July 7 - July 20, 2020
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Summerset Farm embraces social distancing with fun activities Berry picking, picnicking has people flocking to valley's agricultural gem Photo contributed Chef Anthony Endy combines the essence of California cuisine with the depth of flavor and heartiness of Western ranch cooking.
By Raiza Giorgi
publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com
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ith wide open spaces and lots of room to get fresh air and fresh produce, people have been flocking to Summerset Farm in Santa Ynez, said farmer Sally Maher. “Kids can run through the rows of berry bushes and families have been coming to enjoy the afternoons outside and have picnics,” Maher said. Since the COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted somewhat for outdoor gatherings, Maher said her farm has seen a steady increase in visitors even before its busy season starts in July. Summerset Farm is a little agricultural gem at Edison Street and Baseline Avenue, just off Highway 154, that offers great fresh produce and U-pick crops like raspberries, blackberries and more. This rustic and picturesque farm stand has been in the same location for 16 years, and Maher has been the proprietor for 13 years. Cultivating is her passion and she also runs the quaintly decorated farm stand, with freshly picked fruits and vegetables ready for purchase. But for those who want to experience a deeper connection with their food and nature, the farm allows customers to meander through the farm and pick their own seasonal berries, grapes and apples right from the garden. During the late spring and summer months, the farm stand offers raspberries, strawberries, peaches, plums, apricots and tomatoes, along with a variety of vegetables
Local chef beats Bobby Flay in showdown with tri-tip Alisal Guest Ranch's Anthony Endy shines on Food Network show By Raiza Giorgi
publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com
N Photo by Raiza Giorgi Summerset Farm manager Sally Maher talks about how to pick berries at her farm.
such as onions, carrots, cucumbers, zucchini, four different varieties of potatoes, peppers, corn and sunflowers, which help keep the birds out of the berries. “There is also a sunflower maze this year
that people can go through. People want more outdoor adventures, especially with COVID-19, and they can definitely do that on our 20 acres here,” Maher laughed. SUMMERSET CONTINUED TO PAGE 13
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ot many chefs have the honor of saying they “Beat Bobby Flay,” but Chef Anthony Endy earned that distinction on a recent episode of the Food Network’s popular cooking competition show. Even though the episode just aired in June, it was taped more than a year ago in April 2019. Endy said it was super hard to keep tightlipped until after it aired. “This was a great way to showcase our local area and signature style and I am so grateful for that opportunity,” he said. “Bobby Flay had a lot of influence on me as a young chef and getting to cook alongside him was so fun.” Endy said the timing couldn’t have been any better as the Alisal Guest Ranch opened LOCAL CHEF CONTINUED TO PAGE 12
Time to fire up the BBQ's & try some of our fabulous menus Go to: www.californiafreshmarket.com/recipes/weekly
2886 Mission Drive • Solvang • 805-688-4300 elranchomarket.com
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