Several local farms in the area have helped grow specific items for us including red watercress (which has jumped the shark), micro scallions with seed, nettles and yau choy or rapeseed from our good friends at Starlight Gardens.

Truth be told, I'm really shy about this. I like to let farmers do their thing and shop at the market for the best I can find on any given day or week. One particular situation has caused me to change my thinking, however, and that's field peas. We have a dreadful situation with field peas here in Chicago, even as our farm community blossoms and there's more great produce available every year. There are few pea and bean options on the local market and that has to change, so I have New Traditions Farm, a new farm entering the Chicago market, working on a few heritage pea varieties for me which I hope will inspire interest from other chefs and buyers and get a local pea and bean market rolling. I'm excited to work with them, they'll be at the new farmer's market at Browntrout this year, and are just starting out. They're growing runner conch beans and white whippoorwills, plus some others they've chosen of their own interest. Look for them on our menu this summer and fall!

Thank You So Much for asking! After 16 years, I turned Cyrano's Bistrot into a dream of my life, re-creating my Grand Father Farm!! So we bought 3000 Square Feet of Reclaimed Barn Wood and design the whole restaurant! We use a lot of wood for serving pieces!!
My favor Farmer is Mr Eddy Burek Farms, located in LaPorte Indiana! Yes I go out of my way for someone who understand my needs! I have asked him to grow English Radishes, they are sweet and with a touch of Butter and salt, it is heaven!
Fava Beans and Peas for my Seafood Dishes. I ask him also to grow Dandelions and Purslane for Salads.

I'm not working with a local farmer this year in relation to having
vegetables grown to spec. Although, earlier in the year, a few of the
farmers wanted to know if there was anything interesting/particular I
wanted planted. This will be the start of my second year working with
farmers (ex. Beth & Brent from Green Acres, Vicki & Angela from Genesis,
Marty & Kris of Spence Farm, etc) and the relationship is like working with
family. I wanted to take this year to see what the farms were producing and
next year inquire to farmer friends about growing certain fruits and
vegetables. Also, I am starting a small garden at my Mom's house and
planting different varieties of vegetables to see which ones I like. Then,
next year I'll have a better idea of what vegetable to ask my farmer to
grow for me.


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