First, let me say this: The journey to Vashon Island to experience Kurtwood Farms is totally worth the investment of time. Sure, it may not be your usual neighborhood haunt, but I firmly believe that the ferry ride and short drive once on Vashon are all part of the fantastic farm-to-table experience. The man behind the vision of Kurtwood, Kurt Timmermeister, formerly spent his time at Café Septieme living a much more urban existence. These days he can be found at his working farm on Vashon, beginning to craft a Camembert from the milk of his Jersey cows, and inviting guests to join him at his long wooden table on select Sunday evenings.

Upon arrival at the farm you’re greeted warmly by Kurt and immediately offered a glass of wine. If you arrive substantially before the start of dinner (as you should) then this is your chance to take a walk around the farm. Traipse through the cow barn and past where the pigs are gnawing the bark off everything pig-level and below. Walk up and around the field – are those greenhouses off to the right? – and circle back around to the wood-fired pizza oven out behind the kitchen. If you have timed it correctly, you will arrive from your tour of the farm just as the pizzas are coming out and dinner is imminent. The joy in the food prepared by Kurt and his rotating group of guest chefs is that it is exquisitely simple. He explains at the start of the meal that everything he serves comes from the farm save a very short list of staples that includes flour, pepper, and salt. Everything else is grown or raised on the farm and you taste it in every bite. Not to mention that you are served by the host himself, who couldn’t be more gracious.

This is the kind of place that seems to attract interesting people. The evening I was there I sat near Kyla Fairchild and Dan Cowan, who own Ballard hotspots Hattie’s Hat and Tractor Tavern, respectively. Talk about a one-of-a-kind experience centered around fantastic food! I had the chance to hear all about Kyla’s experience with the music community in the Seattle area and beyond, including her long-lived music magazine’s move into the digital realm. Kurtwood Farms is just the kind of place that fosters great conversation with the backdrop of stunningly simple yet delicious food.

Interested in experiencing Kurtwood Farms for yourself? Once you have dined with Kurt you are on the list to receive his monthly email of available dates. Though polish up your writing skills, because he requests a thoughtful response to his monthly topic in order to score a seat at this particular table.

[Photos courtesy of Andrew van Leeuwen and Aaron Nelson]

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