Signs of Spring!!

This is a picture of our New Salad featured on the menu this week, 

Pickled Ramp & Sweet Rhubarb Salad.

 What are ramps you ask? Rhubarb not in a Dessert?

Well Ramps are a Wild spring onion/leek. They have a pretty mild flavor and are wild forged. We like to get a whole bunch and refrigerator pickle them with hints of mustard seed and thyme as to be able to offer them longer to our guests. Here I paired them with fresh rhubarb that was tossed in sugar and oven roasted. This is a perfect play on tart/tangy & sweet with these two simple sure signs that mother nature is ready to let us enjoy some sunshine and green grass.

This time of year is just amazing to me. When I get calls from farmers that asparagus is popping up and ready to be cut. Literally it is cut and within hours is in my cooler!! Featured all over our menu right now! It didn't come from thousands of miles away like Peru or something. (that's how far it travels when eating asparagus not in spring time) Another spring favorite is Morels, I happen to be married to a great Morel hunter although hunting was limited to one day this year due to our little guy. But my hunter found a few for a special on the menu. In my garden at home garlic planted last fall is growing by leaps and bounds so a few weeks and garlic scapes will be on the menu.

 Here in downtown West Bend last Saturday was our first farmers market, it was like a homecoming. I was overjoyed to take Drake to market to meet all the great farmers. After not seeing some of these folks since last October it was hugs and smiles all around, seeing old friends!

 I'm praying for just the right temperatures, sunshine, rain, and pests to stay away for all these hard working farmers this season. Thanks to all the farmers for all you do to put good eats on the table!!

Spring has Sprung and Summer is close behind!