Though winter's icy grip has settled across our prairie landscape, we've been anything but dormant during our winter pause. Behind the scenes, we've been dreaming, planning, and preparing for what promises to be an extraordinary 2025. After a year of transformative changes and valuable lessons, we're bursting with excitement to share what's ahead!
Caprae's Exciting Return
Our culinary team returns refreshed and inspired, kicking off 2025 with two spectacular events:
Champaign-Urbana Restaurant Week (January 24–February 1)
Join us for an exceptional four-course journey:
Amuse: Mushroom Toast featuring:
Thyme Biscuit base
Prairie Fruits Chèvre
Luna's Farm Oyster mushrooms
Frisée & Red Onion
Fines Herbs
First Course: Blackened Shrimp Salad with:
Toasted Sunflower Seeds
Shaved Jalapeño
Sola Gratia Farm Radishes
Grated Prairie Fruits Chèvre Truffle
Pecorino Romano
Green Goddess Dressing
Main Course: Our signature Braised Short Rib:
Janie's Mill Polenta
Prairie Fruits Chèvre
Crispy Shallot Rings
Madhouse dark malt vinegar
Dessert: Chocolate Semifreddo:
Ginger shortbread
Beetroot crumble
Beet gelée
Orange chèvre crème anglaise
$63 for four courses $43 optional drink pairing
Reservations available on Tock for Wednesday-Saturday, 4-9 PM
Valentine's Celebrations
Special dinner menu: February 12-15
Valentine Celebration Brunch: Sunday, February 16 Menu and reservations coming to Tock this week!
Join Us at Caprae
Whether celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a casual evening out, Caprae welcomes you with our blend of farm-to-table cuisine and warm hospitality. Our cozy dining room and friendly staff create the perfect atmosphere for any gathering.
Hours & Service
Tuesday-Friday: 4-9 PM Dinner
Saturday: 11 AM-4 PM Lunch 4 PM-9 PM Dinner
Sunday: 9 AM-2 PM Brunch (Bar open until 4 PM)
Bar service includes craft drinks, cheese plates, and gelato
Casual service: Check in with the bartender upon arrival
Seating Options
Indoor dining room
Outdoor patio (weather permitting)
Reservations are appreciated but not required - book through Tock.
Follow us on social media for specials and updates!
From Our Creamery:
Our creamery team has been bustling with activity during the winter pause - deep cleaning equipment, streamlining processes, and fulfilling wholesale orders. The quieter winter months give us time to perfect our cheese-making plans for the coming year while keeping our local partners stocked with cheese.
We're thrilled to announce new partnerships expanding our reach:
Farms of Illinois: Serving Jacksonville, Springfield, Decatur, Bloomington, Peoria
Farmstead Foods: Serving metro St. Louis and Southern Illinois
Shipping is Now Available!
Can't make it to the markets or farm? Let us bring our cheese to you!
Shipping Schedule
Orders ship every Wednesday
Delivery within 1-2 days (depending on location)
Carefully packed to ensure perfect arrival
Click here to visit our online shop
Ordering Tips
Order early for best selection
Place orders by Tuesday for Wednesday shipping
Gift messaging available
Bulk orders are welcome; email office@prairiefruitsfarm.com for wholesale sales inquiries
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Find Us at Local Farmers' Markets
This week's cheese selection features our beloved Little Bloom and Angel Food, alongside our chèvre. Don't miss out on our award-winning feta - we'll have plenty available!
You can find us throughout the winter:
Champaign-Urbana Winter Farmers Market
Every Saturday through April (Break Dec 28th & Jan 4th)
Lincoln Square Mall
Hosted by The Land Connection
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Bloomington Indoor Farmers Market
Market is every third Saturday November to April. Next market is Saturday, January 18th
Grossinger Motors Arena
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Martinelli's Market-Bloomington: Saturdays 7:30 AM - 12 PM, 212 N Center St
Special orders available through store staff or office@prairiefruitsfarm.com
Weekly Farm Shares
$20 weekly shares include:
Our artisanal cheese
Central Illinois Bakehouse bread or pastries
Local additions like Joyful Wren Farm Eggs or Koss Family Farms Lettuce
Pick up at:
Urbana farmers market (Saturdays)
Caprae (Saturday or Sunday)
Join today to secure your weekly selection of local goodness!
Spring 2025 Kidding Season
The excitement is building as we're just seven weeks away from our first expected births!
Donation Drive
Help us prepare for our newest arrivals! We're collecting:
Clean towels
Newspapers
Drop-off locations:
Caprae at the farm
Pekara Bistro (811 W Springfield Ave, Champaign)
Martinelli's Market (500 N Walnut, Champaign)
Questions about donations? Email Rose@prairiefruitsfarm.com
Events Coming Soon in 2025:
"Doting on Does" events- first weekend of February
Visit our expectant mothers
Give them some extra love
Enjoy hot chocolate and cheese sampling at Caprae
Limited tickets available on Tock soon!
"Babies and Brunch" returning with a new Caprae twist
Details coming soon!
New format for kid visits
Note: Goat visiting temporarily paused to ensure our does get proper rest before birthing
Want to be Part of Kidding Season?
Reserve a Kid: Now accepting deposits for spring kids! Visit our website HERE to secure yours.
Volunteer Opportunities:
New volunteer portal now open HERE
Detailed schedule coming in SOON!
Perfect for hands-on farm experience
Newspaper Collection: Start saving those papers! We need plenty for kidding season.
Farm Stays
Our cozy log home is now available for overnight stays! Immerse yourself in farm life, enjoy our artisan cheeses, and experience farm-to-table cuisine. Book your stay for a unique getaway! Book your farm stay through Airbnb or our Website
Looking Ahead to 2025
We're so thankful for all of you who have supported both the farm and Caprae this past year. From visiting our goats to trying our cheese at markets to dining with us - you've helped make our vision of sustainable farming and artisanal cheese-making come alive.
We have some exciting plans in the works for 2025! Between kidding season, new cheese varieties, special events at Caprae, and more ways to experience the farm, we can't wait to share it all with you. Keep an eye on our social media and weekly updates for all the latest news.
From our prairie home to yours, thank you for being part of our farm family!
*During all open hours, guests can explore our marked trails, visit the goats, and enjoy meals or beverages in our pavilion or on the lawns. Our staff is always happy to chat about our farm, goats, and cheese-making process.
*Please note: No outside food or pets are allowed. All activities are weather-permitting.
Follow us on  Facebook and Instagram, for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at farm life during the seasons.