BLOG.Notes from the Field

With deference to our country roots, the SHED Second Anniversary Hoedown was a barrel of farmstead fun celebrating our two years in business. All afternoon we toasted and two-stepped with our neighbors and friends, our valued vendors, and our hardworking staff. Some highlights:

Animals were cuddled: Sophia Bates of Front Porch Farm and the Sustainable Poultry Network brought her hatchery chickens and chicks for up close cuddling. She’s taking orders for her homestead-raised Barred Rock chickens now.

Pearl snaps were worn: along with bandanas and 10-gallon hats.

Tortillas were pressed: Founder of Chepa Healdsburg, a producer of wood and stainless steel tortilla presses, Josephina Fregosa brought along her mother and a friend to treat customers to fresh hot tortillas. They were being swooped up in the Pantry as soon as you could say ‘melted butter and fresh salsa.’

Farmers were met: Zureal Bernier of Bernier Farms came by to represent Slow Food and the Bodega Red potato, an heirloom variety brought back into circulation by the Ark of Taste, and gave tips to home gardeners. Seed potatoes are still available in our pantry for $4/lb.

Home cooking was grubbed: Our events staff cheerfully doled out Chef Miles Thompson’s take on the American fair food favorites: Surryano-ham wrapped corn sticks and Vadouvan-spiced kettle corn.

Suds were sipped: Jolie Devoto of Golden State Cider poured samples of her Mighty Dry Cider to refresh the dancing masses.

Cheese was sampled: Star White of Pennyroyal Farm was the visiting cheesemonger for the day, sampling her farmstead cheeses out of the larder.

Partners were swung: With live accompaniment by American Nomad, square dance caller Steve Minkin called out classic barn dance moves to an enthusiastic crowd of steppers.