As Front Desk Representatives, we frequently
send visitors on the Farm Package Tasting Tour. When guests check-in, they are
given a large basket and Farm Bucks vouchers to spend at three local farms and
Finnriver Cidery. After meeting with one of The Fireside’s chefs, their selections
are whisked away to be transformed into a special, multi-course tasting menu.
Last Tuesday, my coworker Lisa and I had the chance to experience the magic for
ourselves.
Our first stop was SpringRain Farm and
Orchard. A walking tour of this farm is available with advanced notice, but we
were happily content with the farm stand. Lemon cucumbers were a fun find and a
new experience for Lisa. SpringRain also makes jam, and the plum-rhubarb blend
caught our attention.
We couldn’t miss the “Bonkers for Broccoli”
sign outside Red Dog Farm. Convenient bags were available, along with fresh
green beans, stalks of rhubarb, colorful purple potatoes, strawberries, and
bunches of basil. Red Dog Farm also carries Mystery Bay goat cheese, a
farmstead chevre with a creamy tangy flavor.
Finnriver Cidery is a unique and inspiring place,
with a farm, orchards, special events, and a cozy tasting room. We were
expertly guided to the limited release Crew Selection Sidra. With its blend of
organic bittersweet cider fruit and organic dessert fruit, the Spanish style
Sidra has briny notes, a gentle bubble, and a nutty taste. We also had to pick
up a basket of Finnriver’s famous blueberries on our way out.
With our basket overflowing, we returned to
the Inn to meet with Chefs Aaron and Chris. Two hours later, Lisa and I came
back to a delightful seven-course dinner. Each dish was unique and utilized the
full assortment we’d brought back, along with a few of their specialties. Our
wonderful server Wendy detailed the ingredients as she brought out each course.
The menu featured:
Crab Cake Starter with Lemon Cucumber, Tomatoes,
and a Goat Cheese Topper
Warm Purple Potato Salad with Pickled Lemon Cucumber, Green Beans, Red Onion, and Cider-Basil Vinaigrette
Tiger Shrimp in a Creamy Bacon Vinaigrette with Fresh Green Beans
Raspberry Granita
Jidori Chicken with Rhubarb Compote, Oven Roasted Broccoli and a Balsamic Reduction
Spring Greens with Cider Vinaigrette and Currants
Napoleon with Fresh Lemon Curd and Fresh Berries
for dessert
The meal was an absolute delight, and we ran
out of ways to describe how delicious each dish was! This area abounds with
farm fresh produce, meat, and fruit, and The Inn’s Farm Package Tasting Tour is
the perfect way to experience the bounty. The chefs’ creativity and expertise,
a beautiful setting, and excellent service made this an experience to savor.
To learn more or book the Farm Dinner Package, please call
360-437-7000.
