Summer, 2015

We love summer! So much of this feeling is because we know that our good partners at Urban Oaks Organic Farm, Satur, and Hepworth Farm, will arrive with the freshest, most flavorful and healthy summer produce. Right now, we're enjoying the organic Swiss Chard,  Asian eggplants, Squash Blossoms, Kale, and Fig Leaves, Patty Pan Squash, and of course, those "we wait all year for" summer heirloom tomatoes. We respect these limited time only vegetables by preparing them in ways that allow for their real flavor to come through.  We love to combine Swiss chard with French Lentils and fresh herbs from Urban Oaks Organic Farm for a totally delicious and very healthy meal. Swiss chard and lentils are loaded with Vitamins A and C, iron, and fiber, protein, and magnesium. All good news for your heart and entire body.  You'll see the fresh squash blossoms in fritters, over a light San Marzano tomato sauce, or in our Quesadilla Especial with fresh Epazote. Epazote is an herb that tastes like a cross between thyme and oregano and is a delicious match with squash blossoms in Mexican dishes. Asian eggplants, tender and gorgeous, are  perfect in our stir-fry dishes with other summer produce, changing each day depending on what is best. Where would we be without fresh Kale from Urban Oaks Organic farm! KaleABunga, our favorite green smoothie gets it's delicious flavor and health benefits of iron, vitamins A and C, and magnesium from this lovely and fresh kale. Aromatic fig leaves will wrap a combination of fresh ricotta, and mozzarella cheeses, with a reduction of really good balsamic vinegar. Patty pan squash are tender and filled with summer flavor reserved for fresh, really fresh produce, the kind we can get only during these summer months. A light brushing of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt are all they need before a trip to the oven for our Roasted Vegetable Plate. Tomatoes rule! We use these summer only tomatoes in salads, Chilled Gazpacho, bruschetti, sauces, and dressings. Happy Summer! We wish you every blessing as you Savor every delicious bite.