a summer treat

I think it's the second summer since Treats knocked down their ramshackle farm stand and built a big new barn as the focal point of their summer market and plant center. We've been away so much that I really haven't been there this summer even though it's just up the road! There are a lots of specialty items, and while the price is a bit higher, it's so convenient that I am thankful to have this much local produce only a few miles away.

It's a lovely shopping experience and on Saturdays there are local fish and meat purveyors as well. Get there early on Saturday, there are often limited amts of native fruits veggies, and Judies bread. Oh and don't forget those chocolate chip cookies in the jar by the register. They come with or without nuts. You can wash them down with Trinity Farm milk that comes in the old-fashioned thick glass bottles.

Robert Treat Farm

1339 New Haven Avenue
Milford, CT 06460

(203) 878-4270

http://roberttreatfarm.com/

connecticut barns

I love barns and carriage houses. In Connecticut, some have been lovingly restored and others look like they they are a second away from collapse. The good news is The Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation announced a grant program to help save the endangered older barns. The Trust has surveyed over 900 barns in the state and if you own one over 75 yrs old, the grant can offer you assistance to assess and repair the structure. This year's deadline is April 15. Check out http://www.connecticutbarns.org. I love that there is an illustrated database by town!

I never seem to have my camera when I pass a great local barn, but the architectural style is always of interest to me.

















Jonathan Edwards Winery. N. Stonington, CT
It is no accident I fell in love with this location for our wedding.

















Golden Lamb Buttery. Brooklyn, CT
A wonderfully unique dining experience that begins with a hay ride & cocktails over-looking the fields and continues with dinner inside the barn.

















Stone Silo Farm. Preston, CT
We didn't stop, but I grabbed my camera as we drove to our caterer A Thyme to Cook.


















??? Thompson, CT
Drove by on a trip from Lord Thompson Manor to Putnam, CT and I have never forgotten this home.

gewurztraminer

When we did the full tasting at Jonathan Edwards Winery last weekend, I remembered first trying their gewurztraminer at White Gate Farm in August. This wonderful evening of local food and wine was a part of the Dinners at the Farm, which is a is a joint effort between River Tavern (Chester, CT) and Feast Market (Deep River, CT). Our particular dinner benefited the Working Farms Alliance. What a way to eat a great meal and feel good about it! I always wanted to attend an Outstanding in the Field event, but this Connecticut version was a pleasant surprise.

As you can see in the slideshow below, we had the perfect, moonlit summer evening as a backdrop to this meal. It was simply magical.


If you're interested in these kinds of locally sourced meals check out:
Dinners at the Farm (connecticut) http://dinnersatthefarm.com/
Outstanding in the Field (national) http://outstandinginthefield.com/
DaiDue (austin) http://daidueaustin.com/