Farm to Table Valentine's Meal with Grant Gillon

DES MOINES, IA (01/20/2026) (readMedia)-- Sweep your Valentine off their feet with an unforgettable evening of fine dining and Fair flair as private chef Grant Gillon, winner of MasterChef: United Tastes of America with Gordon Ramsay, presents an exclusive, locally sourced, four-course Valentine's meal. Choose from one of two different nights, February 6 or 7 in the Maytag Family Theater on the Iowa State Fairgrounds; this elevated date night pairs culinary excellence with a romantic atmosphere for a truly special celebration.

Farm to Table Valentine's Meal with Grant Gillon

February 6 and 7, at 6 p.m.

(Limit of 20 participants per night)

Cost: $125 per person

Locally sourced, four-course menu:

1st Course

Roasted parsnip veloute • brown butter • cider vinegar • crispy parsnip • chive

2nd Course

Bison Bolognese • stracciatella • fresh pasta • focaccia

3rd Course

Berkshire pork • sweet potato • cabbage • apple • grapes • hot honey

4th Course

Dark chocolate ganache tart • raspberry sorbet • cacao nib

To register, visit www.iowastatefair.org.

Plus, plan to attend a pastry 101 class on March 21 – registration will open February 17, 2026. Watch Iowa State Fair social media and iowastatefair.org for registration details for monthly kitchen classes, now through April 2026.

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About the Iowa State Fair Kitchen:

During the Fair, The Kitchen, located in Maytag Family Theaters, is a popular demonstration kitchen for anything from cuts of meat to barbecue, cake decorating, charcuterie and cooking with honey. From November through April, stay tuned for interactive, educational and fun cooking classes for all skill levels. Learn from local experts, using local products. Look for special events throughout the year until the 2026 Iowa State Fair, August 13-23. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.