Events and Activities at Stream Cliff Herb Farm in Commiskey, Indiana

I visited the Stream Cliff Herb Farm Tearoom and Winery July 10, 2009. I was lost in the beauty of this farm and took hundreds of photos as well as some video.

I learned this lovely place features many special events and activities each season. This article highlights three of those special events: Candlelight dinners, cooking with wine and herbs classes and Professional Assistant's Day celebrations.

The candlelight dinners at Stream Cliff are special evenings each season. The Twigs and Sprigs Tearoom is usually open for lunch only, except for the popular candlelight dinners. What better way could you spend a romantic evening on the farm? Dine in the glow of candlelight and enjoy a delicious gourmet meal with your favorite wine from Stream Cliff.

In the year of 2009, the event required pre-registration, was held in April and was $30 per person. It began on the Winery porch with Garden Punch, Cheese and Crackers and then moved to the Tearoom for a gourmet meal. Menu for 2009 was:

• Spinach and Bacon Salad
• Almond-Crusted Tilapia
• Pecan Rice Pilaf
• Herbed Asparagus with Parmesan Cheese
• Strawberry Cream Pie
• Freshly Baked Dinner Rolls

All dinners include Garden Punch, Cheese, Crackers and a non-alcoholic beverage. Their wines may be purchased by the glass in the Tearoom during dinner or by the bottle in the winery before dinner begins. Since they are now a bonded winery, no other alcoholic beverages are permitted on the premises. Early registration is recommended.

At Stream Cliff Farm's Cooking School, classes are taught with a focus on using culinary herbs and wine for gourmet meals. Special features of each class include:

• Sharing the featured food
• Enjoying a demonstration
• Recipes of the food provided

They usually hold several classes each year. In the year of 2009, class dates include:

• May 2, Herb Day
• June 6, Garden Festival
• July 11 Summerfest
• July 18 Food Preservation 101
• July 25 Herb and Wine Cooking with chicken entrée
• August 29, Mum Festival
• September 12, Tearoom Favorites
• October 3, Country Afternoon Tea
• November 14, It's a Diva Christmas

They always advise early registrations. Registration deadline is seven days (unless otherwise noted) prior to event. Class sizes are limited. The fee is non-refundable. No exchanges or credits are given, but you can send a substitute if you are unable to attend or if the class involves supplies, they can be picked up on class day only if you are unable to attend.

Classes fill up quickly so early registration is always advised. If the class is full, your fee will be returned. Children under 12 are not admitted unless it is a special program for that age group.

Each year professional assistant week is celebrated. This is usually in April of each year. The Twig and Springs Tearoom on the farm has been a favorite place for many years to bring the special employees that give so much to business life each day.

Professional Assistant Day use to be called "Secretary Day." It is April 22 of each year. To add a little flexibility for area businesses, Stream Cliff's Farm celebrated this day for three days in 2009. They accommodated business groups of any size. It is advisable to mention you are planning a professional assistant celebration when making the reservation.

In the year of 2009, they blended their own tea called "Tranquility" to give as a little gift for each assistant attending for lunch. They offer group package deals for groups of 15 or more.

Source: Stream Cliff Herb Farm Tearoom and Winery Newsletter 2009