Our Story
Welcome! We are Matthew and Amber Jensen, Minnesota natives and owners of an award-winning restaurant in Alexandria, MN.
After running farm-to-fork restaurant La Ferme for 11 years, we noticed the disconnect between people and where their food comes from, often creating large gaps in the food chain. We had a desire to help reconnect people with the source of nourishing, clean local foods by bringing the table to the farm.
We've spent over a decade fostering meaningful connections with local producers, supporting their businesses via La Ferme, and directing patrons to purchase their goods. But we wanted to take our commitment further and decided to do so by hosting curated multi-course meals directly on their farms, often within their homes. We aim to not only showcase their meticulously grown produce but also to educate diners on the significance of sustainable, organic, and locally sourced foods.
We hope that offering these events will grow an appreciation of locally sourced food and the impact it has on the environment. We aspire to contribute to the growth and sustainability of these small family farms and in turn strengthen the local economy.
Experience the flavors of Minnesota with a Scandinavian flair like never before at The Crowded Table's table-to-farm dinners.
Book your seat now to savor the essence of local ingredients, celebrate our farming community, and indulge in a culinary adventure unlike any other.
Meet Matthew & Amber
As stewards of clean, fresh, and local ingredients, we're committed to helping people discover the joys of wholesome eating.
Matthew Jensen
Chef/Owner
Chef Matthew got his culinary degree from the California School of Culinary Arts. After graduation he moved back to Minnesota and worked in the Twin Cities at award winning restaurants. While there he fine tuned his love for local, seasonal foods. He moved back home to Alexandria in 2006 and began building a reputation for being on of Minnesotas most committed chefs to using local ingredients.
Amber Jensen
General Manager/Owner
Amber has always had a desire for local foods. In 2015 she moved to the country to begin raising her own sheep and grow her own vegetables to further the connection with the land. She answered Matthew's call for a local grower/producer in 2017 and began working with him at La Ferme. She quickly found a passion for restaurant life and creating unforgettable dinning experiences for the guests. She has cultivated a love for wines and pairing those with foods for a one of a kind meal. Her attention to detail helps to anticipate the guests needs leaving them with a sense of contentment like no other.
Meet Matthew & Amber
As stewards of clean, fresh, and local ingredients, we're committed to helping people discover the joys of wholesome eating.
Matthew Jensen
Chef/Owner
Chef Matthew got his culinary degree from the California School of Culinary Arts. After graduation he moved back to Minnesota and worked in the Twin Cities at award winning restaurants. While there he fine tuned his love for local, seasonal foods. He moved back home to Alexandria in 2006 and began building a reputation for being on of Minnesotas most committed chefs to using local ingredients.
Amber Jensen
General Manager/Owner
Amber has always had a desire for local foods. In 2015 she moved to the country to begin raising her own sheep and grow her own vegetables to further the connection with the land. She answered Matthew's call for a local grower/producer in 2017 and began working with him at La Ferme. She quickly found a passion for restaurant life and creating unforgettable dinning experiences for the guests. She has cultivated a love for wines and pairing those with foods for a one of a kind meal. Her attention to detail helps to anticipate the guests needs leaving them with a sense of contentment like no other.