Thursday, August 25, 2016

Blessed ~ Part 1

 
Earlier this month, I spent my birthday sitting in an animal hospital emergency room with a very sick pup. Both pups had dentals a few days before and had 12 teeth removed between the two of them. Poor Leia ended up developing an abscess in her upper jaw behind her eye. She was admitted and they were able to help her with IV drugs. After her overnight stay and a visit with an eye specialist, She is all better now :)
After she was sufficiently well, we celebrated my birthday and I received a gift from my husband -
a Farm to Table dinner event.

 
We drove south two hours to Slagel Family Farm in Fairbury, IL.
Slagel Family Farm is an old fashioned small farm that provides meat to many high end Chicago restaurants. 
 
 
Of course I loved the sheep!

 
And the cows
 
 
Most would come up to greet us.

 
Pigs wallowing in the mud.

 
I loved how this guy was scratching his back on the bars.

 
We saw the chickens

 
And were able to collect some eggs.

 
These piglets were a week old.

 
The guy in the back resting his head on another reminded me of Peanut and Leia ;)
It may seem odd to visit the animals right before we were going to eat them,
but it felt natural like the way farming is meant to be...

 
Three chefs - from Big Star and Antique Taco in Chicago and Bien Trucha in the suburbs were there to cook for us. Three appetizers, three salads, three entrees and one desert all served family style in a barn built for such events.

 
Fresh mint and cilantro to add to our dishes.
It was such fun to meet and chat with such great chefs and to hear about their dishes.
A woman was making fresh tortillas all day long...
 
Of course I was so taken with the appetizers and salads that I didn't even think to take pictures!
(Oh my - that Antique Taco salad! I'm drooling just thinking about it!!)

 
But here is the cumin lamb barbacoa and my favorite:

 
birria de res - slow roasted short rib - YUM!!!
 
So what was the first thing I did when we returned home late that night?
 
 
Pulled out the kit for Stacy Nash's Adam & Eve on the Farm!
I'm working on it now...
A perfect stitch as a reminder of this awesome day... 
 
"Great peace have those who love your law,
    and nothing can make them stumble.
I wait for your salvation, Lord,
    and I follow your commands."
~Psalm 119:165-166
 
Blessings, Patti

7 comments:

Prims By The Water said...

How fun to three chefs cook for you in a barn..sounds wonderful! Wish they had that here in Michigan. Janice

Earlene said...

Now that sounds like a fun time!!!!! Worth the drive. Loved the pictures.
Sorry about your fur babies.

WoolenSails said...

What a special treat for your birthday and I bet it is delicious, fresh from the farm is always the best.
Happy Birthday!

Debbie

Marilyn said...

I'm glad Leia is on the mend.
That looks like a fun time on the farm.
Marilyn

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri Malinovich) said...

So glad the doggies are feeling better. I would love to do a farm to table dinner. Such a fun thing to do and a unique way to go out.

marly said...

Good to hear that both pups are doing well now. What a wonderful gift you received! I can't eat lamb or veal. I used to, but no longer. What a perfect project to remember this birthday.

Primitive Stars said...

So happy the pup is well, great news. Your gift was wonderful, loved the pictures.Blessings Francine.