Our April Fools Farmers' Dinner

                                                                       

On April 1 we had our second farmer's dinner to a sold out crowd at the Bacchus Restaurant and it went even better than the first. The appetizers were served out on the patio in celebration of this beautiful weather. There were olive oils from B.R. Cohn dipped in bread, balsamics drizzled over strawberries and lamb barbeque sliders. The cheese platter offered specialty cheeses from Vella Cheese. Pairing the delicious appetizers were wines and olive oils from B.R. Cohen. With the sun still shining, everyone was content to stay outside, eat and drink with each other.

Chef Nolan was hard at work creating a wonderful menu where local vendors were the star of the dinner. As everyone sat in the restaurant three dishes were placed at every table. First were the spinach and vella asiago cheese souffles. They were creamy and light, allowing you to eat another one without ruining your appetite. Next were the grilled delta asparagus that had a great crunch to them and were dizzled with a blood orange olive oil and ginger balsamic. The green onion fry bread was beautifully plated with pancetta, arugala and mezzo secco jack all piled high on flat bread.

The main course was delivered to the tables family style and offered everyone the chance to pass plates around. The balsamic braised lamb osso bucco was served atop of grist mill polenta. The lamb was cooked perfectly and easily fell away from the bone. The polenta was a great accompaniment as it was creamy and rich like the flavor of the lamb. Valley End Farm's very own swiss chard colored the plate and was a great addition with its color and flavor. Vella's toma cheese was sprinkled on top of the entire creation.

Desert was an olive oil browie, made with a twenty-five year old balsmic vinaigrette. It was displayed with a caramel and balsamic gelato and a blood red orange. It was such a great twist biting into a chocolate browie and getting after tastes of the blood orange balsamics.

We couldn't be happier with the way the dinner turned out. Spending it with friends and family and eating foods from the community made it a night to remember. People are already making reservations for the next one since this one was sold out!

Our Next Dinner

On May 6 we will have another Farmer's Dinner that will showcase more local foods and wines. RSVP the Doubletree Hotel at (707) 586-4679.