When life invites you to go on an adventure to an unknown destination, promising you spectacular vistas, joyful camaraderie, and outstanding memories, you say yes… That’s exactly what happened a couple of weeks ago after receiving an unexpected invitation to attend an Outstanding in the Field event.
Perched high atop the golden hills of Big Sur, California overlooking the majestic Pacific Ocean, lies a place where rugged nature and refined culinary artistry meet. On a sun-drenched afternoon in October, along with 160 guests from across the United States, we ventured on a journey to converge at a private location – The Moon Family Ranch—an impressive cattle ranch nestled at the peak of a mountain in Big Sur, home to Big Sur Natural Beef.
This enthralling adventure began at Notleys Landing along the famed Pacific Coast Highway. Guests—arriving from locales as close as the Monterey Peninsula and as far as New Jersey, Chicago, and Texas—checked in and boarded shuttles for an unforgettable 30-minute journey up the mountainside. Winding along narrow, dusty roads framed by lush redwoods and dramatic cliffs, anticipation built with every turn. By the time we stepped off the shuttles, we were greeted by panoramic 360-degree views that were nothing short of breathtaking—a sweeping vista of rolling hills, coastal ridges, and the endless expanse of ocean meeting sky.
The event opened with a lively cocktail reception that set the tone for the afternoon. Aside from taking in the breathtaking views and rustic scenery, guests mingled effortlessly, exchanging travel stories and toasting with neat pours of OBAN Whisky and crisp wines from Paso Robles-based Niner Wine Estates. An array of exquisite appetizers (created by Chef Jacob Burrell of Niner Wine Estates, and his team) showcased local ingredients and flavors.
Delicate Morro Bay Oyster Co. Pacific gold oysters on the half shell were elevated with Niner Wine Estates green tomato jam and a sprinkle of Kelpful nori. We were also treated to French onion Big Sur Natural beef bouillon infused with Niner Wine Estates blanc de blanc and caramelized Windrose Farm onions. Another crowd favorite was the Smoked Sablefish served with creamy Stepladder Creamery fromage blanc, marinated Borba Family Farms beets, Kelpful furikake, and a slice of Yulanda’s rye bread.
As the sun cast its warm afternoon glow, the air buzzed with excitement and laughter, as strangers quickly became friends, united by a shared love for good food, great company, and new adventures. Jim Denevan (pictured below – right), the visionary artist and founder behind Outstanding in the Field, welcomed all of us with a heartfelt introduction.
He said, “We seek out places that are both scary and beautiful,” describing the company’s 25-year journey of curating extraordinary dining experiences in awe-inspiring locations across the globe. He also reflected on his brother’s work as an apple orchard farmer, explaining how those early experiences inspired his lifelong passion for honoring farmers, chefs, and the land itself, which is what ultimately led to the formation of this unique experiential event business.
He explained, “For us, Big Sur is the Mount Everest of experiential dining. Especially considering Mt. Everest is sensibly off-limits for dinner. Big Sur is both exceptional and down to earth. High above the Pacific but also steeped in the history of the land. It is fun when people arrive at the table in a state of wonder and sense a bit of danger or we’ve transported them to an extraordinary site where wild nature meets a refined culinary experience. We might visit a remote beach where the fisherman sources his catch just offshore, or a lauded vineyard that isn’t accessible by the public, with twists and turns sure to emerge over the course of the meal. The challenges are a welcome part of the experience.”
With this ethos at its core, each event transforms a meal into a soulful celebration of community and place. For these reasons, the company has captivated the hearts (and bellies) of culinary enthusiasts and travel devotees from all over the planet, many of whom now travel far and wide just to partake in these epic experiences.
Following the cocktail hour, we were invited to make our way down a gentle hill to the heart of the event—a beautifully set, family-style table that seemed to stretch endlessly across the golden meadow. Against the backdrop of Big Sur’s rugged terrain, the long communal table, adorned with white linens and an eclectic array of elegant dishware, embodied the spirit of connection and shared experiences.
The culinary journey continued with a family-style dinner that celebrated the season and the bounty of the local land. Windrose Farm heirloom tomatoes were paired with Niner Wine Estates basil butter and served alongside sourdough focaccia. Roasted Niner Wine Estates garlic & leek farmer’s cheese with Stepladder Creamery fromage blanc, blistered Windrose Farm cherry tomatoes, and raisin-infused sourdough focaccia brought together a medley of rich, savory flavors.
A refreshing Borba Family Farms apple & tiny broccoli salad was tossed with Windrose Farm lettuces, greens, and celery in a Kandarian Organic Farms poppy seed dressing. For a heartier taste, we enjoyed Toasted Kandarian Organic Farms farro cooked in Monterey Bay abalone broth, enriched with Borba Family Farms cone cabbage, grilled Mighty Cap oyster mushrooms, braised abalone, and Templeton Valley Farms sweet corn. The main course featured slow-cooked Big Sur Natural Beef with grilled Borba Family Farms sweet peppers, Murasaki sweet potatoes, crispy Windrose Farm onions, and a hint of Olea Farm blackberry balsamic vinegar.
To top things off, the grand finale was a delicious Tarte Tropézienne with poached Epicenter Nursery & Fruit pears, a dessert as delightful as it was visually stunning.
Each dish was thoughtfully paired with wines from Niner Wine Estates and whiskey from Oban Whisky, adding layers of depth to the flavors and elevating the dining experience even further.
As the golden hour cast a warm glow over the hills, guests took the time to capture moments in front of the magical sunset, while others lingered over dessert, savoring the last bites of the Tarte Tropézienne and glasses of wine or whisky. The joy of being fully present—indulging in each dish, enjoying each conversation, and taking in each view—was palpable.
These moments of connection, rooted in a shared passion for food, adventure, and place, are at the heart of the event.
Every element of the event reflected this mission, from the stunning vistas to the thoughtfully curated dishes. As the sun slowly faded away and the cool evening air set in, it was clear that this experience had created more than just memories. It had forged lasting friendships and reminded everyone present of the simple, profound joy of gathering around a table.
The night was not just about the food or the beverages—it was about being part of something bigger: a celebration of the land, the hands that nurture it, and the people who come together to share in its gifts. In every way, Outstanding in the Field had lived up to its name, creating an event that was not just outstanding—but unforgettable.
To discover more inspiring destinations and places, check out the Travel and Special Events sections on Inspirations & Celebrations.
[Disclosure: Event access provided by Outstanding in the Field. All opinions are my own.]
