This week, we have been learning about getting ready for Easter with the hams of Smithfield and Isle of Wight County, Virginia. Let's put it into practical use! Smithfield Station is located right on the Pagan River in Smithfield. They feature classic and house Smithfield dishes using super local ingredients. Dress is dressy casual. In colder weather, they've got fireplaces roaring and in warm weather, you can enjoy the view outdoors.
Start your evening off with a fresh oyster shooter in their adjacent sports lounge, IBX. It's made with local oysters that haven't had to be shipped anywhere, hot sauce, and beer.
Of course, you'll want to start off your dinner with even more Chesapeake Sweets on the half shell. They're in season and have that characteristically meaty/mineral flavor. They're clean, not salty.
You can also start the evening out with Smithfield ham croquettes with raisin sauce or a ham sampler with crackers plate, to keep with the localvore theme.
Chicken is also big in the nearby vicinity -- lots come from the Eastern Shore of Virginia. One of Smithfield Station's specialties is Chicken Isle of Wight: boneless breast of chicken stuffed with Swiss cheese, Genuine Smithfield ham and roasted peanuts, breaded and fried, then served over wild and long grain rice with fresh vegetables.It's kind of the Smithfield answer to Chicken Cordon Bleu! It's sliced into rondeles.
One of their most famous offerings is quite fine, indeed. Sweet Potato Encrusted Rockfish: honey marinated Atlantic rockfish fillet stuffed with Genuine Smithfield ham and jumbo lump crabmeat rolled in sweet potato then panseared. Topped with pearl onions, honey cream sauce and served with crispy sweet potato straws. The sweetness of the sauce goes with the fish, doesn't just mask it. The ham lends a smoky hint of saltiness and savoriness, while the crab lends more sweetness. The sweet potato crusting keeps everything moist and tender.
