In a state chock full of folks growing some of the most delicious, freshest ingredients around, it’s no surprise that farm-based pizza nights have become popular here in Wisconsin. With lots of land and access to the stuff that makes pizza you’ll never forget, it makes sense to install a wood-fired oven and invite folks over every so often for a relaxing night on the farm. Way out west, about 70 miles west of Eau Claire and just 30 miles from the Twin Cities, small Prescott is home to one of the most delicious, amazing community pizza nights ever. Borner Farm Project is a unique, amazing place, and you’ll relish the chance to visit this farm.
Borner Farm Project practices sustainability and has massive roots in the community. They aim to basically ingrain themselves in the community so that everyone has access to amazing, fresh food. The hope is that the farm will exist for generations to feed, nourish and teach future Wisconsinites.
They have a CSA (community-supported agriculture) program as well as a stand right on site to buy their products, but by far the most popular thing these folks do is a pizza night.
Every other Friday throughout the summer, they open up their yard and start cooking up some of the most inventive, delicious pizzas you've ever had the pleasure to eat. They invite you to bring chairs, tables and whatever you need to have a great night on the farm. Bring a salad or side dish to complement their wood-fired pies.
The Borner Farm Project puts a big focus on community and that's never more evident than on pizza night. Neighbors gather to chat and catch up. Someone might bust out an instrument. It's an old-school country gathering - there are no rules and no judgments - it's just folks taking some time to chow down and socializa.
Sure, you can find some simple, classic pizzas here, but to be honest, you're going to want to try one of their unique creations. The menu shifts with the changing of the seasons, but the pies are always loaded with the bounty of the farm, from squash to apples and everything else you can think of, all fresh and then wood-fired to perfection.
The thing with pizza farms is that their sparse schedule usually means long lines and the chance of not even getting served. Many people who visit drive a good distance to attend a pizza on the farm night and it can be difficult to commit knowing there's a chance they'll sell out. At Borner, they take orders from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and then they cook until everyone has been fed. No one goes home hungry here.
Guests are asked to bring their own picnicware, utensils, blankets, chairs, and/or tables, and the hope is that everyone will make sustainable choices. They serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks on site, so no need to bring your own - and please leave your pets at home. Parking can be limited, so walking, biking and carpooling are also encouraged. As long as you make it there during the order-taking hours, you're going to get to enjoy a mouthwatering, fresh 11" pizza of your very own.
The wood-fired ovens are right there in the open, so you'll get to see dozens of pizzas quickly cooked to perfection and served up. Everything is made fresh right on site, from the dough to the sauce using their own tomatoes and basil to the various different toppings. There's a gluten-free crust available, though it's not for super-sensitive stomachs since it's made in a kitchen that uses flour and cooked in the same ovens as the standard crusts.
These folks are incredibly accommodating, so if you've got a food question, don't hesitate to ask ahead of time. With advance notice, they will be able to help with most any request or restriction.
This pizza farm is out-of-this-world good, with truly the freshest ingredients. There's a lot of love and passion in this farm and the attention to detail and respect for the food comes through in every perfectly-seasoned bite. Having a pizza on The Borner Farm Project lot feels like hanging out with friends and family. It's the perfect way to take advantage of the bounty that our great climate provides and support a local farmer who wants to make a big difference in the community.
