The Crowded Table | Minnesota-Sourced Table-To-Farm Dinners

Dining Redefined

Welcome to The Crowded Table, where we redefine dining by bringing the essence of Minnesota straight from farm to plate. Led by culinary team Matthew and Amber Jensen, Minnestota natives and owners of an award-winning restaurant in Alexandria, MN. We're on a mission to revolutionize rural dining experiences. With over 20 years of experience in farm-to-table cuisine, we're taking our passion a step further by hosting exclusive table-to-farm dinners.

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fresh bread cut into slices
Matt Jenson chopping and preparing food
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Crowded Table logo mark in a circle

Minnesota-Sourced with a Scandinavian flair

From showcasing the versatility of local produce to offering tips on cooking and preserving, each dinner is a celebration of Minnesota's rich agricultural heritage.

As stewards of clean, fresh, and local ingredients, we're committed to helping people discover the joys of wholesome eating. Inspired by Matthew's Danish heritage, we infuse our menus with a Scandinavian flair, creating unforgettable culinary experiences. Alongside our dinners, we offer cooking classes and educational events, ensuring that every guest leaves with a deeper appreciation for Minnesota's culinary landscape. Join us at The Crowded Table and embark on a journey of flavor, community, and sustainable dining.

Diner Experiences

The experience did not disappoint! The food and wine pairing were amazing. No phones are allowed at the table and the menu is pre-planned so you just have to show up, be present and enjoy the moment. Some of us were strangers at the start but by the end, we all felt like long time friends.

Gary and Mary Williams

Event Attendees

“Chef Matthew and Amber are artists of connection. After a magical evening at The Crowded Table, I felt deeply and vitally connected to the farm, the food, the region where I live, and the people around me. The Crowded Table is both an incredible dining experience and wondrous community building.”

Michael Tisserand 

Author

Matthew and Amber are the real deal - they know their farmers and take great care to source the highest quality, seasonal ingredients they can to create inventive and memorable dining experiences for guests. This duo clearly loves the art of feeding people.

Claudine Arndt

Minnesota Cooks Director and Co-Editor of Edible Minnesota

Upcoming Events

Experience the flavors of Minnesota with a Scandinavian twist like never before at The Crowded Table's table-to-farm dinners.

Wheat field landscape with path in the sunset time.

Country Blossom

Wheat field landscape with path in the sunset time.

Ida Valley Farm

We are Matthew and Amber Jensen, Minnesota natives and owners of an award-winning restaurant in Alexandria, MN.

We've spent over a decade fostering meaningful connections with local producers, but we wanted to take our commitment further. 

“The shared meal elevates eating from a mechanical process of fueling the body to a ritual of family and community, from the mere animal biology to an act of culture.”

Michael Pollan

Author of "In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto"