More Mangalitsa

Mangalitsa Coppa

This is the reason why we go through the trouble, expense and commitment of raising our own Mangalitsa Hogs.  Truely unmatched in flavor, nearly the color and richness of beef.  These are two very large and well developed coppas, napes or necks.  Each was almost 10 lbs.

Chervil, The Under Utilized Herb

Garden Chervil

Related to parsley, Chervil is a very delecate annual herb with a faint anise or almost licorice flavor.  Most often used in fish or egg dishes.  It likes the cool climate here on Orcas, especially if you can sow it in a spot where it has partial shade.  We often overlook our Chervil this time of year in favor of the fresh Basil and Tarragon, even though it is at it's prime.

Last night we served Sockeye Salmon as a first course with a garnish of Chervil, Radish, Castelvetrano Olives and Lemon, tasty light and fresh.

Sockeye & Chervil, Radish, Olive Salad

Sugar Snap Peas

With truely glorious weather and warmer temperatures recently, we have seen a massive burst of garden growth.  The Snap Peas are mature, basil looks great, lots of herbs, Garlic, favas, and the list goes on.

First batch of Tomatoes in the ground yesterday.  

This year we have; Heirloom black, Brandy Wine, Green Zebra, Persimmon, Lopez Red(Our given Name), Sungold, Golden Nugget, Pineapple Stripe(not sure of the real name) and Japanese Black Trifele (collected seed from a gift plant last year).  They are all trellised and ready to grow.

Young Heirloom Tomatoes

We have moved our three hogs out onto nice pasture land at Stonebridge, in an area where John at Maple Rock Farm is developing, only 1.2 miles from the Inn.  It looks great and the pigs love it, they are grazing on the grass and digging up the whole area.  The idea is that we move the pen every couple of weeks, cultivate the area and plant a cover crop.  So far so good, no breakouts and very happy pigs.

Happy Pigs

Muddy Pig with a View

Genny, our half Mangalitsa - half Berkshire contemplating the view.  She will be bred this fall or early winter, hopefully to pure Mangalitsa.

Classic Orcas Island

Just Another Day

Springtime ? On Orcas Island

Springtime on Orcas Island

Balmy 78 degrees this morning, Not!  

April Fools.

Classic spring weather for Orcas Island.  Cool and rainy with the overnight snow on Mount Constitution.  All the while the daffodils and cherry trees are blooming with some plums starting as well.  Hoping for some warmth, we need the bees to fly for decent pollination.

Fish Station Prep

Contemplating the large array of different products that we prep, grow & keep in each station at the Inn this morning.  

Last night for the fish station alone the list includes; 

shaved fennel, blood orange, frisee, herbs(parsley, chive, bronze fennel, tarragon), leeks, roasted onion, lemon aioli, ramps (wild leeks), mushrooms; oyster, mountain hedgehog & yellow foot chanterelles, citrus dressing, sherry dressing, red wine dressing, poached garlic butter, saffron butter, caramelized shallot butter, reggiano, carnaroli rice, fresh pasta sheets, chevre, lemon juice, leek puree, mustard greens puree, french sorrel, Jerusalem artichoke, sweet potato, shaved  cabbage, purple & green frilly mustard greens, Parmesan broth, saffron broth, mushroom broth, rice water, smoked salmon, rendered bacon, asparagus, extra virgin olive oil, fennel fronds and mizuna flowers to garnish.  Mussels, manilla clams, halibut, weather vane scallops, prawns & octopus.

Many items with varying degrees of production difficulty, all to come together to produce the eight or so dishes that come from the fish station.  Pretty much all in a days work, always striving to maintain freshness, keep work spaces clean and be organized.

Spring on Orcas Island

Big Sky

Spring is trying hard to show itself.  The weather has been extremely variable, windy, rainy, snowy, sunny, hail, rain again.  All the fruit tree pruning is finally done, the buds were really beginning to start pushing, but then the temperatures dropped.  We are hoping for some days at least in the 50's, bees for pollination would be nice.  I do not think that is asking too much.

In the greenhouse everything is on track, tomatoes are planted inside and now are starting to sprout.

We reopened the restaurant this week and we have been pleasantly surprised with the local turnout.

Some very tasty Buck Bay and Judd Cove oysters on the menu, we are lucky to have some of the finest shellfish in the world right here on Orcas island.

Steele Wine Dinner March 22

Please come join us for an up-coming special Wine Dinner with the legendary Jed Steele.
It has been several years since we have had the pleasure of seeing Jed at the Inn.
Few in the industry can blend a dedication to quality wine production with personalized consumer attention and merchant appreciation, like Jed Steele.

 

Our dinner will be featuring wines from Jed's Shooting Star label and Steele Wines. 
Chef 'G' is pairing these wines with a seasonal Ship Bay tasting menu.
The wine line up looks like: Shooting Star Aligote, Steele Durell Chardonnay, Steele Carneros Pinot Noir,
Stymie Syrah and, finally with Dessert, Black Bubbles Sparkling Syrah.
(We have been happily sampling these wines while developing the menu!)

Only a dozen spots are still available as of March 2.

So give a call and reserve your place before they are all gone!

(We are offering special accommodation rates for those whose wish to stay the night too....)

shipbay@rockisland.com

360.376.5886

M.A.'s favorite cup choice; she has one for home & one at the Inn too.