Heading out to Meadowlark farm for lunch on Fridays is always a big adventure. I love seeing what veggies are coming in from the fields, and what wonderful dishes Chef Nancy is crafting in the kitchen. When the day is warm and beautiful, everyone is in a good mood and wonderful things happen. Lunch comes off without a hitch, the farm hands are hungry and pesky hens invite themselves to lunch. It's always a lively and organic blend of food, friends, fur and feathers.
I really am noticing how much animals are a part of this wonderful alchemy. Yes, we have dogs and chickens and fish in the sushi- it really is a wonderful vegetable farm that I am able to visit and eat from and work together on and live near. The farm is a living grocery, of the very best kind. Organic, whole, fresh and I am reminded that it takes work to produce the many colorful and wonderful veggies that I so enjoy. And when I visit this farm, life lays open in front of me and I am grateful that I visit on a regular basis, learn about the farm process and eat plentifully from this wide web of which I am a part.
Today Chef Nancy is preparing a wonderful Sushi lunch for Leo, who is heading off of the farm and onto other wonderful experiences. The farm help shrinks considerably right after labor day and things are beginning to wind down. But lunch is on and the day is bright with sunshine and good feelings, wonderful food and once again, everyone comes together to eat and share just a quick moment in an otherwise busy day.
I always take just a moment to wander into the barn to see what is coming in from the fields and today I am surprised by the abundance of tomatoes that are here... a 4 pounder is quite a sight to see. The tomatoes come in such a variety of colors and shapes. I can't wait to sink my teeth into some of the sweet rich flavors of an heirloom tomato. Chef Nancy is preparing a Tomato Miso soup that sounds scrumptious!
So, yes, back in the kitchen lunch is beginning to take shape. Chef Nancy has incorporated farm fresh veggies like squash, peppers, onions, carrots,eggplant and cucumbers along with her mysterious fish bits and smoked salmon into the rolls.
A pesky hen is fairly certain that she can be invited to lunch.
I rather doubt it, so I shoo her away.
Chef Nancy has made a delicious Tomato Miso soup and Jennie brought another outrageous batch of bread; apricot walnut bread this time... The black sesame seeds on top of the soup are the perfect condiment for our Japanese style farm lunch.
And the best part of the lunch is not that it is all bountiful and delicious, as Chef Nancy always makes it. It is that Leo seems to be enjoying himself. That was the point of today.
We'll miss you Leo.
