Monday, June 13, 2011

Tuesday at The Barn in Novato & Lunch with White Rose Ranch


A Tuesday morning trip out to Pam Garcia's Barn in Novato has my imagination soaring.  First of all I can't wait to make my own fresh tomato pie, a Southern specialty served for lunch by White Rose Ranch that was such a delicious discovery.  While browsing through all the country style decor in The Barn  I may have also lucked out and found new pillows for my living room sofa.  Clever ideas for your garden are everywhere, I loved the layout of the veggie garden, a small antique greenhouse and the white rose bushes in the river rock.  I can't wait to come back to search for that perfect  picture, table or rug for my home at the next Barn Event.  So many ideas for the home in such a beautiful country setting, a short visit to soak in the sights at The Barn in Novato is truly a homebodies paradise.  All this inspiration will captivate you and that's before lunch... Susan Lustenberger's White Rose Ranch serves up some amazing Southern style country fare to be savored with friends or family on a picnic table underneath giant oak trees within a few feet of the sweetest miniature ponies.


Pam Garcia owned The Feathered Nest in Novato for 12 years before closing the shop and concentrating her energy and talent on her barn sales, website and decorating services.  The Feathered Nest was my favorite shop to find unique gifts and I was disappointed as were many of Pam's customers when she closed the doors.  As much as I enjoyed Pam's retail shop and miss it, I have to admit that the scenery around the barn is spectacular and the perfect showcase for her talents.




Did I mention that Pam is an animal lover?  



Would anyone like a tomato plant?


A Flower Lover's Paradise in Novato



Homemade fried chicken with blue cheese biscuits are as tempting as the country style farmhouse decor directly across the aisle in the barn.



These are the pillows I'm thinking about for my living room sofa, what do you think?





Lunch time with White Rose Ranch's country cooking and friends.



Fresh Tomato Pie and Pulled Pork Sandwich with Jicama Jalapeno Slaw were on the lunch menu.



Strawberry Shortcake for a sweet ending to a memorable visit, thanks Pam and Susan.
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28 comments:

  1. Lemons and LavenderJune 13, 2011 at 9:03 AM

    I love visiting farms and it's on my agenda for this summer. Heading to the Bay Area in August for a wedding and hope to get out of the city for a few field trips and eating adventures!

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  2. FOODESSAJune 13, 2011 at 9:52 AM

    Patty, you must know by now how much I love visiting you...and today is no exception...especially since it has become my favourite post of yours to date.
    The Interior Designer in me as well as the passionate Foodie and nature lover...my energy has been put on a high ;o)
    Great captures of a charming and alluring outing.

    Have a wonderful week and flavourful wishes,
    Claudia

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  3. KarenJune 13, 2011 at 10:38 AM

    What a fun day! That tomato pie looks amazing...it's so flaky and looks like it would just melt in your mouth! Yum.

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  4. AnonymousJune 13, 2011 at 10:49 AM

    The fresh tomato pie looks really delicious! I love the surroundings in your photos.

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  5. HammerJune 13, 2011 at 12:35 PM

    The tomato pie looked tasty even to this anti-vegetarian. it looked hearty and delicious with the tomato//cheese filling. i am a little disappointed that you didn't bring home a sampling of the cheese biscuits and fried chicken. I guess this is ann effective method to lure me to the barn to check out the pillows for the sofa.

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  6. FaithJune 13, 2011 at 4:54 PM

    What a lovely place...it's so full of charm and character! The food looks wonderful too, especially that tomato pie!

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  7. KathyJune 13, 2011 at 5:56 PM

    The outdoor seating for your lunch looks so charming…pretty tablecloth and lovely flowers! The tomato pie looks amazing! And I think the pillows are a great choice! Looks like a lovely day!

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  8. Chef Dennis LittleyJune 13, 2011 at 7:01 PM

    Patty, I have never seen a tomato pie like that before! I have been in Philly too long, our tomato pie is a thick crust pizza with no cheese served room temp! Everything looks so delicious, especially the pulled pork! Great post my friend!

