Afternoon in Paradise

best cherry tomatoes ever

There are two rules in Paradise Farms: no meat or cigarettes.  This was not a problem as neither were on the menu for the special birthday celebration I attended this weekend. It was held by fellow food writer Sara Liss for her two youngsters as a combo baby naming / birthday celebration. It was quite a cool idea. Paradise Farms is one of the better known certified organic farms in Homestead. They are famous for supplying edible flowers, and delicate lettuces and microgreens to high-end restaurants like Michael's Genuine, Essensia and Sugarcane. We walked around the property and tasted cotton candy fruit (it does taste like cotton candy!) We also plucked flowers and ate them on the spot: nasturtium, calendula, marigold, borage and violets.

They are also know to local foodies for their Dinner in Paradise, which is a twice monthly event during the winter months where diners can eat meal prepared by guest chefs with ingredients from the farm. It's a bit expensive at $165, and of course, it is quite a trek, but it is delicious and such a cool thing that no other local farm is doing. Besides, it's biodynamic.

There is one more way to get onto the farm: the B&B Farm Stay. This includes breakfast and a very relaxing time in one of their three accommodations that cost from $100-$180 per night. It's very rustic and minimal - think outdoor showers, a pond, board games and well... relaxin'. Sounds like a Field Day to me!

bungalow

Fresh lemongrass to repel mosquitoes

the essence of plants - the flowers - yum!