(Community Matters) Dining under the 40 foot Elm, twinkling and dangling lights from the branches, candles on long tables . . . one of my favorite dining experiences this year. Our friend Sonya Cote opened Eden East at Springdale Farm. We had dinner there last night with Shawn Sides and Graham Reynolds – admittedly, we could probably have cafeteria food with these two and still have a spectacular night – and the farm to table dining experience was magic.
Sonya’s previously opened Hillside Farmacy and as the chef for East Side Showroom. We’ve loved them all and especially the newest.
Our menu (though Sonya made accommodations for Graham’s and Steven’s diets) House Mortadella, Blistered Shishito Peppers, Spicy Grilled Quail Salad, Center Cut Pork Chops, Baked Eden Brie (more details here). They provide cocktails, but we chose byob – a 2006 Rene Geoffroy Champagne , La Crele Sancerre, and a 2007 Domaine Tempier Bandol.
Of course she’s sourcing seasonal & local, and in her typical fashion, minimizing elements to maximize natural tastes. It’s an over-the-top, unique, wild dining experience. Dress cool, bring favorite beverages (and even cold neck towels if it’s a really hot night). It’s outside, it’s rustic ,and it’s like traveling by transporter to Tuscany. Not for the pretentious or fussy, but then neither is Austin.
Community Matters 