Eco-Friendly Retreat & Festival Catering: A Success Story from the Northern Permaculture Festival Gathering

The Northern Permaculture Festival Gathering, held at Lough Neagh in August 2019, was not just an event; it was a testament to sustainable living and community spirit. At the heart of this event’s success was Krystal of Table, who took on the monumental task of catering for a crowd whose size was as unpredictable as the menu itself.

“Krystal of Table has very kindly catered for our Northern Permaculture Gathering on Oxford Island in August. She cheerfully put up with our vague instructions of ‘there could be 50, there could be 150’, ‘people will bring some veg, but we don’t know how much or what’, ‘there will be volunteers helping in the kitchen, but not sure how many’. In the end up to 150+ people were fed and it was generally agreed that it was the best food ever served at one of our gatherings. And all served with a smile. Nothing seems to phase this woman and we hope she can do this for us again next year.” Heiko Vermeulen

A Challenge of Numbers and Nature

Even after the event, “I am unsure how many people I fed over the weekend! It was roughly 100 guests per meal – breakfast, lunch, dinner” Krystal recalls. This fluctuating headcount posed a unique challenge but also provided an opportunity to showcase her adaptability and culinary prowess.

Spontaneity in Menu Planning

Krystal’s approach to menu planning was refreshingly spontaneous and deeply rooted in sustainability. She elaborates, “I ordered some dry goods/spices, and the weekend attendees brought fresh organic veggies and herbs from their gardens. Some vegetables were also harvested from the onsite community garden a couple of hours before serving. #freshveg.” This approach not only ensured the freshest ingredients but also fostered a sense of community involvement. The menu, unknown until the arrival of the vegetable donations, was created on the fly, with everything cooked on just 4 outdoor gas hobs.

Eco-Friendly Practices

Krystal’s commitment to the environment was evident in her practices. “One of the things that impressed me was all the kitchen rubbish for the weekend didn’t even fill one entire bin liner. #ecofriendly #reducewaste,” she states. This achievement highlights the possibility of large-scale catering with minimal environmental impact.

An Unusual Visitor

Adding an intriguing twist to the tale, Krystal mentions, “This was my first catering job where a snake visited my kitchen! 😱”. The snake, part of an exhibit at the Gathering, underscored the event’s close connection with nature and added an element of surprise and excitement.

The Outcome: A Resounding Success

Despite the uncertainties and the outdoor cooking setup, Krystal successfully managed to feed up to 150+ people at each meal. The feedback from attendees was unanimous – the meals were not just food; they were an experience, lauded as the best ever at the gathering. Krystal’s ability to adapt to the varying numbers, utilise fresh, local produce creatively and maintain eco-friendly practices was nothing short of remarkable.

Conclusion: A Celebration of Flexibility and Sustainability

Krystal’s experience at the Northern Permaculture Gathering is a perfect example of how embracing challenges can lead to extraordinary results. Her story demonstrates that with creativity, flexibility, and a dedication to sustainability, catering can go beyond just serving food – it can become an integral part of the event’s ethos and a memorable experience for all involved.

As you’ve journeyed with us through the story of our Northern Permaculture Gathering, you’ve seen how passion, expertise and a commitment to sustainability can transform a simple meal into an extraordinary experience. Now, we invite you to bring this same magic to your own event. Let’s Chat!