October 9 was an evening filled with great local food - prepared by great local chefs - and wines from everywhere (one from Ohio) at Alana's, celebrating the harvest season and the farmers who made the evening possible. Here's the recap - sorry about the pictures, I was still in full camera-related learning curve mode.
First off, with no picture, was a Zephyr Squash Pancake (from Toad Hill Farm) topped with smoked trout (Fresh Water farms) from Alana, which was served with Kinkead Ridge 2004 Viognier/Roussanne, which hails from our fair state.
Next, a spaghetti squash flan with (I believe) a duck stock reduction, also from Alana.
The poultry course, prepared by Thomas Smith from the Worthington Inn, was rather like chicken and dumplings, or as a friend described it, a "deconstructed pot pie." Thorne River chicken was braised and served with oyster, shitake and trumpet mushrooms from Mushroom Harvest, and topped with a cornmeal dumpling. Served with Muller-Catoir 2000 Haardter Herrenletten Kabinett Riesling:
Next up, my favorite, the pork course! Prepared by David Tetzloff from G. Michael's Bistro, King Family Farm pork with grilled apples from the Orchard of Tom and Vicki Smith, served with braised collard greens and spicy bourbon caramel sauce and a little mascarpone mousse (a similar dish can currently be found on their menu). Paired with 2002 Jean Fournier 2002 Marsannay Clos de Roy. (sorry about the really terrible picture)
The lamb course, from Blues Creek Farms lamb, was prepared by John Dornback from Basi Italia, and featured a nice little lamb porterhouse with a dried cherry sauce, with a really great Toad Hill Farm squash cannelloni on the side. This was served with Edmunds St. John 2001 Roxet Vineyard Los Robles Viejo.
All good things must come to an end, and luckily this was a sweet one, with a study of Jeni's Ice cream. The flavors included Ohio Black Walnut, Apple Cider sorbet, and my favorite, and I suggest you visit her shop directly in search of it, Almond Butter. Truly one of the most delicious ice creams I have tasted. (and I loved the little square ice cream spoon.)
I thought the event was great, and I look forward to doing it again next year. It was really nice to meet some of the farmers and put a face to the products. Thanks Alana!
