Our journey began with a rather simple idea: pork is good. This is not a new sentiment around the 4CM house, but we were in the mood for some pig and wanted to try something new (to us at least). With this idea in mind, we did some book learnin’. Turns out the Georgia coast is home to a rare heritage breed hog that is endemic (for the last 500 years at least) to Ossabaw island. Road trip! We also have a contact with some shrimpers in Darien that we have received shrimp from in the past. Since it was close to where we were going we thought we would stop by and see shrimping in action. So we packed our bags, got a van and did something yet unheard of: put 5 of us in a small van together for a 5+ hour trip. Yes I said 5 for the mathaletes out there, Randy followed behind us in his car so he could bring his kayak. Luckily, he had the wonderful Erin to hang with.

I’m not going to bore you with all the trip details, suffice it to say that you should check out the island if you ever get a chance. Our friend Ashley Epting and his family do a pig roast there every year in October. We hope to go and be a part of it next year. The important thing we learned on the island is that the breed of pig is very similar to the most prized pigs in the world, the Iberian black pigs that are used to make jamon iberico. And, to our dismay, that no live pig could be taken off the island, but they do have hunts throughout the year. So there is your heads up, look for some pics of us looking all “lord of the flies” in the near future. The other leg of the trip in Darien was awesome. We were only there for a short time, but got to see the boats come in and unload and had time to talk to some of the shrimpers. Ja-bo ran the operation and was nice enough to give us a load of sweet white GA shrimp on the house.

With shrimp in hand and a menu on our minds we set out for home. Matt knew of some folks in Elberton who raised pigs, among other things, that he had used at Farm255. He remembered that they were one of the few people who were trying to bring back the Ossabaw breed. Patrick and I knew Celia from Woodland Gardens from using her amazing produce at the restaurants. We thought we could grab something great from her to add to dinner. Gameplan done. Sleep was the order of the day then.

Tim and Liz Young own and operate Nature’s Harmony Farm in Elberton. It is beyond description. As a cook and conscious consumer it is my idea of perfection. I cannot do it justice with my ability to write. Check out their website www.naturesharmonyfarm.com.  They toured us around the farm, showed us the cheese house, and we bought some cheese and ossabaw breed hog. I’m pretty sure all of us would live there if we could. We are so lucky to have such amazing things happening around us. That brings me to Celia and her wizardy at Woodland Gardens. Seriously, right here in Athens we have one of the most prolific organic gardens around. If you are lucky enough to get some of her produce at the market, taste it and consider that this is how food should be.

So, dinner. Ummm, yeah. It was the best ever. Not trying to rub it in. When you have awesome ingredients to work with it becomes increasingly hard to screw up. Believe me I did, and dessert still turned out totally rad. Read the menu, imagine how wonderful things taste when they are lovingly raised and cared for then prepared with respect and admiration. These things are all around you. More and more people are forgoing the normal path and rediscovering the culture of raising and producing food. To quote my old job, and Matt’s current chef-dom, Dig in!

edward

Darien Shrimp w/ Saffron Ravioli, Parmesan, Black-Eyed Peas, Shrimp Broth
w/ Cusamano, Insolia, IT ‘09

Ossabaw Hog Belly w/ Boiled Peanut Mash, Peaches, Scallion Viniagrette, Fried Sage
w/ Marc Colin, Saint Aubin Premier Cru, FR ‘04

Woodland Gardens Arugula w/ Radish Viniagrette, Elberton Blue, Crispy Hog Ears
w/ Brigaldara, Valpolicella, IT ‘08

Roasted Ossabaw Hog Loin w/ Local French and Wax Beans, Apple Cider Gastrique, Kale, Pecans
w/ Domaine Chauveau, Chinon, FR ’05

Butternut Squash Pie w/ Green Apple Sorbet, Pecan Praline
w/ Launios Pere & Fils, Blance de Blanc, FR NV

French Lentil Soup w/ Baby Vidalia Cream, Slow Roasted Tomato, Candied Lemon
w/ Belle Glos, “Meiomi” Pinot Noir, CA ‘07

Smoky Pork Belly w/ Black-Eyed Pea Puree, Sweet Potato, Garam Masala, Parsley Leaves
w/ Ben Marco, Malbec, AR ’08

Braised Veal Shanks w/ Rapini, Cashew, Golden Raisin, Sauteed Cucumber, Kaffir Lime
w/ Compolieti, Ripasso, IT ‘07

Orange Spice Pound Cake w/ Roasted Shallot Buttercream, Carrot Frozen Custard
w/ House Highball Cocktail

Sardine Filet w/ Shaved Carrot and Basil Salad, Crisp Country Ham
w/ Schiopetto, Tocai Fruiliano, IT ’06

Roasted Duck Breast w/ Hazelnut Puree, Cherry Jam, Scallion Herb Sauce, Mustard Bread Crumbs
w/ Ch Canon la Gaffelierre, St. Emilion Grand Cru FR ’01

Chop Salad w/ Roasted Butternut Squash, Cherry Tomatoes, Sausage Parsely, Capers, Corriander, Creamy Eggplant Dressing
w/ Ch Redortier, Gigondas, FR ’03

Pecan Encrusted Pork Belly w/ Braised Black Lentils, Savoy Cabbage, Star Anise Jus
w/ Jean Luc Columbo, “Les Ruchets” Cornas, FR ’01

Kiwi Curd Pie w/ Meringue, Cornmeal Crust
w/ Kiralyudvar, Tokaji Sec, HU ’05