Save Room for Pie!
Did someone say free samples of holiday pies at Bell Street Farm? With a line out the door soon after the event started on Sunday November 13, it looks like Los Alamos locals and neighbors heard the message.
enjoying savory pie and glass of wine
Since opening in August, Bell Street Farm has established itself as a local favorite for lunch and special events. By planting thoughtful and flavorful cuisine in this little town on the northern edge of the Santa Ynez Valley, owner and proprietor Jamie Gluck has happily discovered that the neighbors share a taste for his approach to food—promoting and supporting the pleasures of slow food, a good laugh, and deep community not to mention exceptional local wines. I don’t know about you, but this is just the sort of business I want to survive in our transitioning economy as people discover new ways of eating and living. Ergo, Central Coast Foodie.
Vanilla-infused Pecan Pie
When we arrived, the airy space at 406 Bell Street was already packed with pie enthusiasts tasting a range of sweet pies including a Farmhouse Apple Pie made with local Dittmar Orchard Granny Smith apples, which I particularly enjoyed. A creamy 5 Spice Pumpkin Pie tasted as good as one of my own pies. The other sweet pies they offer include Pear Cranberry Pie and Vanilla-infused Pecan Pie. Winemaker Ernst Storm poured his classic Storm Pinot Noir, which paired well with the smaller savory pies guests consumed at the family-style tables. Gracious hosts Jamie and John clearly enjoy making connections with the people who seek out their business as well as those who stumble upon it. The fun, flavorful, local vibe at Bell Street Farm brings so much together. [Scroll for slideshow]
Ivy Crandall demonstrates how to make a great pie crust
During the event, Bell Street Farm pastry chef Ivy Crandall, recently transplanted from Chicago, presented a demonstration for making a nice flakey crust, the foundation of every good pie. You can tell this woman has spent a lot of time with dough on her hands from the advice she gives such as, “You have to touch it but don’t touch it,” when working together the butter, flour, and water with the fingers rather than the warmer palms. It’s all about keeping everything cool. After chilling the crusts with their chunks of butter, she proceeded to peel a pile of Pink Lady apples and carry through to the end of the process to the engagement of children and adults gathered round the demo. Although they have pies available for purchase, Bell Street Farm supports everyone eating and baking well at home, too, which is why they offer their array of Slow Food books as well as cooking demos.
Next Bell Street Event ~ Cookie Tasting
[Update: The cookie tasting was great! Stay tuned for a post about the food, wines, and people.]
Did you miss the pie fun or not get enough? Save the date, Sunday December 4 for the Bell Street Farm holiday cookie tasting and demonstration from 3-6pm. Featuring Dawn from Decadence demonstrating her traditional and specialty holiday cookie recipes. Give the gift of good food by pre-ordering your cookie gift boxes once you’ve tasted them. Yum!
More about Bell Street Farm on CCFoodie
