Yesterday got a little hectic, I won’t pretend otherwise.
At the farmer’s market, a family of five came by and expressed interest in joining us for our Chef Dinner. I was feeling prepared for our small contingent, but almost doubling the guest list meant we needed to kick into high gear. I was so excited by the prospect of our new guests that I went to another market vendor and commissioned some bouquets. When Peggy from Newfield Herb Farm came by with her flowers, she spontaneously offered to run to the local nursery to pick up some chrysanthemums for me! She kindly brought me back three ‘mums about 45 minutes later.
Nadav and Bru arrived around 3:45 to set up. I had gathered all of my most quaint and charming items, but I am not really much of a decorator. Bru swiftly set up my mason jars, straw bales, lamb fleece and photos to create more ambiance than I have ever seen in any other hastily-tidied carport.
The apples and the leaves strewn artfully about was 100% Bru. It was really a treat to get to chat a little and get to know Nadav and Bru while we worked to get this set up. There’s something magical in taking ordinary objects and arranging them artfully so they lend gravitas.
Soon after the table was set, we received an unfortunate phone call. The family of 5 was having a family emergency and would not be attending. We appreciated their call but it was hard not to feel a little disappointed.
Our joy was renewed, however, when our first guests arrived. Dan and Marda have been friends ever since I worked at Fat Toad Farm in Brookfield. They purchased and refurbished the drafty old farmhouse I lived in during those years into a house with the same charm as the old place, but with modern conveniences and full insulation. They are kind and generous people, so getting to show them around my sheep farm dream, realized, was a real privilege. Dan and Marda raise bees, harvest apples and boil maple syrup, among other endeavors.
Then Matt and Reeni arrived. They are friends of Matt’s from before he and I knew each other. Matt and Reeni also appreciate the journey Matt and I have taken in our relationship and in creating this farm as it stands today. Matt works in management at a large food co-op in Chittenden County, so he has perspective on the other side of food-dom. Reeni’s family is Egyptian, so we got to discussing her family lamb recipes with Nadav, who is Israeli-American. Reeni is interested in writing a recipe book that we can offer alongside the lamb we sell. She would get paid per-book, and we would have recipes at-hand to help people get the most out of their lamb orders.
Seeing our friends was wonderful, but I imagine you’d like to hear about the food:
Our first course was braised lamb riblets over a fall salsa with a currant glaze. I am completely in awe of how Nadav made the riblets so tender, yet crisp. I usually get one or the other. The salsa, entirely sourced within 10 miles of the farm, provided a sharp, tangy contrast to the lamb.
Our salad course provided another flavor and texture contrast with three layers of vegetables. On the top, a variety of the freshest local tomatoes. In the middle, lightly wilted greens with a subtle dressing. On the bottom, local brussels sprouts over discs of beet and carrot. The carrot was braised in beet juice, creating a delicious and original flavor and texture. The sprouts were sauteed in lamb sausage fat and apple cider, which eliminated the bitter undertones and left a pure brassica bliss. On top, crumbled lamb sausage and goat cheese. Delicious!
The main course was Nadav’s most creative venture yet. We were advised to play with our food, and handed a little glass of opaque pinkish-orange juice. We learned that the juice was raw tomato water. The tender, thin, ravioli revealed tomato puree inside. Underneath was a subtly-seasoned pulled lamb. So we mixed our ravioli and lamb while drizzing tomato juice on top.
You know that tangy, sour flavor you get from cooked tomatoes? That canned flavor? Imagine lamb with tomato sauce where the tomatoes don’t have the slightest hint of that sour, metallic, “cooked” flavor. Just pure lamb with pure, fresh, bright tomato. I didn’t really think that there could be a new way to put lamb with tomato, but Nadav found one and it was amazing. Real creativity in cuisine is a marvel to behold.
How to top this series of lamb revelations? Why not have a generous slice of apple pie with local ice cream on top. Nadav said that our apples are as good as he’s found.
I am very grateful to Nadav, Bru, Dan, Marda, Matt and Reeni for coming to celebrate our harvest of lamb and apples. Next time, you should join us!
If you are interested in learning more about Chef Nadav and his farm dinners and private chef services, check out his website: http://chefnadav.com/