After a long drought, there is finally loads to blog about. Farmers, the green-thumbed, soiled-kneed types are now front and center at the table. And no less than three local establishments are toasting them. Tomorrow night Stonehedge Inn goes all out with its first Farmer's Market Dinner. A quick look at the menu leaves me speechless. Chilled tomato consommé with grilled cheddar cheese from Smith's Country Dairy in Winchendon ... crispy truffle farm eggs, grilled asparagus, pancetta and truffle vinaigrette from Chip-in Farm in Bedford ... corn soup with poblano cream and crostini from Parlee Farm in Tyngsboro. And that's just a fly-over.
The Gibbet Hill Grill's Farm to Fork dinner is Monday, Aug. 17. Held in the barn, on the deck overlooking the farm, the setting may trump the earthly delights. Farmers and a vintner will be on hand to talk about the pairings of their beautiful bounties.
Moonstones is throwing a Harvest Party this summer and encouraging all farmers to bring in their goods. Chef Manny will go to town on the fruits of your labor. Drop off veggies and see this ace turn em into a gourmet greatness in the form of lunch ($20) or tapas (15). This includes a recipe and photos. Farmers, you have finally hit pay dirt.
We ate at Gibbett Hill fo the first time this week and fell in love with the place. It was perfect for a casual birthday dinner for my husband and....stop the presses....they had certified humanely raised beef on the menu! I have pretty much given up eating anything but fish when eating out because I will only eat meats from farms I know and see how they treat and feed their animals. But here were menu items I actually could order! And I thoroughly enkoyed it - the hangar steak was perfect.
Wooohooo!
Now, if I could only get some of the Lowell restaurants to follow their example. Ate at Cobblestones tonight and really enjoyed my Fisherman's Stew, but it would have een nice to have some other options......hint, hint, hint!