Food Bank to hold Dinner in the Orchard Sept. 7

The quiet, secluded, pastoral setting of an old-fashioned orchard sets the stage for Dinner in the Orchard, a benefit for the Food Bank of Delaware.

The event, open to the public, is slated for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 7, at T.S. Smith & Sons in Bridgeville. The dinner will take place under the farm's pavilion off Orchard's End. The entrance is off Route 13 across from Goodwill.

Ticket holders will enjoy farm-fresh foods from Sussex County farms prepared by students from The Culinary School at the Food Bank's Milford Branch, craft beer, fine wines, plus live entertainment from The Swing Noteables. This year's meal will be served family-style.

"We are thrilled to partner with T.S. Smith & Sons on our fifth annual Dinner in the Orchard event," said Chad Robinson, Milford branch director, Food Bank of Delaware. "This event is one of our favorites. There is nothing like the peaceful orchard, carriage rides from Circle C Outfit and farm-fresh foods. We are looking forward to showing off the skills of our Culinary School students and supporting Sussex County farmers through a fresh, local menu."

"TS Smith & Sons is honored to be hosting this fundraiser to benefit the Food Bank of Delaware's Milford location," said Charlie Smith, fourth-generation farmer and partner, T.S. Smith & Sons. "We are happy to do our part to end hunger close to home."

Executive Chef Tim Hunter and Chef Tish Badamshin have planned a seasonal menu including fried shrimp with pink grapefruit and avocado over arugula, striped bass with orange saffron butter on braised fennel, grilled corn fritters and more.

Tickets are $30 per person. For more information, call 302-444-8074 or go to www.fbd.org/orcharddinner.