Martha Greens writes: Let me tell you – Roberto listened to what people wanted and has done a 180! I can’t wait to bring Wes in… he won’t believe the portions on the “Small” plate menu. I honestly can’t imagine what the regular dinner portions must be given that these small plates are hearty. Good job!!!
When I sat down a beautiful bowl of homemade focaccia bread was presented…tasty, MOIST, and delicious. Made fresh every day. I may have to work out a deal with Roberto, the owner, and get this bread in my bakery! So good I want to sell it!
All the dishes I sampled were off the Small Plate Menu, ranged from $8-$15 – and these plates were NOT small!
The first dish was a beautiful artisan cheese assortment. All their cheeses are from California. The white cheddar was my favorite – not bitter, but oh so smooth. Next, the **Smoked Norwegian Salmon salad with organic greens** and, once again, I was amazed at the size of the portion. The salad is $12 and I KNOW there was more than $12 of salmon on it. Of course, I had to ask the handsome waiter if these were the regular small plate portions. He assured me they were. BTW, take a look at that beautiful picture of this dish! The salmon was the freshest and smoothest I have tasted and come to find out…they cured it in house…truly outstanding. The BEST value in town!!
Next, I was served the **Duck Confit salad** with endive, apple and walnut vinaigrette. Let me tell you, it was the most tender piece of duck I have ever had! It was cooked perfectly. Again, for $15, it is an incredible value.
My very favorite was next – **sautéed mushrooms with brie over polenta** I promise you, I will be in here next week and plan to order it just for myself, no sharing for this girl! It’s so tasty – and comforting. I recommend it to everyone. As a Southern gal, I love my rice and the risotto (served as part of another dish) is fabulous.
Speaking of Southern, we Southerners like out meat cooked long and tender…not dry. The Farm has this down to a science. The Short Ribs were to die for…loved them. So flavorful. And, The Farm has meatloaf!! Can you believe it? **Meatloaf baked in a puff pastry, served with mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables**. I was delighted as I bake and eat my fair share of meatloaf…love it. Now here’s the BEST part. They grind their own meat and that meatloaf is the tail of a Filet Mignon!!!! I may never make meatloaf again…we’ll be coming here. I have never made meatloaf with filet and guys and gals…you can taste the difference. It’s a MUST tryvisit homepage.
**Here’s what I recommend**. Get 2-4 friends together and order the Salmon salad, mushrooms with polenta and the meatloaf. Put them all in the middle and ENJOY. That would be my perfect pick here and, talk about value,…all that is under $30! Now, you all know I’m not a drinker, but I thought about changing my mind today. See that pretty picture of the wine glasses? That’s called a flight (not a “sailing,” as I first thought) and they serve that, plus one more glass, and appetizers on Fridays for $12!!!! **I’d order one flight, with the small plates I suggested, and have a party!**
I have to tell you, Roberto Argentina (the owner of The Farm), is the most kind and gentle man I know. He donates more than his share to local organizations and charities on a weekly basis. I admire him and go out of my way to support “good” people like him. I watched him in the kitchen while he prepared our food, and he truly loves what he is doing. It’s as if he is a conductor of a symphony…he pays attention to each item like a conductor does to each instrument. He has intense passion and love, which is reflected in every dish that comes out of that kitchen. It is not only superb food, but a warm and melodious experience.
If you want hand picked USDA FRESH organic certified produce, fresh meats, homemade pasta and the experience of a lifetime I urge you to come in to The Farm. As a restaurant owner myself, I know the cost of food, and The Farm gives its customers the best value of any place around. The quality of the produce is organic (and you know what organics cost!), picked right in Redlands. Truly amazing.
**When you get to The Farm, tell them Martha sent you.** I encourage all those folks out there, like me, who remember the formerly small portions, to visit again. You will not be disappointed. Call me, I will come with you! If I can get my hands on that mushroom and polenta on a weekly basis I’d be one heck of a happy girl!! We all need to be reminded to support those who support us. I will be back to The Farm next week!
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