Seasons

Transitions are interesting times. They can be incredibly scary and intimidating............and yet at the same time be a time of reflection and personal growth. 

3 months ago... A season ago.  Something I loved very much was abruptly and without warning taken away. My job..... Once that happened negative, invasive, hurtful and unfair things just kept being thrown my direction.

I loved that job... The people, the girls I worked with, the place itself. I loved it. 

I took things VERY hard! I ALLOWED my Joy to be taken away... I ALLOWED my self image, my entire identity to completely diminish... I ALLOWED depression to take over my heart... I ALLOWED the situation to come between my family, friends and myself... and most importantly I ALLOWED this unfortunate event to almost completely destroy the spirit and soul of who I am. 

Im here to say ENOUGH!!! I have been walking around the past 3 months as a complete fraud. Ive made myself sick. Had my first panic attacks (if you have never had one... it's terrifying) and I came very close to having a complete nervous break down. Ya, I'll admit it, I'll put myself out there for all to know. I almost broke down. Not ashamed anymore.

Depression and sadness are a b#*ch especially if you let the monkeys in your head run wild. 

That being said.................... ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! 

Happened at the gym on the elliptical (where most of my great thoughts are created) when it realized it had been 3 months since "the situation" happened.

A Season is 3 months. Different Seasons teach us new things and not all seasons are going to be good. I've had a couple dark seasons in the past and I remember the greatest character was developed in those times.

Today, right now I can already see some of the lessons I was to learn. Im a stronger fighter now........ going to need that moving to Brooklyn:)

To all my Dearest family and Friends and especially my devoted James who has watched me go threw this. I am so grateful for you and I thank You for standing by my side and helping me threw the dark. XOXOXO

It's time to begin North Fork Natasha again. Funny twist North Fork Natasha as of Saturday will be Brooklyn Natasha.

Can't wait to write of the new adventures and places in the city.... I still have not taken a subway by myself. That should be interesting.

Ready for this new season. New life and season completely. 

It is time.

TY LLwyd farm

A wonderful little farm exists right on Sound Avenue in Jamesport. A group of us this afternoon:) Rachel, Paul, Alar, Tina and Myself decided to go visit the small farm right around the corner.

 From the road, a person driving by would never know the richness and goodies that are down the long driveway. We pull in and the first thing we see is Baby Clover, a one week old baby cow, resting under a tree.

TY LLwyd ( pronounced Tee Clewed) which in Welsh means Brown House, is a farm owned by Liz and Dave Wines.  The farm has been in the family since the 1870s. Offering goodies from free range eggs, fresh produce, milk and sunflowers too. All items they sell are grown or raised or milked on premises.

Dave and Liz kindly allow people to walk around their place and check everything out. It was really nice meeting some of the chickens that produced the eggs I was bringing home with me:)

As our group wandered this charming place we bumped into Liz carrying 2 wire baskets for gathering eggs. I say a fun Hello and introduce myself. Liz tells us how she grew up on a farm in Wales. She also shares that their farm is home to around 1200 Dekalb brown chickens. Some turkeys... a duck or 2 or 3 and some cows for milk.

I ask Liz if I could take a picture of her with the baskets of eggs and she responds with a welsh accent, "If you must:)" Then Liz invited us into one of the many free range chicken areas to watch her gather the eggs.  So many eggs. Such playful happy chickens:)

As our group walked, I noticed how perfectly clean everything was. Dave and Liz recycle and replenish their pastures.... They move their livestock from pasture to pasture to allow for the regrowth of each area.

They treat the entire farm with respect for the environment and the animals themselves.

This wonderful farm is located on Sound Avenue in Jamesport. It's not only a great place to get, in season, produce, free range eggs and milk. This wonderful hidden gem is a place to go and enjoy some time...in the country. Dave and Liz are true farmers.... farming in a way that is healthy for all of us. The animals and the people:)

The Village Cheese Shop on Love Lane

The Village Cheese Shop on Love Lane in Mattituck has been a personal favorite for years. Been there with my kids and my friends. Honey and I have gone as well. We've stayed in the Cheese Cafe for fondue and have purchased cheese, bread and fig cake to take along to a favorite vineyard for snacking all day.

Today, I just felt like a stroll down Love Lane and decided to peek my head into the Cheese Shop just to see whats new. To my pleasant surprise two lovely ladies Ive had the great pleasure to work with in the past were behind the counter working for The Shop. Kelly, Kasey and I enjoyed a wonderful reunion.

 Running into the girls today is a big part of the quaintness of the North Fork. It really is "small town" out here. Theres a strong feeling of community. It may be The Post Office (many North Forkers use post office boxes instead of mail boxes) the Supermarket, the Deli or the Cheese Shop. Theres a good chance of running into people you know. I truly love this about the Sweet North Fork:)

One more quick cute story about community and The Cheese Shop. Went with my Daughter, Best Friend Lauren along with a few others. Was a great experience, as usual. We paid and went on our way. It was almost a year later before I went back in. Needed to pick up some cheese for a Holiday party. The gentleman behind the counter looks up and just like he saw me the day before, says.... "Oh Natasha, last time you were in I over charged you $15. He reached into his pocket and handed me $15. REMARKABLE:) A year later and I didn't even known Id been over charged in the first place. Now, that my friends... is community!!!!!! 

