Katie Gerber, Communications & Engagement Manager, Connecticut Restaurant Association.

2025 CRA Golf Classic & Chef Farm Dinner Sees Success

By Katie Gerber, Communications & Engagement Manager, Connecticut Restaurant Association

On Monday, June 23, the Connecticut Restaurant Association (CRA), 260 golfers and 300 dinner guests embraced the heat wave and enjoyed the annual CRA Golf Classic and Chef Farm Dinner, presented by Sysco.

Hosted at Lyman Orchards Golf Club in Middlefield, the event brings together restaurant operators and industry vendors from across the state for a fantastic day of golf, incredible food and unmatched networking.

The Classic takes over both Player and Jones courses, and includes food and drink pop-ups throughout the rounds, which were especially welcome during the record-breaking heat! This year’s on-course features included drinks from Saratoga Spring Water, Dockside Brewery, Counter Weight Brewing Co., Tito’s Handmade Vodka, BAD SONS Beer Company and Lyman Orchards’ 1741 Hard Apple Cider, as well as beverage carts stocked with Brescome Barton-sponsored brands and refreshments.

The Chef Farm Dinner, presented by Performance Foodservice, followed the Golf Classic, and guests gathered in the shade to enjoy a bespoke meal prepared by top CT chefs: James Arena of DORO Restaurant Group, Ryan Carbone of Ore Hill & Swyft, Joe Cusano of Le Mazet, Megan Gill of BLDG, Alison Milwe Grace of AMG Catering & Events and Kevin Masse of Small State Provisions. SeaGlass Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, along with Joel Gott Cabernet Sauvignon, were provided by Trinchero Family Estates and Connecticut Distributors, Inc.

One of the highlights of the Chef Farm Dinner is providing ProStart culinary students with real-world experience at a large-scale culinary event. The students supported all six chefs with preparation and plating, impressing attendees with their talent, professionalism and skill. ProStart is one of the programs supported by the CRA’s charitable arm, the Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation, and is currently in place in more than 20 high schools across the state.

The CRA team would like to extend a huge thank you to this year’s sponsors, golfers, chefs, vendors, in-kind donors, the Lyman team, the DORO catering team and everyone in between! We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support, generosity and partnership to our cause at this event and year-round.

SAVE THE DATE: The seventh annual CRAZIES Awards will take place at Foxwoods Resort Casino on December 8. More details to follow!