Oregon dinner promises ‘maple syrup learning experience’

It’s not every day that a five-course dinner is supplemented with a demonstration of exactly how the maple syrup production process works. On Saturday, 7th November, the Camp Colton forest sanctuary in the US state of Oregon will play host to the fourth annual Bigleaf Maple Dinner.

Set in the 85-acre green space, the family meal will serve up dishes incorporating 100% pure maple syrup, while hosting a visit to the on-site sugar shack for guests.

Proceeds from the dinner will go towards the Space to Share program, which provides community groups and non-profit organisations with access to the site at a discounted rate.

Shir Grisanti, Camp Colton’s co-owner, explained that the event will provide a culinary and educational experience to remember.

He told the Herald Pioneer:

“The Bigleaf Maple Dinner brings that experience full circle – guests get to learn about the trees, taste the syrup harvested here at Camp Colton and then sit down together to enjoy a meal inspired by the forest.”

The syrup produced in the Pacific Northwest state is said to be richer and more complex than the traditional New England sugar maple syrup which America is readily associated with. Its flavour profile has notes of caramel, butter and sweet potato.

Camp Colton is located around 45 minutes from the city of Portland, and is home to historic buildings including the Sanctuary Chapel, built in 1947, as well as event spaces, artworks and accommodation. The forest is characterised by its Bigleaf Maples, alongside fir and cedar trees.