One of our local restaurants, Artisan (which we think is fandamntabulous), has Monday Night Suppers (MNS) January through March in which they pair a local winery with a meal. But wait, that’s not all, they also spotlight a local food source each Monday as well to promote the places that they get food from. So it’s a trifecta; a great local winery, a homegrown local farm, and a brilliant chef (Chris Kobayashi).
The wines featured this Monday Night were from Silverhorse Winery and the food source was Happy Acres Family Farm (glorious goat cheeses, among other things). In this post we’re concentrating on the MNS concept and some of Artisan’s approach to food…and oh my Lord the food was out of this world. We’ve been going to Artisan for about four years now and are absolutely satisfied each and every time.
The idea behind MNS is to bring people in to the restaurant during the winter, and let them experience the trifecta we referred to in the opening paragraph. Part of what makes that so great is to be able to chat with the farm owners and the winery owners as they walk around and spend time with you at your table.
A special thanks to Jen Bravo for coordinating our interviews as well as Chris & Shandi Kobayashi, Mike Kobayashi, Stephanie with Happy Acres Family Farm, and the infamous Steve Kroener with Silverhorse Winery.
Here’s our chat with Shandi Kobayashi:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIuKlmVMUw8[/youtube]
We LURVE Artisan and we love their raising awareness of the connection with farmers.
Hey Kris…we can’t get enough of Artisan! Would probably eat there every day if they’d let us. Definitely great how they’re supporting local farmers and producers, that’s what it’s all about, right?
Love it – too bad I live so far from y’all!
Heather, next time you’re in town we’ll be sure to take you to Artisan! You’ll LOVE it!
Chris is one spectacular chef. I hope he never leaves.
We absolutely agree with that Gary, and such a nice guy too! Thanks for the comment.
Good job guys! We are so extremely proud of what Chris, Shandi and Mike have accomplished here. When Chris and I were in culinary school I knew he would be successful. Although, my grade point avg. was a little higher :). Love you guys!
Jon & Kathleen
P.S. Hoot & Annie, proud of you too!
So Jon, do you give Chris a hard time about the grades? lol… Chris certainly is doing great things and is such a nice guy, it’s certainly great having him here in our community. And thank you very much for your comments, we appreciate it. We’ll see you guys soon!! Cheers!!
I am so fortunate to work for such an amazing group of people, Silver Horse and Artisan. Thanks Hoot ‘n Annie!
And thank YOU, Ms. Bravo…you’re the best and we had a blast!!! You’re all great, that’s why we keep stalking you!