Rising Stars: Meet Dena Fisher

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dena Fisher.

Hi Dena, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers? 
When my family and I were living in Avon Lake in the suburbs, my neighbor and friend asked me what I was making for dinner one day – then she asked me to make some for she and her family. So, I did. 

I grew up in a very small community surrounded by grandparents, great grandparents’ aunts and uncles, and friends that were family. Between the gardens of my grandma Hazel and Aunt Ange, we planted, then picked, and always cooked from scratch. Growing up in the kitchens of my mom, aunt, and my grandmothers, I was handed an incredible gift: to know the love that comes with feeding others. 

When my neighbor asked me for dinner, I knew that daily life with their three kids kept them very busy. She cared about what was being passed around the dinner table each night and didn’t want to resort to fast food or heavily processed meals. She knew me well enough to know that I made a weekly menu for our family. It helped us to stay on budget, keep it clean, and be a little more organized. My friend simply asked, “tell me what you are cooking for the week, and I’ll pay you to make extra for me”. And so began Dinner In. 

That was eight years ago, and I am still cooking for anywhere between three to six families a night, Monday through Thursday. I share the menus in a private Facebook group and on Instagram each week and collect orders with a Google form. 

Just over two years ago, we traded our home in the suburbs for a small farm in Vermilion. We call it North Ridge Farm. On our nearly seven acres, we keep chickens, garden and share the big red barn with guests for private dinners, retreats and intimate events. It is a special and idyllic place where folks can come and make a memory with the people they love. 

My food is fresh and seasonal, as I am fortunate to have access to incredible, regenerative farms close by. We treasure this community and the support they continue to show Dinner In and Dena’s Table at North Ridge Farm. 

This year we are excited for new projects like a greenhouse/guest house, barn upgrades, a hydroponic indoor garden, and pool-day soirées. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Cooking for a crowd is never easy. There are definitely high-stress moments, and, at times, it feels overwhelming. My family is incredibly supportive and together, we make all of our North Ridge Farm events possible. It is physical and emotional work that challenges us often. With each and every new experience we are learning as we go. We knew nothing about chickens until we had them. We certainly never had “farm chores” or had to winterize equipment or cut paths through the woods. It has been eye-opening, making the transition to living more intentionally off our land – eye-opening, tiring, and certainly frustrating at times. We also left our closest friends and a neighborhood that felt like a safe, cozy haven. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
This is mainly addressed in the first question. I am a private chef and provide weekly dinner service, private, in-home cheffing, and host dinner experiences on our farm and property. 

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
In my field of work, there are so many amazing people who inspire me every single day. I think I have found Instagram to be the most incredible networking tool. I have met people that inform so much of what we are doing on the farm and in the kitchen. My advice is to be open to the possibilities of learning from people who do similar work you are doing. Collaboration is more inspiring than competition. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://denastable.com/
• Instagram: @denas_table @northridgefarm

Image Credits
Haley Shimrock
Stephanie Sheldon
Sarah Beirne