Now......... Lets talk about this charming, sunny place. There is a very International vibe to the Cheese Shop and yet a small town feel as well.  Happens to be one of my daughter Lailahs favorite places:) Its a perfect place to go all year long. Kelly pointed out how nice it is on a rainy afternoon. Can sit in the glass room listen to the rain.... sip a bottle of wine and enjoy some Fondue. Most times its the Italian fondue that Honey and I dip our apples and bread into:) Made with Fresh Aged Asiago, Fontina Val D'Oasta cheese prepared with wine.  My daughters favorite... The Normandy, which is a unique blend of more pungent French cheeses prepared with Calvados.

The Cheese Shop offers many more fondue choices as well as cheese plates from all over the world. France, Spain, Italy, New York State, The Twin Forks or all Goat. 

Small plates are offered as well. Love the Speck, Proscuitte di Parma, Bresaola and Serrano Ham plate. Or how about the Salmon Tartine:) Smoked Salmon slices atop lightly toasted sourdough bread with dijon and capers. 

Honey and I, on a Valentines Day couple of years back did a whole North Fork weekend:) The Cheese Shop was a stop on the way to Jazz on the Vine at a couple of the vineyards. We treated ourselves to several cheeses, a lovely baguette, fig cake and chutney:) 

With so many cheeses, from all over the world, its good to know the staff is knowledgable and really helps to find the perfect selections. Always been offered a tasting of the cheeses as well. 

I highly recommend The Village Cheese Shop:)

Classy North Fork Table

It was another beautiful North Fork Weekend:) To my delightful surprise my Honey decided to take me for  lunch at the classy North Fork Table. Located on the Main Road in Southold.

North Fork Table with its progressive American cuisine is a lovely place to dine. The decor light and fresh. White table clothes over linen. Wainscoted walls in neutral colors create an all over relaxing and easy going  yet sophisticated feeling:)

The food is seasonally inspired, locally grown and bioynamic organic. Honey and I began with a bottle of Merlot from Onbay. A Long Island vineyard. The wine came out along with warm fresh backed french style rolls. My Honey loves his bread:)

Amanda our server was so knowledgeable and sweet. Relaxed and efficient. The bartender Mike also friendly and knowledgeable.

I could not decide between the Stripe Bass or the Sword Fish. Honey went with the Charred Grass fed Black Angus Strip Loin Beef. Served with garlic scented swiss chard, roasted cipollini onion and crisp potato cake.

I finally asked Amanda to kindly choose for me...I really couldn't decide:) Amanda suggested the Harpooned Atlantic Sword Fish Steak ala Plancha. Served with olive oil braised artichokes, nicoise olives, lava beans and saffron aioli.

DELISH DELISH DELISH:) The food almost to pretty to eat...perfect portion size, so well presented and so incredibly tasty. Every bite was an experience. Honey and I couldn't stop tasting each others dishes either:) We both finished every delicious bite.

I do want to say that North Fork Table is pricy. The lunch entrees were 35-40$ each. But you really get what you pay for. Its local and organic. In my opinion worth every penny:)

Im not a big dessert eater but Honey ordered the Warm Sugar and Spice Dougnuts. AGAIN how simply delicious.

We sat for about an hour and a half. We never felt rushed. We chit chatted with Amanda and Mike. Just enjoying a Beautiful Sunday afternoon.

We wrapped up inside and went to explore the outside a bit. North Fork Table also has a Lunch Truck. Can't wait to try the Lunch Truck:) Items like Hartman's Artisan All Beef Hot Dogs served on a toasted Blue Duck Bakery Roll. With "add ons" like fresh homemade pickle relish or homemade sauerkraut. Wild Caught Lobster Roll, North Fork Style Berkshire Pulled Pork, Veggie Sandwiches or Sliced Strip Loin Sandwich.  This is like no Lunch Truck I've ever seen:) There are places to sit outside under trees and enjoy a picnic style lunch.

North Fork Table is a diverse place to enjoy food. The restaurant being a "dining experience" To the Lunch Truck that is so very casual. It was a very enjoyable experience.

Just want to also say to the people who read my blog regularly I took Honey to Croteaux after Lunch. I wrote about that Vineyard last week. Again..... The vineyard....Beautiful.

The Hidden Vineyard:)

I must begin this blog with a personal statement.... I was brought to tears today visiting the sweet man behind The Hidden Vineyard.

Located off Edwards Avenue on Railroad Avenue sits a Sweet Man and his vines. As you pull off the road onto what is almost a dirt road, down a long driveway, up a little twisting hill you see a large house and some tents. The field of vines has not been treated with weed killer so grass grows.

I pull my car into an informal parking space and proceed to walk under the tent. A group of young people greeted me with warm "Hellos"... they weren't workers they were random people enjoying their time. I walked over to the man behind the counter. The man greeted me with a "Well, hello there little lady:)"  I laugh and say my greetings back. I asked him to tell me about the place:)....and that was how my friendship with Pete began.

