Musings on Summer’s end - Chef Dan Williams
I had a long day today.
We’ve got a new menu starting tomorrow, which has required a lot of prep. One of our coolers decided to leak water, and an oven started to smell like gas. The dry storage area needed to be reorganized. We had deliveries coming in, and the dish pit was stacking up. It was hot. All of these things are normal for those of us that choose to call kitchens home.
We’re a strange breed of folk
that thrive in what looks like chaos to the uninitiated. Shows like The Bear might give you a glimpse into our world, but ultimately you have to experience it to understand it. This is not to say that it’s something to idolize or demonize. We’re all human after all, living a grand shared experience. I’m rambling though, so let's dial in.
This was my first summer at The Farm, and it was a good one, all things considered. We started a new dining concept that better serves the surrounding community. We hosted a huge food competition and came in second place, losing only to one of the best chef’s in the country. Locals are taking notice. We see people more than once in a blue moon, and when they come in they tell us they can’t wait to bring their friends and family for a visit.
We made the cover of a local magazine.
It hasn’t been without its struggles, but it has definitely been good and now summer’s end is more or less here. Kids are back in school, parents are getting back into a routine. We’ve hit the point of the year when we all take a collective breath before the plunge into Leaf Season. The easy- to-use product is coming to an end. 🍂
An Autumnal Bounty
Tomatoes that we can just slice and put on a plate are being replaced by autumn squash, the nemesis of every cook with a not quite sharp enough knife. Basil and mint give way to sage, thyme and rosemary. The evenings are cooling down, though the days are still warm. The kitchen smells like braised meats, warm spices and caramelized onions.
The “Fall Feelings”
The early crew starts to show up in sweaters and the late crew leaves to the smell of wood smoke from the fire pit. It’s autumn's first breath, and man is it sweet.
I’ve never been so excited to see what the next season looks like…
“Apple doesn’t fall far” cocktail by our amazing bartendress, Tina!