A night of masks, dazzling dishes, and fresh flavorful ingredients transformed with creole flavor added to the magic at Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch and Winery. Long Meadow Ranch Winery & Farmstead is a sustainable food, wine and agricultural center located in St. Helena, in the heart of the Napa Valley.
At their recent “Three-year Anniversary and Mardi Gras party”, Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch dressed up their rustic farmhouse décor, as well as their fresh and flavorful dishes with true Nola flair. Their Mardi Gras menu was packed with color, flavor, and decadent fun. Mardi Gras is a celebratory feast and part of the Carnival celebrations before Ash Wednesday.
As Farm-to-Table Manager, Kipp Ramsey, put it. “Mardi Gras is all about consumption – eating a lot, drinking a lot, and abundant enjoyment.”
Farmhouse was not short on any front. A live band dressed in authentic garb played traditional Mardi Gras tunes, while masked waiters served up Chef Stephen Barber’s creole creations.
All throughout the Mardi Gras Masquerade celebraion Farmstead Restaurant’s Calfornia-style cuisine and garden-fresh flavors were the highlight of every dish. In summer, up to seventy percent of the produce at Farmstead restaurant is grown in their garden. In winter and spring, they pick collards, broccoli greens, and other plants fresh from the garden in the morning to serve guests. If they don’t grow it themselves, Farm-to-Table Manager, Kipp Ramsey personally visits each farm to make sure they are using sustainable practices.
Ramsey attended the University of Mississippi, and is originally from Kentucky. At Farmstead, Ramsey oversees the growing of the vegetables using all sustainable methods, and plans the yearly harvest to make sure there will be enough produce to sustain the kitchen, while not being wasteful.
What would Mardi Gras be without delicious cornbread? Barber’s Jalapeno Cornbread has a perfect amount of sweet and spice. The balanced heat and mild flesh of the jalapeno make for a delicious edge to the sweet, crumbly cornbread. A dusting of salt on top creates a mouth-watering savory element, while the fresh honey, produced at Farmstead, creates a decadent flavor that will keep you coming back for more.
The Fried Oyster Salad is a playful mix of flavors, with an indulgent yet light feel. The natural sweetness of the oysters are complemented by a light, savory breading, with a refreshing zing of black pepper. The fresh greens have an earthy bitterness, which pairs perfectly with the acidity of the mandarin orange and caramelized red onion, as well as the sweet, tart flavor of the Creole Mustard Sauce.
The Pecan-Encrusted Catfish has a unique, rustic spice. This flaky, light fish and the pecan crust come together in a beautiful mix of earthy, sweet, and nutty. Paired with the catfish is a hearty assortment of fresh, flavorful vegetables, a rustic mix of carrot, caramelized onion, acorn squash hash, shallots, and spinach. Mingling with the fresh produce are bits of bacon, which have been cured and braised at Long Meadow Ranch Winery. The Lemon-Bacon Scallion butter compliments the dish with the perfect amount of acidity and warmth.
Located in St. Helana, Long Meadow Ranch Winery is an ideal stop on the Napa trail for foodies and wine-lovers alike. Long Meadow Ranch offers distinctive full-circle farming tours; wine and estate olive oil tastings; wine and food pairings; fresh farm-to-table dining; private ranch excursions; customized event venues and services; a summer concert series; and engaging educational experiences.
Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch will now offer a California Creole inspired menu in addition to Farmstead’s regular dinner menu. Every Wednesday evening, Executive Chef Stephen Barber will feature his Creole inspired dishes, using the best ingredients California has to offer. The menu will include, Crispy Fried Boudin, Cajun Popcorn, Smoked Duck & Andouille Sausage Gumbo, Fried Oyster Po-Boy, Chicken & Housemade Tasso Ham Jambalaya Ya-Ya, Slow Cooked LMR Beef Grillades, Shrimp and Crawfish Étouffée, and Pecan-Crusted Catfish.
Now you don’t have to wait for Mardi Gras to begin or Lent to end. For fresh, flavorful food, sustainably grown, and deliciously prepared, head over to the Farmstead Restaurant at Long Meadow Ranch and create a celebration that you will always remember!
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