Farm to fork concept coming to Wake Forest

Farm Table will be located in the old Girasole Trattoria space at 960 Gateway Commons - next to fellow Giorgios' owned restaurant Gateway Tavern.

Farm Table owner Laszlo Lukacsi said Farm Table is about "going back to our roots" and celebrating the work of local farmers. 

"Someone needs to be their advocate and not take for granted all they do," Lukasci said. 

Menus will even feature QR codes that when scanned by a smartphone will take diners to each farm's website.

Farm Table has gotten cheese from Prodigal Farm of Rougemount and lamb, duck and chicken from Pura Vida Farms of Bahama. Heritage Farms Cheshire Pork out of Seven Springs is also being featured. They are getting grass-fed beef from Harris-Robinette Beef Farms in Pinetops.

Ethical farming is also a big focus. 

"When an animal is under stress, that affects the meat," Chef Lotah Fields said. 

Lukasci said they want to work with farms that are treating their animals well because it is the right thing to do. 

And it isn't just farms they are working with. Wake Forest staples Daylight Donuts and Lumpy's ice cream have also been involved. 

What is being served all depends on what's in season. The menu is expected to change monthly and feature 14-16 items - small and large plates - ranging in price from $6 to $20.

We sampled a variety of items including a braised short rib ravioli, shrimp and grits and roasted chicken and red quinoa. Salads included watermelon-jalapeno and a kale, spinach, apple and honey salad. 

What we sampled was delicious! The watermelon salad had slight heat from the jalapeno, but nothing overwhelming. We were obsessed with the shrimp and grits and the ravioli (made fresh in house). 

You know we had to ask about mac and cheese. It will be on the menu as a small plate. Lukasci said it will always contain Gruyere but will feature different proteins - pork, lobster, etc. 

As for dessert, there will be two options. We heard their pecan pie is seriously good! 

In the works for about a year, the decor will be rustic featuring handmade metal farm animals and wooden tables. The outdoor patio allows a view of their fresh garden and is even equipped with a fireplace for cooler nights. 

Farm Table will share a kitchen with Gateway Tavern, which means 100 percent organic grass-fed beef burgers are on their menu as well. 

To further showcase their commitment to the community, both restaurants offer customers a chance to donate to local children's nonprofits when paying their checks. At Gateway Tavern, diners are given the opportunity to donate to the YMCA and at Farm Table diners are given a chance to donate to the Wake Forest Boys and Girls Club. 

"We are part of the community. We are local," Lukasci said.