If Weather Is Bad or the Event Is Canceled

Outstanding in the Field monitors weather forecasts leading up to each event. If severe weather — such as a thunderstorm, extreme heat, or heavy rain — makes the event unsafe or impossible to run, the company will postpone the dinner to a different date or cancel it entirely. You will be notified by email if this happens.

If an event is canceled, you receive a full refund to your original payment method or a credit toward a future Outstanding in the Field dinner. The credit does not expire, so you can use it to book any event on their calendar at any time. If the event is postponed, you can choose to attend on the new date or request a refund instead.

Transportation and Accessibility

Outstanding in the Field venues are located on farms, in vineyards, and at gardens — often in rural areas with no public transportation. You must drive or arrange your own transportation to the venue. The confirmation email includes the full address and parking details, so you can enter the location into a GPS app or mapping service.

If you plan to drink wine or alcohol at the dinner, arrange a designated driver, taxi, or rideshare service in advance. Do not drive yourself if you will be consuming alcohol. Some venues are in areas with limited cell service, so read your directions offline before you leave home.

Accessibility varies by venue. Some farms have paved paths and accessible parking, while others require walking on grass or gravel. If you have mobility concerns, contact Outstanding in the Field before booking to ask about the specific venue's layout and accessibility features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a guest or buy tickets for someone else?

Yes. You purchase individual seats during checkout, so you can buy multiple tickets at once for friends or family members. Each person receives their own confirmation email with the event details. You do not need to attend with the same group — you can purchase a ticket for someone else and they can attend independently.

What if I need to cancel my reservation?

Cancellation policies vary by event and are listed in the event details before you purchase. Most events allow cancellations up to a certain date — often 7 to 14 days before the dinner — for a full refund. Cancellations made closer to the event date may result in a credit instead of a refund. Check the specific policy for your event before booking.

Do I need to dress up for Outstanding in the Field?

There is no strict dress code, but most guests wear casual to business-casual clothing. Since the meal is outdoors and can last several hours, prioritize comfort and weather-appropriate clothing over formality. Avoid very casual attire like gym clothes or beachwear, but jeans and a nice shirt are perfectly acceptable.

Can I take photos during the dinner?

Photography is generally permitted for personal use. However, check the event details or ask the service staff when you arrive, as some events or chefs may have restrictions. Be respectful of other guests and do not use flash photography or spend excessive time photographing — the focus is on the meal and the experience.

What if the restaurant or chef I want is fully booked?

Outstanding in the Field adds new events to their calendar throughout the year, so popular chefs and locations often return. Sign up for their email list to be notified when new dates are announced. You can also check the website regularly to see if additional events are added or if cancellations open up seats at sold-out dinners.