A couple of weeks ago while shopping at the Sparks farmers' market I was wandering around, checking out what was available that week, when I noticed one particular stall. All the produce was nicely displayed in baskets, the signage said "organic", and the farm name, Watanabe Farms, rang a bell. Where had I heard that name before? It took a few days but then I remembered. I'd seen the name on the lunch menu at The Cheese Board.
Last summer The Cheese Board served a delicious salad that included tomatoes grown by Watanabe Farms. Great tomatoes are unforgettable, as are really good meals, so the connection stuck with me. It seemed reasonable to assume that the Watanabe Farms selling produce at the farmers' market is the same one the Cheese Board purchased from, but I wanted to make sure the connection was real before saying so here.
So, yesterday I stopped by The Cheese Board for lunch hoping for an opportunity to speak with someone who could talk to me about the bistro's philosophy regarding local farms and producers, the restaurant's purchasing practices, and whether or not my assumption about the Watanabe connection was correct. I know a guy who knows a guy who said the person to talk to was Dave. And, Dave Kidder was the guy. He very generously took some time to visit with me, even though the lunch crowd would be coming in soon. And he told me what I'd hoped to hear: the Cheese Board is dedicated to the local food ethic and purchases whatever they can from local producers. The Watanabe Farms on the menu and at the farmers' market is one and the same. The Cheese Board and Heidi at Watanabe Farms have developed a very successful partnership and anyone who's had one of Cheese Board dishes made with Watanabe produce knows how that success tastes....Delicious!
Dave returned to the back of the house and I stayed in the dining room to eat my lunch. As usual the meal was stupendous. Baby greens with Heidi's Watanabe beets, roasted, served with a balsamic reduction and little toasts slathered with tangy, creamy goat cheese. And, even though I knew it would be too much for me to eat I couldn't pass up the artichoke Parmesan soup...yummy! If you're a soup lover, Dave's soups are heaven, year round.
Stop by for lunch and bring your friends and family. I’m sure you’ll find something to love. We always do!
Jun 20, 2007
Sparks' farmers' market - get there early!
I usually shop a the farmers' market located near Prater and Oddie in Sparks, which is open 8:00-1:00 each Tuesday. Yesterday I was on my way to lunch and thought I'd pop by the market to pick up some fruit for the week. I got there about 11:30 to find the parking lot filled with vehicles (though there were still parking spaces available), as usual.
To my surprise and delight (OK, I admit it, and disappointment) much of the produce had already been sold. I was still able to find the fruit I came for, but was unable to find the veggies I usually buy on impulse. Our family participates in the CSA so we get Nevada grown veggies each week but we also often buy from the farmers' markets.
It must be a sign that the demand for local produce has increased and we've shown there is a market in Sparks for good food produced off the grid. Woo hoo! But it also means you might need to get to the market early if you want to get everything you came for, and some things you didn't.
To my surprise and delight (OK, I admit it, and disappointment) much of the produce had already been sold. I was still able to find the fruit I came for, but was unable to find the veggies I usually buy on impulse. Our family participates in the CSA so we get Nevada grown veggies each week but we also often buy from the farmers' markets.
It must be a sign that the demand for local produce has increased and we've shown there is a market in Sparks for good food produced off the grid. Woo hoo! But it also means you might need to get to the market early if you want to get everything you came for, and some things you didn't.
Jun 19, 2007
Where can you get eggs?
This year it is possible to get eggs through few different providers/producers.
If your family is participating in the Great Basin Basket CSA you will be able to order eggs through Pauline and pick them up with your weekly produce basket. If you're interested in the CSA program contact Pauline Hamilton at 843-6402.
The second option is to contact Michelle at Suntara Farms in Cold Springs. Order your eggs for pickup at the farm or arrange for pickup elsewhere. Better yet, if you have friends who are also interested in local, farm fresh eggs, order as a group and have one family pick-up and arrange for distribution. Contact Michelle at 972-5176 or 223-0258.
And finally, I've been told eggs are available at the Great Basin Food Co-op on Wonder Street. I have not yet had an opportunity to verify this but plan to stop by the co-op tonight to check it out. The co-op is a membership based operation so you'll need to pay a small fee to shop there.
More info to come.
If your family is participating in the Great Basin Basket CSA you will be able to order eggs through Pauline and pick them up with your weekly produce basket. If you're interested in the CSA program contact Pauline Hamilton at 843-6402.
The second option is to contact Michelle at Suntara Farms in Cold Springs. Order your eggs for pickup at the farm or arrange for pickup elsewhere. Better yet, if you have friends who are also interested in local, farm fresh eggs, order as a group and have one family pick-up and arrange for distribution. Contact Michelle at 972-5176 or 223-0258.
And finally, I've been told eggs are available at the Great Basin Food Co-op on Wonder Street. I have not yet had an opportunity to verify this but plan to stop by the co-op tonight to check it out. The co-op is a membership based operation so you'll need to pay a small fee to shop there.
More info to come.
Jun 1, 2007
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