A few years ago, before it was receiving much press, I ventured up in the hills above Cabo San Lucas to an organic farm restaurant: Flora Farm. 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. On my most recent visit in September, I was heartened to discover that Flora Farm has grown, still a sweet vegetable farm restaurant, however, it has introduced small cottages for sale or VRBO, and a few high quality well priced shops. Flora Farm, is 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! They now serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and offer cooking classes. The setting is lovely and peaceful, by day, the bees and butterfly’s compete for pollen; at night, the large moths compete for the flame of the flickering candles. Best to sit still to watch and enjoy the large winged creatures as they battle for the flame, museum quality bugs!
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 Guillermo Tellez runs the kitchen and advises staff for the public classes. 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, fine wines 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 in the evenings. The night we dined, the grassy field was stacked with hay bales and a large movie screen, outdoor movies under the starry sky.
Private parties are graciously welcomed. Reservations essential.
Our clients, of course, provided VIP Pampering!
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