Farmhouse, the beautiful restaurant at Roger’s Garden has launched some summer menu items that are sure to please. Chef Rich Mead has been bringing farm-to-table cuisine to Orange County long before it was actually “a thing” and he continues to do so in the most spectacular way.
Chef Mead procures his produce from the Santa Monica farmers market, as well as directly from local farmers. Using the best ingredients is what it’s all about here at Farmhouse, and the summer bounty is evident on every plate that arrives at the table.
Start with one of the many salads on offer such as Grilled Strawberry Rhubarb Glazed Salmon Salad ($26) which sees a mix of strawberries, sugar snap peas, roast leeks, quinoa, sun gold tomatoes, mixed lettuces, all tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette, and sprinkled with candied pecans, and finished with pickled rhubarb. A perfectly executed piece of salmon completes this dish.
If you’re a fan of steak, why not try Grilled Prime Sirloin and Heirloom Tomato Salad ($27) which includes gorgeous produce currently in season: green beans, avocado, little gem lettuce, and finished with grilled garlic croutons, fresh mozzarella, balsamic vinaigrette, and pickled onions.
Peach and Prosciutto Pizza ($16) is a great item to share with the table. The pizza is topped with pesto, mozzarella and a little fontina cheese, arugula and drizzled with a balsamic reduction. Please note the pizzas change daily/seasonally so you this particular one might not be offered during your visit.
Moving on to entrees, I was surprised how tasty Grilled Barbecue Spice Rubbed Pork Tenderloin and Peach Bourbon Sauce ($29) is especially since I’m not a fan of barbecue sauce, nor am I fond of pork. The grilled corn and summer squash is reminiscent of succotash, while the braised greens and cannelini beans add a hearty element.
Being a huge seafood fan, I especially enjoyed Panko, Dijon and Citrus Crusted Icelandic Cod ($33) which is accompanied by brown and wild rice with orange zest, pine nuts and currants, grilled asparagus, and a tangy sweet passion fruit vinaigrette. The fish is exquisitely prepared — flaky and moist — and tender on the palate.
Another standout is Grilled Kumquat Glazed Swordfish ($34) which possesses more savory components than the previous dish. Accoutrements include carrot puree, rapini, cipollini onions, pee wee potatoes, citrus relish, and fried arugula.
Farmhouse is always a perfect choice whether it be for lunch or dinner. The menu is always fresh and the stunning garden backdrop makes this one of the most sought after venues to dine at. Reservations are highly recommended.
Farmhouse at Roger’s Garden
2301 San Joaquin Hills Road
Newport Beach, CA 92625
Tel: 949-640-1415
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