Farm Fresh Dining

at Babcock Ranch

by Kim Henry

Blending smart growth and conservation, Kitson & Partners have developed Florida’s most eco-friendly community to date. Blazing a trail in the world of sustainability, Babcock Ranch is setting the bar high with enough solar power for around 15,000 homes, acres of preserved nature, and pioneering farm-to-table dining.

Located just north of Fort Myers, Babcock Ranch is carving the way for a greener future. Utilizing the latest in energy-efficient technology, organic farming methods, and a holistic approach to wellness, Babcock Ranch is inspiring where the needs of its residents harmonize with the needs of nature.

Aligning firmly with the ethics of the Ranch, Table & Tap was the first on-site restaurant to open. “Our main goal is to source the freshest possible ingredients, and that means growing as much as we can right here on the ranch,” explains Don Estep, Babcock Ranch Director of Food & Beverage.

This visionary principle means that a majority of the restaurants’ food comes directly from Babcock Ranch itself, local farms, and other nearby sources. One of the many benefits of the farm-to-dining concept is bypassing ingredients that have sat on a warehouse shelf for weeks or transported hundreds of miles. Skipping the middle man in culinary retail also allows Table & Tap to have a surprisingly economical price point while providing fresh, organic, and locally-grown food.

Micro-greens and a wide variety of vegetables, herbs, and spices, are harvested on-site at Babcock Ranch. They even have their very own flavored honeys, including palmetto, citrus, blueberry, and orange blossom. Eggs come from cage-free local chickens, and some of Table & Tap’s meat is brought in from nearby farms that maintain the highest standard of ethical farming. However, Babcock Ranch even plans to raise its own cattle in the future to provide complete farm-to-table, local, and sustainable dining for all.

There truly is something for everyone on the ever-evolving Table & Tap menu. This includes extensive gluten-free and vegan dishes, alongside more traditional options such as pulled pork sandwiches with homemade coleslaw and pickled green tomatoes. Inspired daily specials are created by connecting with local farmers that specialize in different kinds of produce such as asparagus, spaghetti squash, or golden beets.

“We like to plan a season ahead of time so that we continue to provide a variety of options and ensure that our menu remains exciting, in addition to being as fresh as can be,” smiles Estep.

Table & Tap serves the locals alongside Slater’s Goods & Provisions and Square Scoops, which offers coffee and ice cream treats. All of Babcock Ranch’s dining options promise the same ethical standards and are committed to providing farm-to-table ingredients as much as possible. So, whether you’re looking for an evening meal, a refreshing juice, or just need to pick up a few groceries for yourself, Babcock has you covered in the most sustainable way imaginable.