Zingerman’s Cornman Farms, a working farm and private event venue located just outside of Ann Arbor, is excited to launch a new product offering for private dining and events. Its private dining and events packages can accommodate various celebrations from rehearsal dinners and anniversary parties to graduation receptions and company board dinners. In addition, the venue is pleased to welcome Forte Belanger to its list of exclusive catering partners who will be available for private events at Cornman Farms.
Private Dining at Cornman Farms features the cuisine of Executive Chef and Owner, Kieron Hales. Kieron’s extensive culinary background began in England at the age of 13 when he was accepted into the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts. From there, he traveled the globe living and cooking in 27 different countries including Michelin star restaurants, such as the widely known Paul Bocuse in Burgundy, France as well as for three U.S. Presidents and the Queen of England. Chef Kieron’s culinary style has a European influence with a focus on simple dishes that evoke a sense of nostalgia. This aligns well with his menus, which feature high quality ingredients and local, seasonal produce from Cornman Farms as well as the area’s neighboring farms.
In addition to Kieron’s cooking, guests can enjoy the property’s beautifully restored venues, including an 1834 white Greek revival farmhouse and the 1837 Red Barn, which offer three unique private dining rooms. The farmhouse features three flowing dining rooms, a lounge and exhibition kitchen and offers the charm of entertaining in someone’s home. The Red Barn’s upper level loft has a wood-burning fireplace and gabled roof that gives guests a sense of history and grandeur. The lower level lounge of the Red Barn features a wood burning fireplace with lounge seating, built-in bar and an outdoor patio that opens up onto the farm’s production gardens for a relaxed yet elegant setting. Private Dining experiences can accommodate up to 50 guests for seated dinners and up to 100 guests for strolling receptions. The experience also includes a four-hour venue rental, Zingerman’s coffee and a three-course farm-to-table meal or heavy hors d’oeuvres for strolling events.
Private Events at Cornman Farms are designed for larger groups ranging from 50 to 400 guests. In addition to the Farmhouse and Red Barn guests have access to the Tent Pavilion, which features windowed sides, wooden parquet floors, lighting, heating and a beautiful al fresco setting. In addition, private events work with one of the venue’s exclusive catering partners, including Zingerman’s Catering and Events and Zingerman’s Roadhouse as well as their newest partner, Forte Belanger.
Cornman Farms is pleased to welcome Forte Belanger as its only catering partner outside the Zingerman’s Community of Businesses. Located in Troy, Michigan, Forte Belanger is known for its precision service and creative cuisine and recently received the 2016 Achievement in Catering Excellence (ACE) Award from Catersource.
Kieron Hales, Executive Chef and Owner of Zingerman’s Cornman Farms, said he is excited to welcome a new partner to the venue’s family of exclusive caterers. “We believe Forte Belanger’s values are well aligned with the Zingerman’s philosophy of providing high quality food and exceptional service,” says Kieron. “With Forte Belanger’s highly regarded reputation in the metro Detroit area, we are excited to expand our reach and continue sharing the Cornman Farms experience throughout Michigan.”
Fernando Melendez, vice president of Forte Belanger says, “it is an honor to join Cornman Farms as one of its three exclusive catering partners. With its relaxed elegance and historic buildings, the property provides a unique atmosphere that our clients are often looking for in their venue options. We are excited to be aligned with such a highly regarded company as Zingerman’s and think it is a great match.”
Forte Belanger is immediately available to prospective wedding couples, corporations, event planners and families interested in hosting an event at Zingerman’s Cornman Farms.
