FARM TO TABLE
I just wrapped up 5 years as Executive Chef for events and Farm to Table dinners at the Smokebrush Foundation in Manitou Springs, Colorado. Creating seasonal Farm to Table menus is what I truly love to do. To be able to showcase in new and perhaps unimagined ways our local organic produce, grains and meats, native as well as medicinal plants, is such a creative joy for me. It becomes an educational experience for you in addition to a culinary journey.
Sourcing local, high quality ingredients not only allows you to enjoy the flavors of the season, but it’s also healthier, nutrient dense and more sustainable.
Farms, Producers & Purveyors I source from:
Food to Power, Colorado Springs
Smokebrush Farm, Manitou Springs
New Roots Farm, Cañon City
Alchemy Greens, Colorado Springs
Origin Mushrooms, Peyton
Nola Natural Farms, Avondale
Frost Livestock Co., Fountain
Nightingale Bakery, Colorado Springs
Hunt or Gather, Colorado Springs
Ranch Foods Direct, Colorado Springs
June/July Inspired Sample Menu
Starters
Roasted Beet & Walnut Dip
Smokeshow Tea Infused | Preserved Oranges & Crispy Shallots | Toasted Flatbread
Roasted Carrot Dip
Colorado Sumac & Preserved Lemon | Toasted Flatbread
Salads
Seasonal Greens
Edible Flowers | Sweet Peas | Chinese 5 Spice, Local Honey & Rice Wine Vinaigrette
Seasonal Greens
Edible Flowers | Fennel Fronds | Toasted Pine Nuts | Pickled Carrot & Honey Vinaigrette
Entrees
Mushroom, Barley & Fava Bean Fritters
Mustard Green, Nettle, Garlic Scape & Pine Nut Pesto | Miso Butter Japanese Hakurei Turnip Mash | Roasted Asparagus
Slow Cooked Brisket
Locally Sourced Brisket | Salsa Verde | Sautéed Farm Mushrooms, Zucchini, Garlic & Chives | Creamy Polenta
Roasted Chicken Thighs
Mustard Green, Nettle, Garlic Scape & Pine Nut Pesto | Chevre | Roasted Zucchini, Mushrooms & Garlic
Desserts
Roasted Strawberry & Basil Ice Cream
Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies
Rose Scented Coconut Custard
Strawberry Rhubarb Compote | Crispy Thyme | Local Honey Drizzle | Pistachios
Tea Party SAMPLE Menu
Finger Sandwiches
Smoked Salmon Finger Sandwiches
Red Molé Cream Cheese | Edible Flowers | Brioche Bread
Smoked Salmon Finger Sandwiches
Pickled Purslane | Fennel Aioli | Brioche Bread
Tea Smoked Carrot Finger Sandwiches
Red Molé Cream Cheese | Edible Flowers | Brioche Bread
Dilly Egg Salad Sandwich
Cucumbers | Pickled Onions | Brioche Bread
Curry Pickled Vegetable Tea Sandwiches
Cream Cheese | Brioche Bread
Finger Foods
Hollyhock Leaf Egg Salad Bites
Steamed Hollyhock Leaves | Dilly Egg Salad | Pickled Onions | Chive Blossom Vinegar Gelee
Herbed Chevre Canapes
Cherry Tomato | Cucumber Slice
Squash Fritters
Trio Of Summer Squash | Sorrel & Herb Yogurt Sauce
Smashed Purple Potatoes
Smokeshow Tea Infused Whipped Beets | Edible Flowers
Scones
Pear & Thyme
Whipped Local Honey Butter
Lavender & Lemon Balm
Whipped Local Honey Butter
Blackberry & Vanilla Earl Grey
Colorado Sumac Lemon Curd
Dessert
Chocolate Dipped Vanilla Earl Grey Honey Marshmallows
Mint, Nib & Coconut Nectar Dark Chocolate Truffles
Rose & Almond Bianchinis
Thyme & Honey Caramels In Peruvian Dark Chocolate
Lavender, Local Honey & Toasted Coconut Truffles