As the leaves begin to turn and the air takes on a crisp, autumnal chill, The Loch & Quay eagerly anticipates the arrival of our annual Heirloom Harvest Dinner. This much-anticipated culinary celebration spotlights the bounty of local farms, honoring the vibrant flavors and forgotten varieties that have nourished our region for generations.
Heirloom Varieties
Heirloom produce, with its dazzling array of shapes, sizes and colors, is the star of the show. Unlike the homogenous, mass-produced fruits and vegetables found in most grocery stores, heirloom varieties are prized for their exceptional taste, unique histories and commitment to biodiversity.
Heirloom Tomatoes are perhaps the most celebrated of all. From the tangy, deep-purple “Cherokee Purple” to the sweet, golden “Pineapple”, each heirloom variety offers a singular flavor profile that simply can’t be replicated by modern hybrids. Our Heirloom Tomato Bisque, made with a vibrant medley of local heirlooms, is a perennial favorite, showcasing their juicy umami notes and vibrant, sunset-inspired hues.
Beyond tomatoes, we also revel in the crisp, earthy flavors of Heirloom Potatoes. With colors ranging from deep purple to buttery yellow, these resilient tubers are the foundation for our Fingerling Potato Gratin, where their creamy interiors and delicate skins mingle with fragrant herbs and a rich béchamel sauce.
And no Heirloom Harvest Dinner would be complete without the appearance of stunning Heirloom Squash. From the playful, ribbed “Turban” to the majestic “Kabocha”, these unique gourds lend their sweetness and al fresco appeal to dishes like our Butternut Squash Lasagna and Roasted Acorn Squash with Maple Walnut Crumble.
Forgotten Produce
While heirloom varieties have experienced a well-deserved renaissance, there are many other heritage crops that remain unknown to the modern palate. Our Heirloom Harvest Dinner aims to celebrate these “forgotten” foods, shining a light on their cultural significance and culinary potential.
Heirloom Grains, like scarlet quinoa, purple barley and jade-colored emmer, add distinctive textures and flavors to dishes like our Harvest Grain Salad with Pomegranate Vinaigrette. These ancient grains not only possess impressive nutrient profiles, but also honor the agricultural practices of our region’s earliest inhabitants.
Similarly, Heirloom Beans such as anasazi, Jacob’s Cattle and Easter Egg add depth and heartiness to plant-based entrees. In our Heirloom Bean Cassoulet, the creamy, earthy qualities of these heritage legumes mingle with fragrant herbs and a golden garlic-rosemary oil.
No Heirloom Harvest Dinner would be complete without a selection of Heirloom Greens. Peppery arugula, frilly mustard greens and succulent miner’s lettuce lend both visual appeal and robust flavors to our seasonal salad offerings. Their vibrant hues and unique textures make them true standouts on the plate.
Harvest Dinner
The cornerstone of our Heirloom Harvest Dinner is, of course, the seasonal bounty. Our chefs work tirelessly with local growers and producers to source the finest, freshest ingredients – far beyond the typical supermarket offerings.
Seasonal Ingredients: As autumn approaches, our menus burst with the flavors of the harvest. Crisp apples, tart cranberries, nutty winter squash and hearty root vegetables provide the perfect canvas for our culinary artistry. We prioritize organic and regeneratively-grown produce, supporting farmers who champion biodiversity and soil health.
Dinner Preparation: Our chefs employ traditional techniques to honor the integrity of these heirloom gems. Slow roasting, gentle simmering and delicate handling preserve the inherent flavors, while modern plating and presentation elevate the overall dining experience. Heirloom recipe adaptations, like our Spiced Pumpkin Pie with Pecan Crumble Topping, pay homage to time-honored culinary traditions.
Culinary Celebration
Beyond the table, our Heirloom Harvest Dinner is an opportunity to celebrate the rich history and cultural significance of these forgotten foods.
Honoring Food Traditions: Many of the heirloom varieties that grace our menu trace their roots back to the indigenous peoples who first cultivated this land. Our dinner pays tribute to these time-honored agricultural practices, weaving in educational elements that shed light on the historical significance of these heirloom crops.
Community Engagement: The Heirloom Harvest Dinner also fosters a deeper connection between our guests and the local food system. Throughout the evening, we encourage attendees to engage with our featured farmers, learning about their stewardship of heirloom seeds and regenerative farming methods. Farm-to-table experiences, such as a guided tour of our on-site organic garden, offer an immersive look into the origins of our ingredients.
Sustainable Agriculture
At the heart of our Heirloom Harvest Dinner lies a commitment to sustainable agricultural practices that preserve genetic diversity and promote ecological resilience.
Heirloom Seed Saving: Many of the heirloom varieties showcased on our menu are the result of dedicated seed savers, who have painstakingly maintained these unique genetic lines over generations. By supporting their efforts, we not only ensure the continued availability of these precious crops, but also safeguard against the homogenization of our food system.
Regenerative Farming: Our partner farms employ regenerative techniques that go beyond organic certification, focusing on soil health, biodiversity and closed-loop systems. This holistic approach to agriculture not only yields exceptional produce, but also helps to sequester carbon, conserve water and foster thriving ecosystems.
Health and Nutrition
Heirloom produce is not only a delight for the senses, but also a boon for our overall health and wellbeing.
Nutrient Density: Heirloom varieties typically contain higher concentrations of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants compared to their modern hybrid counterparts. For example, our Heirloom Tomatoes are packed with lycopene, an powerful carotenoid with anti-inflammatory properties, while our Heirloom Potatoes boast elevated levels of vitamin C, potassium and complex carbohydrates.
Whole Food Benefits: By focusing on whole, minimally processed ingredients, our Heirloom Harvest Dinner menu supports a plant-forward, nutrient-rich approach to dining. The abundance of fiber, complex carbohydrates and phytonutrients in these heirloom crops promotes sustained energy, gut health and overall vitality.
As the season’s first chill sets in, we invite you to join us at The Loch & Quay for our annual Heirloom Harvest Dinner – a celebration of forgotten foods, time-honored traditions and the profound connection between land, community and plate. Prepare to be delighted, nourished and inspired by the bounty of our region.