I've driven by this place a dozen
times, and I've told myself repeatedly that I'd eat there one of
these days. Six years later, it finally happened!
Honestly, I don't know how I let that
much time pass before I actually made my way over to eat dinner in
this charming little establishment. I mean, it's no secret that I
enjoy going out to eat. (I'm always sharing my food with you, it
seems.) However, this place can't be compared to the typical dining
experiences I frequently have.
FINE DINING & SLOW FOOD COMBINED
It's different because you feel like
you're having dinner in someone's house, not a restaurant. The
atmosphere is cozy and intimate, and has very limited seating for
service. Reservations are required in order to dine, otherwise, they
wouldn't make enough food. You see, they operate differently than
restaurants you have become accustomed to. The meals are prepared
fresh and made with organic ingredients that are oftentimes locally
sourced. That is, if they didn't grow some of the items themselves.
Across the street from the inn are a
large number of raised bed gardens where they can pluck ingredients
to use that same day. They also put a big emphasis on local items
included on the menu; It is something I definitely appreciate. The
menu changes every night depending upon what they get their hands on.
Surprises were plentiful that evening!
I can't even tell you how giddy I was
to be there. It was undoubtedly the best part of my birthday weekend.
You know, because of the FOOD! I'll just stop beating around the bush
here, and tell you about the amazing meal.
FOOD, DELIGHTFUL FOOD
The dinner began with a basket of
homemade white and corny corn bread. They supplied us with a dish of
their very flavorful herb butter, which I slathered on top of my
cornbread. There was a slightly sweet crust on top that paired so
well with the buttery spread. Next up, was the petite vegetable soup
which was simple yet satisfying.
For the third course, we were served a
mixed green salad topped with local goat cheese, dried cranberries &
blueberries, pecans, and a molasses vinaigrette. I devoured this
salad even though the dressing wasn't as sweet as I would have wanted
it to be. I will say, though, that it was quite interesting. Our main
dish consisted of beef bourguignon smothered with a rich red burgundy
wine sauce topped with mushrooms and pearl onions. The beef was
tender and delicious. No knife required for cutting. The accompanying
sides included creamy grits and sauteed green beans. I loved the
grits. They were awesome!
A TREAT YOU SHOULDN'T PASS UP
At this point in the meal, I barely had
enough room to finish the beef bourguignon ( I ended up taking a
portion home) much less leave enough room for dessert. But I'd be
crazy to pass up the last course, don't you think?! I ended up going
with the chocolate fudge cake (it was called something like
that—sorry, I don't have my notes!) that came with homemade caramel
ice cream. I could only have one tiny corner of the cake and a few
spoonfuls of the ice cream, but oh my word, they were both
incredible. The leftover cake went home with me, too!
By the end of our dinner, we had been
there for over 2 hours. Tell me, when do you get the opportunity to
take your time eating a multiple-course meal like that? Not very
often, I'm sure. I know that I'm used to things coming as quickly as
possible when dining out, so this was a welcomed alternative because
I don't like feeling rushed.
If you'd like to find out more about The Mast Farm Inn, here is a link to their website.
Having dinner at The Mast Farm Inn's
restaurant (called Simplicity) was a treat, although I don't think this should
just be one of those “special occasion” places to eat. Yes, it
was slightly pricier that your typical restaurant. However, for the
quality of food, service, and ambiance, it was well worth the
expense. Now that I've finally been there for a dinner service, I know that I'll be back a lot sooner next time!
WHICH PART OF THE MEAL SOUNDS THE BEST TO YOU?
Please share in the comments! Or on the
WW Facebook page!
Connect with me on:
I have always felt that its not just food that makes the experience but the setting as well.. I find this place very interesting and refreshing at the same time.. very rare to find a place so in tune with whats important when it comes to dining out. The fresh food, the intimate setting, I will definetly have to try this place when I am in the area.. sounds very romantic and yummy!!!
ReplyDeleteThat cake looks super yummy! Yey for birthday surprises!
ReplyDeleteThe place looks so adorable...and I really like that the vibe of the decorations and everything totally seems to go with the menu -- local food, homey deco. Very cool!
ReplyDeleteExcellent line up. We'll be linking to this fantastic report on our internet site. Sustain the nice producing.
ReplyDelete