Alfresco Dining By The Sea

A Chocolate Flower Farm Inspired Feast

My Other Favorite Langley Spots The Braeburn, 107 D. Second St. — My favorite for eggs Benedict and mimosas that are served in mason jars! Details: thebraeburnrestaurant.com The Village Pizzeria, 108 First St. — The best ham and pineapple pizza — a must! Details: 360.221.3363 Useless Bay Coffee Co., 121 Second St. — This spot has my favorite coffee in the world — seriously. Even a trip to Europe didn’t change my regard for it. Details: 360.221.4515 Clyde Theatre, 217 First St. — This 1930s theater is charming and has good prices on admission and popcorn. Details: theclyde.net Edgecliff Bar & Grill, 510 Cascade Ave. — Offers incredible views and a great happy hour. Details: theedgecliffwi.com Check out “Entertain with Jordan” in every issue of South Sound magazine, where you’ll gather a wealth of information about how to throw perfect parties, including recipe ideas!   » Entertain with Jordan's blog!

I've been spending summers, long weekends and holidays on Whidbey Island for the past 29 years. And I love the island, especially in the summertime. I decided to host an alfresco dinner for Marie Lincoln and Bill Schlicht, owners of the Chocolate Flower Farm, to celebrate a flourishing season on the farm and a successful season at the Garden Shed, their retail store in Langley.

THE FARM
This is not your average farm. Yes, they have animals – horses, ducks, chickens, rabbits, cats, kittens and a dog named Nellie, but they also have a thing for chocolate! It has been four years since Marie and Bill started this labor of love. Last year they were proud to introduce chocolate tomatoes, chocolate corn, chocolate bell peppers, chocolate honey and more, in addition to their chocolate flowers.

THE LOOK
The alfresco table design is simple and natural, which allows guests to focus on food, wine and conversation. Clear vases filled with chocolate cosmos and dark maroon dahlias took center stage. The mossy terracotta candles added warmth to the setting. The distressed tabletop was too beautiful to cover with linens. I chose accessories with clean designs and organic textures to complete the look. 

THE WINE
I enlisted the expertise of Laurel Davis and Linda Shafer, owners of the 2nd Street Wine Shop & Tasting Room in Langley, to pair each course with the perfect Washington wines. The recommendations were a hit with all the guests and complemented each course perfectly!

THE TABLE
Guests dined at a rustic, Mexican farm table set between arbors and surrounded by the picturesque beauty of the Chocolate Flower Farm. Guests took in the incredibly beautiful and fragrant gardens while enjoying a meal inspired by chocolate — of course.

ALFRESCO SUPPER MENU
South Sound Bruschetta
Paired with Vin du Lac Winery’s Les Amis Riesling, Columbia Valley, 2006
Spicy Spinach Salad with Chocolate Dressing
Paired with Brian Carter Cellar’s Oriana White Wine, Yakima Valley, 2006
Grilled Flank Steak
Roasted Red Potatoes with Basil Olive Oil and Sea Salt
Chocolate Corn on the Cob
Rustic Bread and Butter
Dinner paired with E.B. Foote Winery’s Zinfandel, Columbia Valley, 2006
Flourless Chocolate Espresso Cake
Paired with Samson Estates Winery’s Oro Hazelnut Dessert Wine, Everson
Chocolate Mint Lemonade

SOUTH SOUND BRUSCHETTA
1 whole-wheat baguette
Fig jam
Blue cheese crumbles
Toasted walnuts
Chocolate Flower Farm’s chocolate honey

DIRECTIONS: Cut the baguette into ¾-inch slices and lightly toast. Spread each slice with fig jam and sprinkle with the blue cheese crumbles. Top off with toasted walnuts and a drizzle of chocolate honey. Place in a 400 degree oven for 5 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy!

CHOCOLATE MINT LEMONADE
½ cup sugar
1 bunch chocolate mint leaves
1 cup lemon juice
4 cups water
 
DIRECTIONS: In a saucepan, combine sugar and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat and add the bunch of chocolate mint. Let steep for 20 minutes. Strain into a pitcher and let cool. Add 1 cup lemon juice and water to taste (about 2 cups). Serve over ice and garnish with an edible chocolate flower, lemon slice or mint leaf.

AFTER DINNER
We crossed the street to continue our alfresco supper in the garden of mystery novelist Elizabeth George. We enjoyed decadent chocolate desserts paired with Samson Estates Winery’s Oro hazelnut dessert wine. Everyone enjoyed a rousing game of croquet on the lower lawn known as “the challenge course” by the homeowners. The sunset at Saratoga Passage was one to remember. 

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