An Evening at Longwood, Featuring 1906, brings a one-night-only, six-course dining experience to Longwood Gardens on Saturday, September 19 — a Friends of James Beard Benefit® supporting the James Beard Foundation, and a genuine showcase of what happens when horticulturists and chefs actually work together, not just share a building.

From Garden to Table: How the Evening Unfolds

An Evening at Longwood opens with a welcome reception in the Ornamental Kitchen Garden, surrounded by the actual vegetables, herbs, fruits, and flowers that will shape the night’s menu — genuinely garden-to-table, not just a marketing phrase. The Ornamental Kitchen Garden sits at the heart of Longwood’s entire culinary program: chefs and horticulturists work together throughout the growing season to align culinary vision with horticultural artistry, building menus around whatever is at peak and harvested just steps from the kitchen.

From there, the evening moves into 1906 for an exclusive six-course menu, with optional wine pairings available for an additional cost. Set within the Gardens and named for the year founder Pierre S. du Pont purchased Longwood — originally to save a collection of historic trees from being sold for lumber — 1906 has established itself as one of the Philadelphia region’s premier dining destinations, praised for polished hospitality, seasonal cuisine, and views of the Main Fountain Garden — a genuine standout in a regional dining scene dM has covered extensively, from Wine & Dine Philadelphia to Longwood’s own grounds.

Chef George Murkowicz and a Night Supporting the James Beard Foundation

For An Evening at Longwood, Executive Chef George Murkowicz curates the evening’s menu, bringing a genuinely well-traveled culinary path to the role. Raised in Scottsdale, Arizona, he started at Zinc Bistro under James Beard-nominated chef Rochelle Daniel, then honed his craft at T. Cook’s in the Royal Palms Resort and Spa. He moved to Scarlett Begonia in Santa Barbara in 2013, focusing on coastal farm-to-table cuisine, then to Shift in Flagstaff, before working as Kitchen Manager and Expeditor for Outstanding in the Field — collaborating with chefs, farmers, and beverage producers across 29 states. He’s also taken first place in Master Chef Santa Barbara and Wine and Dine in the Pines.

On An Evening at Longwood, “Our culinary philosophy begins in the Gardens,” said Murkowicz. “Working closely with our team of dedicated horticulturists allows us to build a one-of-a-kind menu, using only the best ingredients. We are excited to share that unique experience while supporting the James Beard Foundation.” The evening also includes a personal touch from the cause itself: Heather Considine Varian, Vice President of Philanthropy for the James Beard Foundation, will share insights into the Foundation’s work and impact directly with guests.

An Evening at Longwood is part of the Friends of James Beard Benefit® series, events hosted by chefs, restaurants, and organizations nationwide that fund the Foundation’s mission. Tickets are $250 per person, available at longwoodgardens.org. A garden reception, a six-course dinner, and a cause worth showing up for — September 19 is worth the drive to Kennett Square.

About Post Author

Allan Lane

Philadelphia born and bred, Allan Lane is the Publisher and Editor in Chief of digital magazines. He launched his first publication, SportBikes Inc Magazine in 2010, followed by dosage MAGAZINE in 2019. Recently, Allan launched his third online publication, Club For Man. As a journalist, Allan covers fashion, lifestyle, culture, art, and motorcycles.

See author's posts