Among the pastoral Galway, NY countryside is 65 acres of picturesque open and treed land with stunning views of the surrounding rolling hills and woods. It is a peaceful place where a bond with the soil and the community is built through food and farming. On this swathe of land the seasons are celebrated and gratitude is demonstrated for what the earth yields. This place where agriculture, sustainability, and cuisine come together is The DZ Farm.
Owned by David & Roslyn Zecchini, who have consistently embraced and demonstrated a love and respect for food, The DZ Farm joins the family of DZ Restaurants that includes Chianti Il Ristorante, Forno Bistro, and Boca Bistro in Saratoga Springs and Pasta Pane Rustic Italian Bistro in Clifton Park.
“DZ Restaurants is always looking for new opportunities to expand our knowledge, continue the education of our DZ staff, and provide unique experiences to our guests.” said David Zecchini, President of DZ Restaurants. “At The DZ Farm we will rejoice in what the land provides by cherishing the ingredients from the fields and the farm. It will be a place to fill our plates and our hearts with the bounty of our own crops and the ever-present gift of family and friendship.”
Shortly after purchasing The DZ Farm in January of 2014, Roslyn Zecchini and Nancy Bambara, Director of Operations for DZ Restaurants, attended the Winter NOFA-NY Conference (Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York) in Saratoga Springs, NY. The conference afforded them a rare opportunity to speak with local and regional farmers who are likewise committed to promoting sustainable, local, organic food and farming. Prior to this year’s planting season and throughout the first year The DZ Farm will collaborate with many of these of agricultural experts and advanced farmers for guidance, advice and direction.
“To ready the land for cultivation, we had soil samples tested by the Cornell Cooperative Extension Soil Testing Laboratory for pH and conductivity (soluble salts).” said Nancy Bambara, Director of Operations, “Additionally, we are currently developing a collective composting program among all four DZ Restaurants to use on the farm.”
The initial plan for the first year is to plant a 1/2 acre parcel with select vegetable varieties along with a large and diverse herb garden that will supplement the produce and herbs used in the DZ Restaurant kitchens.
The DZ Farm will also offer meaningful hands-on experiences for all through an assortment of retreats, agricultural workshops, trail walks, gardening instruction, and culinary adventures.
“I believe that by working closely with the surrounding community and offering a variety of educational opportunities we can connect nature to food while supporting agricultural tourism in the area.” said Zecchini.
With an impeccably reproduced American Colonial Saltbox home, a two-stall horse barn, a large beaver pond thriving with a menagerie of wildlife, and walking and hiking trails that wind throughout the entirety of the acreage, The DZ Farm will likewise serve as a location that provides a serene and rustic backdrop for community, corporate and social events.
“The DZ Farm is a venue that can offer businesses anything from a traditional board dinner, to agricultural outings and retreats, cooking classes, boot camps, and other team building activities.” said Michele Brown, Director of Sales for DZ Restaurants, “It is also the idyllic setting for small, intimate weddings, rehearsal dinners, and other types of special events all staged under nature’s canopy and presented in a natural, earthy, and simple style with the sole purpose of making the event unforgettable.”
For more information about how The DZ Farm is building community through food and farming contact Nancy Bambara at nancy@dzrestaurants.com or at 518-583-1142
For information about corporate or social events at The DZ Farm contact Michele Brown at michele@dzrestaurants.com or at 518-583-1142
Follow the growth of The DZ Farm at www.facebook.com/thedzfarm