I learned about his 6 wines. 3 Red and 3 White. No sulfites or additives. Also, how the wine is kept in the barrel until purchased. Pete bottles it right at that time of purchase. He also makes what ever you want as a personalized label.

 I tried a couple of the Reds. A tasting is $5 a glass is $5 and a personal bottle of any wine is less than $17....I choose the Cabernet Franc. With a personal label that read "North Fork Natasha".

I asked Pete how he thought of doing a vineyard this way... Pete's Father taught him how to make wine. "But not how to grow grapes" Pete says with a smile. He explained that he's still learning that. His fathers method was "Old School Italian". In his second year producing wine he's harvesting about 11 barrels. The first year it was 4 barrels. Sold out by September.

Pete poured me a tasting of his whites and we began to talk. Told me he's a Brooklyn Boy....Sheepshead Bay. Parents came over from Italy. Was married for almost 50 years when he lost his wife. He told some stories about her and the two getting together when she was 16. Told me in great detail how he made the wine itself. Although, I couldn't quite picture the process.

As I sat on a Cloudy North Fork afternoon, in this off the beaten path place..... hearing story after story about his life and his wife's life, I couldn't help but tear up. Such a genuine Human being.

I will say The Hidden Vineyard is not a fancy place. Probably won't find bouquets of flowers on the tables or gourmet cheeses and chocolates...... There isn't a gift shop either.

What you will find is a place... and a man with such SOUL:)

As I was leaving Pete asked me again what my name was and I told him. He said with a wink and a joking smile "I Wont forget an ugly face like yours". He kissed me on both cheeks holding both my hands and Thanked me so much for coming. Thats when my tears really came:)

XOXO Pete:) I will be back to see you soon....

Jamesport Country Store...

The little town of Jamesport:) May be little but the sweet town is home to some wonderful places to visit. From Jamesport Manor Inn to Grana Wood Fire Pizza. The South Jamesport Beach, Bayview Inn. Can't forget the Elbow Room:) The Egg and Raw Milk people up on Sound Ave. Biophilia organic farm and local harvest. Jamesport Vineyard, Sherwood House Tasting room. Duffys Deli, Gabrielson Green House, Harbes......

....and the place I'm choosing to speak about today...The Jamesport Country Store. Located on the South Road (Rt 25) in Jamesport.  With old fashion charm, the store remembers a time much simpler. My kids have gone since they were little kiddies getting old fashion candy. Many chocolate Easter bunnies and Jelly Beans have been purchased by myself and many others throughout the years.

Since 1973 Jamesport Country Store has been offering products that were carefully and lovingly made with great skill and craftsmanship. Things like candy, yummy condiments, local photography, whimsical toys and gifts. Just walking into the red brick store sends you back in time a bit:)

Jamesport Country Store is a place that reminds me of when my 19 year old was a little girl begging for candy. It creates the feeling of nostalgia and is a great place to stop with the family:)

Friendly:) Sherwood House

This Fun and Friendly vineyard located off the North Road (RT 48) in Mattituck was a welcoming place to visit on a HOT afternoon. As I drive down the long, informal drive way, vines growing on both sides.... I could just tell this was going to be a comfortable experience.

As I got closer I saw a group of people laughing and playing with an adorable dog. I find my way and parked in a random open field. I felt I was "In the country" A down home feel. It was close to closing time so I was intending on just a short look around and coming back another day.

Well:) Dave the person pouring for the afternoon said "sit right down and have a tasting already." Dave and his dog Abby... a cute pug, went into the tasting shed and brought out a glass and poured my first pour. He suggested the 2010 Stainless Steel Fermented Chardonnay. What a treat. This wine tasted light and citrusy. Hints of apple and pear. Very yummy.

Dave poured a 2005 Merlot.. said it was Barbara (one of the owners favorite) as it was his as well. So Smooth...was wishing I had a piece of dark chocolate to have with it.

About this time I realize its after closing time. I go to square up and let this nice guy and his doggie go home.... He says to me "You enjoying yourself? Relax and don't rush. I don't mind staying at all."

So for the next 40 minutes or so I tasted and learned all about their delicious wines. Dave shared that the owners, Charles and Barbara truly want the people who visit their place to have fun and enjoy not only the wine but the whole experience of Sherwood House...and that I did.

Sherwood House also has a tasting room in Jamesport. Off the South Road (RT 25) in a Historical 1870s farmhouse called Material Objects.

Sherwood House has a tasting room inside this rustic and trendy place.  Items like high end upholstered pieces to bee skeps. The all over feel...a distressed look.

Again, a friendly smile greeted at this tasting room. Brian (one of the partners) kindly walked with me, showing me some of the interesting features of Material Objects. The Whaling hooks that hung a large mirror to the Ocean Moorings. A late 1800s work bench to the tables out on the deck that were made from wood collected from the Mattituck Schools dating back to the late 1770s!!!!

Sherwood House, whether you go to the breezy Mattituck vineyard or to the tasting room located in Material Objects in Jamesport. The feeling is friendly and fun. The experience and great wine will be a special journey.