Dining Among the Roots at Paradise Farms

Miami, FL – February 5, 2025 – Step into Dinners in Paradise, an intention-setting journey set against the vibrant backdrop of Paradise Farms—17 acres of lush, regenerative farmland nestled in Homestead, just beyond Miami’s urban edge.

“Dinners in Paradise is a truly special experience at the farm: We farm, harvest, create, host, and educate, and the proceeds from every dinner go directly to support The Paradise Farms Foundation educational efforts,” shares Paradise Farm’s Chief Love Officer, Karla Dascal. “We partner with chefs who are passionate about building relationships with the local farm community, chefs who already share our approach to food and nourishment.”

The hardworking team behind Paradise Farms cultivates more than just crops: they grow community, creativity, and consciousness. “Our goal is for our guests to truly understand the importance of regenerative farming”, Karla continues. “We want them to know where their food comes from and to appreciate the significance of soil health and chemical-free food.”

With the Dinners in Paradise experience, your evening begins with an intimate walking tour, revealing the farm’s rich history and the sacred principles woven into its design. Afterwards, guests gather around a grand, family-style table for an unforgettable five-course feast, crafted by celebrated chefs using fresh, organic ingredients—harvested straight from the very soil beneath your feet.

“There’s a growing understanding that longevity starts with the food we eat.”

Opening this season with a partnership with LeJardinier, showcasing cuisine from their renowned chefs, Paradise Farms is gearing up to host their next dinner on March 30th with Chef John Anthony from Elastika.

WRE: How did Paradise Farms come to be?

Karla Dascal: I inherited the stewardship of what was already here. Gabrielle Marewski, the founder and former owner of Paradise Farms, introduced organic and regenerative agriculture to South Florida. Over the years, I’ve taken that legacy and made Paradise Farms my heart’s work.

Our goal is for our guests to truly understand the importance of regenerative farming. We want them to know where their food comes from and to appreciate the significance of soil health and chemical-free food.

Karla Dascal

WRE: Beyond simply opening the doors to this beautiful farm, what do you want your guests to experience?

KD: Our goal is for our guests to truly understand the importance of regenerative farming. We want them to know where their food comes from and to appreciate the significance of soil health and chemical-free food. We want them to experience the soul of the farm and the unique micro-environment it supports.

The Paradise Farms Foundation is key to providing educational opportunities in agriculture, for aspiring growers, chefs, and those interested in culinary arts. It’s about cultivating local community engagement.

Karla Dascal

WRE: How do you choose your dinner partners for Dinners in Paradise?

KD: Dinners in Paradise is a truly special experience at the farm. We farm, harvest, create, host, and educate, and the proceeds from every dinner go directly to support The Paradise Farms Foundation educational efforts. We partner with chefs who are passionate about building relationships with the local farm community, chefs who already share our approach to food and nourishment.

WRE: What trends are you seeing in consumer demand for local or organic products?

KD: We consistently see more people focusing on their health and incorporating it into their lifestyle. There’s a growing understanding that longevity starts with the food we eat.

WRE: What do you love about Florida?

KD: I love the tropical weather in South Florida. It’s a region with so much growth and possibility. And nature is incredible, especially the Everglades. It’s the heart and breath of Florida, and we absolutely must conserve it.

WRE: What inspires you every day?

KD: My family is my biggest inspiration. Watching my children grow and change is a daily wonder. Nature is another huge source of inspiration for me. It’s the greatest technology we have.

WRE: What other events or offerings do you have at Paradise Farms?

KD: Our Spring CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Season membership launches on February 4 and runs through April 29. By signing up for our CSA Membership, people actively connect to the land of South Florida, supporting healing and regenerative practices, empowering local Miami farmers, and enjoying a share of the farm’s rich harvest each week throughout the season.

We also have our upcoming “Dinners in Paradise” on March 30th with Chef John Anthony from Elastika. We offer monthly immersive tours which provide a unique opportunity to learn about sustainable agriculture, participate in a relaxed Q&A, and wander through the lush, peaceful grounds of our 17-acre farm. And our weekly market offers the season’s freshest produce, along with raw honey and farm-sourced, zero-waste ferments like kimchi, sauerkraut, pickles, jams, sauces, dressings, and other seasonal offerings.

WRE: Tell us about your foundation and how it benefits the Homestead community.

KD: The Paradise Farms Foundation is key to providing educational opportunities in agriculture, for aspiring growers, chefs, and those interested in culinary arts. It’s about cultivating local community engagement. We give back by creating these educational opportunities focused on regenerative practices. Additionally, any unsold produce is donated to a community fridge in Homestead run by the Buddy System Miami’s food access program. This helps provide people experiencing economic hardship with access to food assistance and also helps combat excess food waste.

WRE: How can people support Paradise Farms and its mission?

KD: You can participate on any of our Dinners in Paradise or monthly tours and share the information with your friends and family. Additionally, you can donate to the foundation. Your donation supports and amplifies the positive reach, impact, and potential for transformative growth of our communities. By supporting Paradise Farms, you’re supporting regenerative agriculture, community engagement, and education.