Making Friends North
You've probably heard, likely because we can't shut up about it, that Family Dinner is soon expanding to Maine.
We were drawn to Portland for its incredibly diverse and vibrant food ecosystem and some truly incredible restaurants. Portland's Cong Tu Bot made it onto the NYT Top 50 Restaurants last week with the Times claiming "Happiness is a bowl of Cong Tu Bot’s chao chay on a chilly Maine morning." During the pandemic Cong Tu Bot transitioned into a daytime cafe and the throngs of people waiting outside every day are evidence that was a good call. Reservations not accepted, and per their eerily delightful website, neither are racists. "Seriously tho, no reservations and no racists please." My kind of folks and my kind of food. Hell, yes.
Some portion of our work is easily transferrable. The software, technology, and systems we have created to meet our mission of supporting farmers and eliminating waste can work just as easily in Boston as in Portland or Providence. (Spoiler Alert! We're not going to Providence yet. One thing at a damn time, people!)
But there is some portion of the work that can not and should not be exactly replicated in one place or another. The beating heart of this organization is our connection to and relationship with farmers, makers, and growers. It's really exciting to build these relationships in Maine and meet these folks on their home turf, learn from them, and explore how to work together.
We are excited to highlight some of these Maine farmers in your shares this week. We have jams from Olde Haven Farm and cheese of the week from Spring Dale creamery. More coming soon!
Yesterday we spent the day with the team at Broad Arrow Farm in Bristol, ME. This place is Nirvana for local food geeks like us. An idyllic space spread over many acres, they use regenerative, soil-based methods to raise pigs, lamb, poultry, and eggs on pasture. They grow seasonable veggies and welcome the public into their delightful and delicious farm store.
We spent the day getting to know each other, gabbing about food systems, and gleefully watching piggies lounge in the mud. A bit about them from their site:
"Broad Arrow Farm grew out of a desire to provide an alternative to the industrial food model. We wanted to grow real food that reflects the place where it’s grown, promotes Maine’s economy, and gives the community a local choice. We believe that our approach is better for the animals, better for the soil, and better for the consumer."
We will be sending you their delicious meats in the weeks and months to come--we can't wait to hear what you think! Oh, and if you're looking for something delicious to do next weekend, check out the Pig Out! event at Broad Arrow. The menu includes items such as Cider Brined Pit Roasted Pork which is just about the best 5 words I have ever heard.
WHAT'S IN THE BAG?
Delivery dates: Saturday, 10/16 and Tuesday, 10/19
Note: If you order a "Meat and Fish Share" you will receive just the meats listed, not the "dairy" items (i.e., eggs, yogurt, etc). If you order a "Fish and Seafood Share" you will receive the fish listed, not the dairy items.
Add-on Grain of the Week - Bagel Chips from Forge
Add-on Bread of the Week - Sourdough from Forge
Add-on Pastry of the Week - Chocolate Banana Bread from Forge
Add-on Fresh Pasta of the Week - Black Pepper Pasta from Dave's Fresh Pasta
Add-on Cheese of the Week - Cheddar Horseradish Cheese Balls from Spring Dale Creamery
Add-on Mezze of the Week - Bruschetta from Dave's Fresh Pasta
Add-on Gluten Free Grain of the Week - Maine Crisps Gluten Free Crackers
Fruit Share - Concord Grapes and Stone Fruit from Ward's Berry Farm
HALF SHARE
Omnivore Protein - Chorizo from Feather Brook Farms; Mozzarella from Mozzarella House
Pescatarian Protein - Flounder from Red's; Mozzarella from Mozzarella House
Vegetarian Proteins - Sticky Sesame Tofu from Forge; Mozzarella from Mozzarella House
Paleo Proteins - Chorizo from Feather Brook Farms; Eggs from Feather Brook Farms
Fruits and Veggies - Pears from Autumn Hills Orchard; Arugula from Langwater Farm; Cabbage from Iron Ox Farm*; Leeks from Brookford Farm
Grain - Pizza Dough from A&J King
Special Treat - Nuts from Q's
WHOLE SHARE
Omnivore Protein - Chorizo from Feather Brook Farms; Flounder from Red's; Mozzarella from Mozzarella House; Jam from Old Haven Farm
Pescatarian Protein - Flounder, Bonito from Red's; Mozzarella from Mozzarella House; Jam from Old Haven Farm
Vegetarian Proteins - Sticky Sesame Tofu from Forge; Veggie Burgers from Farmhouse Burger Co; Mozzarella from Mozzarella House; Jam from Old Haven Farm
Paleo Proteins - Chorizo from Feather Brook Farms; Flounder from Red's; Eggs from Feather Brook Farms
Fruits and Veggies - Pears from Autumn Hills Orchard; Arugula from Langwater Farm; Cabbage from Iron Ox Farm*; Leeks from Brookford Farm; Mushrooms from Fat Moon Farm; Ginger from Freedom Food Farm
Grain - Pizza Dough from A&J King
Special Treat - Nuts from Q's; Brownie Bites from Forge
DOUBLE SHARE
Omnivore Protein - Chorizo from Feather Brook Farms; Flounder from Red's; Chicken from Feather Brook Farms; Mozzarella from Mozzarella House; Jam from Old Haven Farm; Eggs from Feather Brook Farms
Pescatarian Protein - Flounder, Bonito, and Calamari from Red's; Mozzarella from Mozzarella House; Jam from Old Haven Farm; Eggs from Feather Brook Farms
Vegetarian Proteins - Sticky Sesame Tofu from Forge; Veggie Burgers from Farmhouse Burger Co; Pierogi from Jaju; Mozzarella from Mozzarella House; Jam from Old Haven Farm; Eggs from Feather Brook Farms
Paleo Proteins - Chorizo from Feather Brook Farms; Flounder from Red's; Chicken from Feather Brook Farms; Eggs from Feather Brook Farms
Fruits and Veggies - Pears from Autumn Hills Orchard; Arugula from Langwater Farm; Cabbage from Iron Ox Farm*; Leeks from Brookford Farm; Mushrooms from Fat Moon Farm; Ginger from Freedom Food Farm; Carrots from Iron Ox Farm; Tatsoi from Brookford Farm
Grain - Pizza Dough from A&J King; Maine Crisps Gluten Free Crackers
Special Treat - Nuts from Q's; Brownie Bites from Forge
*I'm super excited for these! Alex and the crew at Iron Ox specially grew these cabbages for us!
RECIPES
(from Shannon)
Pear and Arugula Pizza - You may be surprised to learn that arugula is one of my all time most favoritest things to put on pizza. You really can't go wrong with this one, and the sweet pears on top? Yum!
Chorizo Cabbage Rolls - Because you should have fun with your food! Try out these cabbage rolls!
Everything Ginger - This incredibly beautiful fresh, organic ginger from Freedom Food Farm is something I look forward to every year! Here are some links on how to process and store the fresh ginger!
Pear, Ginger, and Buttery Leek Soup - Soup Season is here!!
Mushroom Stir Fry - Once you have the basics, throw in whatever greens or forgotten veg you have in the back of the fridge and enjoy!!
Flounder Milanese - Simple steps that bring you to a delicious dinner!
Tips and Tricks for storing your food and getting the most from your shares can be found HERE.