Not just in a field

On the beach as well.  

Outstanding In the Field is an organization whose "mission is to re-connect diners to the land and the origins of their food, and to honor the local farmers and food artisans who cultivate it."

We were able to join Jim Denevan, the OITF crew, local farmers, fishermen and the chef and staff members of Haven, Jack London Square this past week for a one-of-a-kind culinary experience on a beach just north of Santa Cruz. You may recall Jim's remarkable land art from an earlier FP post.

We met others who follow OITF around the country.  Not a bad way to experience some of the best edible, fresh perspectives on life in other parts of the US.

Check out upcoming events on their North American Tour.

Two thumbs up!

Excellent food, fun/friendly staff, exceptional venue/value.

Here's a bit of background info about the experiences Jim and his staff create around the country.

Our menu, served family style, included:

• cornbread, uni, black garlic
• foie, rhubarb, barley cracker
• smoked potato, creme fraiche
• housemade bottarga
• squash, vandouvan, crouton
• Unti 2011, Cuvee Blanc
• Field Strawberry Infused Corpse Reviver#2

• beet, green strawberry, balsamic, goat cheese
• spinach, peach, housemade ricotta, nasturtium
• Unti 2011 Rose

• grilled lettuce, fish sauce vinaigrette, garlic confit, squid

• Israeli cous cous, young fennel, cucumber, cabbage, onion
• salmon, cedar plank grilled
• black cod, salt baked
• Unti 2010 Segromigno

• white chocolate namalaka, strawberry, fennel, hazelnut, lavendar
• Unti 2001 Grenache

Enjoy our memorable, culinary adventure!