Strawberries Days Forever

It seems that I spoke too soon. If I thought my station at L* was at capacity, I was wrong. This last weekend, another dish was added to my station. This one added 2 mixing bowls, a scoop, an empty mustard jar, a new herb, new type of greens, new type of flowers, new vinaigrette and crispy prosciutto to my already cluttered station. Of course it is super tasty and a great seller.

Morren Farm strawberries tossed with chiffinod anise hyssop and honey-white balsamic vinaigrette on top of warmed Fantôme Farm chèvre, with frissee tossed with the same vin and brunoise of shallot garnished with bachelor button florets and crispy prosciutto (house made).

Word on the street is that it was paired with a Alsace Riesling. Yup, who wouldn't want that? The season's first strawberries??? Alsace wine??? This dish sells it self.

Is it time for another culinary lesson??

Anise hyssop: is an herb that tastes like anise (black licorice) with a hint of mint.

Bruniose: pronounced "BROON-wah" is an extremely fine and exact dice. Generally, about 2-3 mm square. Basically, as small as you possible can while keeping all your fingers.

Alsace: a small region of western France, known for it's wine production, specifically Riesling. This stuff is gooooood. (Tiff...Corner 1...all my other sweet wine lovers, you'd love an Alsatian Riesling or Gewurz).

We had a steady weekend of services...30 on Thursday, about 80 on Friday and 110+ on Saturday.

Thursday was obviously a slower and early out night. I took advantage of my 10 o'clock punch out time and went for a quick run around my neighbor hood. It was nice and my knees didn't hurt, but it wasn't as well lit as I was expecting and I temporarily wasn't sure of my exact location. (Don't worry Mom...it's a safe area). But from now on I think I'll stick to day light runs on familiar streets or running paths.

Friday and Saturday morning I was able to take advantage of the pool and sunny skies for a little bit before heading into work! Chef commented that I was looking 'fresh' when I came in Friday. Not sure if he was just trying to get more Twizzler bites out of me or just thought I looked a little tan.

Sunday I had to head back to the valley early for the Strawberry Day event! CSA members, friends and family made the journey into the valley and spent the afternoon potlucking, farm touring and strawberry picking. 448.92 pounds were brought it for weighing! And that does not include the unknown pounds that made into stomachs and never made it to the scale! I know I was wishing I could get out there and pick some myself!

I guess I'll have to settle for one that one of the guys handed me straight off the tractor!
...for now.

After strawberry picking until their hearts (or wallets) content, they trickled back up to the farm house for an unhealthy portion strawberry ice cream! Strawberries provided by none other than Harmony Valley Farm and churned with Castle Rock organic cream! Even Jack, who had an enormously busy day -- with being the director of farm hospitality and all, indulged in some (nearly still) frozen strawberry delight!

It was a fun event and I was glad to be able to 'work' (hang out) with some of the crew on a more social level.