There was so much to cover yesterday, I just couldn’t squeeze in one more image! (see yesterdays post)
Visiting True Grass Farms definitely reminded me of days gone by, of the natural rhythm of life, of taking pride in every little thing you do… it was a sweet, slow, and colorful experience I won’t forget any time soon…
Here’s my color palette for Valley Ford, California and True Grass Farms:
Holly’s bouquet summed it up pretty beautifully too…
When we first pulled up to True Grass Farms, in Valley Ford near Sebastepol, California, the first thing we noticed- let's be honest- SMELLED, was this gorgeous paella bubbling away over an open fire...
True Grass headquarters is this humble abode where the owners live, work, tour, and entertain... it's sun faded and time worn, but nowhere near shabby.
It's a comfy and inviting space for visitors interesting in learning more about what and how we eat and how caring for our land and animals contributes to that experience
Guido, who’s family has owned this land since 1867, didn’t come from a family of farmers, but being a young idealist (bravo!) he was drawn to the challenge- the resourcefulness, creativity, engineering, patience, learning- of building a sustainable relationship between the land, the animals, and the people you feed. He chose mainly to raise grass fed Wagyu (Wa- Japanese, Gyu- beef) cattle (along with pigs and chickens too).
Resident Cook and Rustler, Matt, shared his creative resourcefulness with a delicious lunch of fresh garden greens, a spread of salami, prociutto, paella, and buttermilk panne cotta... sooo good
I especially enjoyed seeing this little building, the Meat Smith (I called it the meat market), a charming little homemade shelter where business and purchases are handled...
You know I love that it's made AND decorated from salvaged goods and things found right here on the land...
A sense of humor goes a long way where the work can be hard.
Well, easier for some than others.
mmm, lunch! Hard to see but there's one piglet sitting on top of another to get to his meal- I've probably done that before
(the Wagyu cattle were grazing out in a field out of view, so we didn’t see them)
As we spent the afternoon hanging out with the animals, Consuelo, the sow, noticed Even and sauntered over for a good backscratchin'. Evan started a community garden in Brooklyn before deciding to move out here where he puts his farming AND marketing skills to use on a big scale.
My friend, Nona, and several others got in on the act...
Consuela didn't mind
True Grass Farms faithful canine, Iris, needed something to do so she set her sight on herding this pour chicken... for like 30 minutes! Ever try so hard to get someone to do what you want? I have... now I feel bad
And with a few final words...
The paella is ready
Besides eating though, we had work to do! There was a blind taste test with four kinds of beef and a map of beef cuts to identify. (I followed more Evans lead and stayed focused on the chicken in the paella- go Evan go!)
Holly, who spends most of her time rustling cattle with the rest of 'em, also has a knack for adding a beautiful and feminine touch to True Grass. I'm bummed I didn't get more pictures of her but she was always behind the scenes helping make everything and everyone look good. They all made the day and their work look effortless.
There's nothing better than spending a beautiful day with good friends, delicious foods and passionate people.
Guido and the gang at True Grass Farms look to replicate Nature when it comes to keeping balance with the land, water, animals- everything. He said, “Nature is the best teacher”. Such simple words for such a wise and wide statement.
Give 'em a ring, plan a tour, and go enjoy yourself. You'll see your food, your land, and your people in a whole new way. Thank you, Guido, Matt, Evan, and Holly!! And thank you, Nona, and the San Francisco Professional Food Society letting me tag along on such gorgeous day.
Learn more about True Grass Farms and find the Farmer’s markets where you can find them and their meats…
Nona invited me to a food, wine, and music event in Napa. I have the best friends!
Nona Lim started Cook!, as a home delivery service providing ready-to-cook organic meals and cleanse programs to the San Francisco Bay Area. Now she’s got fresh soups in Whole Foods and other luxury grocery stores, and she’s not stopping there! Continue reading
