We were lucky enough to have a visit from the PA Secretary of Agriculture, Russell Redding a couple of weeks ago and one of the many things I took away from our visit was his phrase 'sometimes you have to slow down and look around.' I'm not sure this is the exact quote, but I know the idea is correct.
Yep, that's Secretary Redding sporting the 'Know Farms Know Food' hat in the herb garden.
This past weekend, I noticed a couple of our guests strolling the property either before or after dinner and thought about the Secretary's statement again. We live in a society that has forgotten the pleasures associated with dining and wants everything faster(I just want a 'quick bite'), more casual(you mean I can't wear my sleeveless Budweiser t-shirt to your restaurant? You're a damn elitist), more choices(What do you mean you don't have 17 iterations of boneless, skinless chicken breast?) and most of all cheaper(You mean I don't even get a salad or foil covered baked potato with that?). I have to be honest with you, I think it's a bunch of bullshit. Certainly, there is a time and place for that type of eating, but it's simply that. Eating. It's not dining. It's not an experience. It's not even good most times, it's simply either quick, cheap, casual or some combination of the three, but don't kid yourself. It's not good.
There is a place where you can slow down, look around and have a dining experience that is more that just 'eating'. It's in Hanover, PA. So, slow down, have a glass of champagne or a beer and drink in these photos from the past couple of weeks. If you're so inspired, please come an visit us so that you can see these things in person. I'd love to look out the kitchen window and see YOU strolling our property. Actually, why don't you ask your waiter if you can pop your head in the kitchen and I'll take a short stroll around the gardens with you?
