Once again the walk-in refrigerators of Villa Creek have been graced with the presence of beautiful summer treasures. As I step into the cool frigid air and lay my eyes upon the shelves I see unbelievable produce and dream of dishes to prepare for patrons. Flats filled with juicy strawberries, blueberries, black mission figs, cherries and raspberries all brought to us from the Bay area via one of our organic, sustainable and local purveyors Veritable Vegetable. In addition to those juicy fruits we try to provide on the table some local treats featured on a number of our plates such as the Cheese Plate, Shepherd’s Plate, Fruit Plate, Fresh Berry Gratinado and a couple other dessert items. Some berries from closer to home are blackberries and boysenberries that are without a doubt the best I’ve ever had. When they arrive from Four Elements Organics, located in Atascadero, I look at the flat and try not to consume too many while thinking of new and creative ways to use them. Though the best way to have them is just washed and popped in your mouth. Chef, gets on the staff for eating too much of them but its so hard when they are as good as these and when you see the tips of his fingers stained, just as yours, with the color of their incredible juice you smile inside knowing you can’t just walk by them without a taste. Its as if they are calling to you…eat me…eat me, I’m so tasty.
Not only has the kitchen tried to shove these amazing berries down your throats but so has the bar. If you find yourself at Villa Creek and are in dire need of a cocktail to unwind from the days pressures post up at the bar and let one of bartenders fix you a black berry mojito or some other concoction that will have you slip away into berry ecstasy.
If there is one thing you can be happy about last weeks intense heat is the beautiful summer treasures it has packed for us in little cardboard flats from our farmers, berries galore.
