Planning a menu is one of my favorite parts about hosting an event (and it usually does not happen until a few days before the meal) but I promise, it is for a good reason. When guests come to visit the ranch and this beautiful area of the world, I really want to showcase what makes this place so special. 

Here on the Central Coast of California we are so lucky to live in a climate where we can grow some of the most delicious foods in the country. The ranch has a kitchen garden where we grow rows of different varieties of tomatoes, pumpkins, peppers, corn, herbs and flowers. There are orchards of apples, apricots, peaches, pears, pomegranates and much more. 

Whatever food is in season is what inspires me in the kitchen, but also there are always so many more things to take into account.  There is the reality of loss of crops or late crops due to the weather. For the past two springs we have lost our apricots due to the strong storms in late March that wiped out all of the budding blossoms, but also because of the late rains and cold nights our pomegranate trees have been thriving. It is always a lot of give and take when it comes to growing food and as ranchers we have to adjust when needed. 

Good news, we are also neighbors with such incredible farmers. Their farms have different climates growing different things that make sourcing all that more fun! So in the end, the menu is never really solidified until a few days before the Ranch Table Gatherings- and in this way- it keeps me on my toes and excited about what we will be cooking. I am always looking for a reason to celebrate and so each Ranch Table Gathering has a theme around what is in season.

Warmly,

Elizabeth