Another serendipitous travel discovery…surprisingly some believe the ancient impression that Mexico is dangerous and you can’t enjoy fresh fruit and produce. As I once declared in a post, I am the new ambassador for Mexico. The destinations we recommend are safe communities; in regard to food, many organic farms have been on the local scene for a few years. Additionally, many five star properties raise organic produce or buy directly from organic farms.
One sensational example is Flora Farm, a ten-acre organic farm in the foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico. When you veer off-road to a rutted dirt lane, and climb amid dry desert terrain up to the verdant green gardens, you realize taking the road less traveled provides a marvelous surprise!
Patrick and Gloria Greene began ten years ago by founding the Farmers Market and expanded to grow for Floras Field Kitchen, Floras Grocery and the recent Culinary Cottage owners. Farming without pesticides or using genetically modified seeds and working the farm largely by hand yields over 100 varieties of heirloom vegetables and herbs. Chef Greg Breeback began in the first season as a Sous Chef and he has taken on the role of Executive Chef this season.
In addition to produce, they began ranching to supply the Field Kitchen and Grocery with high quality humanely raised chickens, eggs, and pork. Their longtime partner, “Jefe” Guadalupe Espinoza, has been raising animals his entire life in Santa Anita on the 150-acre ranch his father Don Manuel purchased in the 1960s. Their dedicated local fisherman supplies Catch of the Day.
The philosophy of Flora Field is to create handmade food utilizing farm fresh ingredients. Working day begins at four am in the bakery when Jose arrives to fire the wood oven. He lovingly bakes loaves of Pain L’ancienne baguette, ciabatta, sourdough, focaccia, whole wheat and herb breads. Occupational hazard, one is required to taste each: all are excellent; the herb bread was my favorite. Fresh butter served in small Kerr mason canning jars support the model, a return to an era when preserving farm fresh produce was the norm. The menu fluctuates with the change of seasons.
Along with traditional cocktails, wine and beer on tap, the Farm Bar serves up a full-range of fruit and vegetable infused specialty cocktails such as the heirloom carrot Farmarita, Flora Farm’s spin on the traditional Margarita, and the Farm Julep made with fresh watermelon juice.
Indulging in a healthy carrot infused Farmarita, also served in a wide mouth-canning jar, I was entertained by graceful butterflies and buzzing bees performing a pollination ballet. My favorite table is on the edge of the garden beneath an umbrella, orchestra section for the insect and bird activity. And people watching – sightings of renowned chefs and movie stars who flock to Flora. My recent Cabo visiting clients were so entranced, they dined twice!
An assortment of salads fills the menu; wander the Grocer area and choose from the dainty French radishes, heirloom tomatoes (the largest I’ve ever seen), wild arugula…an endless selection of perfect produce. Dine family style and share a bite of many divine and delectable offerings. Perfectly prepared seared sage chicken cutlets; hand crafted pappardelle pasta served with slivers of carrots, zucchini and ribbons of freshly grated Parmesan…save room for dessert. Garden carrot cake, a slab of scrumptious chocolate cake?
Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Sunday Brunch and live music on weekend evenings. Private parties are graciously welcomed. Reservations essential.
Our clients, of course, provided VIP pampering!
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