One of the highlights of my five day road trip was a visit to Philo Apple Farm, located two hours north of San Francisco in the little village of Philo in Anderson Valley, California.
I joined the girlfriends for a cooking class led by the proprietor, Karen, whose parents once owned the famous French Laundry before selling it to Thomas Keller.
This is a true working farm, with apple orchards, chickens, goats and cows, to name a few.
We all met under the mulberry tree for refreshments to hear just what we would be cooking.
Basically, we were to cook our lunch!
The kitchen was my favorite part.
Complete with a glass front commercial refrigerator, gas stove, three islands...
...and a pantry to die for!
Culinary collectibles, like copper pots and old crockery were everywhere.
I notice stuff like this, what can I say!
The menu:
Chicken curry with cucumber and yogurt.
Toasted pumpkin seeds, cubed avocado and currents on the side.
Plus, a sampling of chutneys from the farm.
An appetizer of sliced radish, straight from the garden, on a seeded slice of bread with fresh soft cow's cheese, freshly made. Heavenly!
We made an apricot tart for dessert.
How is that for perfection!
And the final result!
Our lunch, which we ate under the shade of the mulberry tree.
Afterwards, we explored the grounds. I thought this seating area was adorable.
It was made out of apple crates!
Beyond, you can see a little cabin.
There are three available, each one with its own unique decor.
This one is called "The Red Door."
The "Room With A View" cottage.
For more information about Philo Apple Farm, visit their website
here.
It is definitely worth a visit!
Photos 1 and 2, Flickr
Photos 17, 18, 19 and 20, Philo Apple Farm