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  9. kitchenarianJune 13, 2011 at 7:03 PM

    This looks like such a fun day.

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  10. Kim - Liv LifeJune 13, 2011 at 8:21 PM

    I grew up in San Rafael and I don't think I ever went to anywhere so nice! What a wonderful day you had!

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  11. Angie's RecipesJune 13, 2011 at 9:04 PM

    What a wonderful place to enjoy a relaxing day with the family!
    I have never seen or had a tomato pie before....it looks phenomenal!!!!

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  12. Biren @ Roti n RiceJune 13, 2011 at 10:42 PM

    Sounds like a fun and relaxing place to visit. I would love to have a slice of that pie. I hope you will make it someday and share the recipe with us :)

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  13. DrickJune 14, 2011 at 6:01 AM

    love a good tomato pie, I make a pretty good one if I may say so, but I don't put a crust on top...
    this looks like a great place for everyone, I would love the animals as well as the things to shop for and the good things to eat

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  14. JulianaJune 14, 2011 at 10:51 AM

    I have not been in a farm for a while therefore your pictures are just great...I feel that I was there. The lunch was awesome...so yummie. Thanks for sharing this wonderful time. Have a great week Patty :-)

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  15. LeQuanJune 15, 2011 at 8:09 AM

    Hi Patty!

    I've never had tomato pie before and am quite curious about the taste. Would love to try some one day. I love the look of those pillows. I think they would look great on any sofa. We just had a field trip with K to a petting farm yesterday and this post reminded me of that experience. Except you had much better weather. It was raining and muddy all day for us...ugh. Braving the rain and mud for a couple hours just to pet animals, now that's a mother's love. Lol.

    I don't eat much pork but for some reason everytime I see a pulled pork sandwich I want some. Yeah, call me strange. Glad to see you enjoying another wonderful outing with your family again!

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  16. spcookiequeenJune 15, 2011 at 10:02 AM

    Next time I'm out that way, I'm stopping there for sure. I love those pillows, I say go for it. I've never had tomato pie, but I sure want it. I love the animal pics, so cute. Hope you are having a great week.
    -Gina-

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  17. Nancy June 15, 2011 at 12:01 PM

    What a great place. Everything is so beautiful and manicured, just lovely. The fresh tomato pie looks really good and I'll be waiting for your version. Can you also make blue cheese biscuits? They have me intrigued. Your photos are so pretty Patty and thanks for sharing :)

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  18. Liz That Skinny Chick Can BakeJune 15, 2011 at 1:05 PM

    Oh, my, I'm now craving tomato pie, too! That crust looks amazing. I hope you will share your rendition with us soon :) Such a lovely spot~

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  19. JoytiJune 15, 2011 at 5:39 PM

    What a gorgeous spot!
    And blue cheese biscuits - yum!

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  20. BethJune 16, 2011 at 5:49 AM

    What a wonderful outing! The farm looks gorgeous, as does the meal.

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  21. A SPICY PERSPECTIVEJune 16, 2011 at 8:24 AM

    My goodness! I wish I could have been there. What gorgeous snaps!

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  22. Emily MalloyJune 16, 2011 at 11:50 AM

    It is all so beautiful!

    I love how you work that camera :)

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  23. ElaineJune 17, 2011 at 4:25 PM

    This looks like such a wonderful place to visit! I will have to add this to my list. The food looks wonderful and I would love to taste the tomato pie and that pulled pork sandwich.

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  24. elisabeth@foodandthriftfindsJune 18, 2011 at 6:26 AM

    The tomato pie looks so inviting, and delicious.
    What a fabulous barn, and outdoor eating. Love the photos of the barn, and the cute farm animals.
    Your grandchildren are so adorable...hugs to them, and your son is such a wonderful dad, it just shows through and through on the photo:DDD

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  25. Cristina, from Buenos Aires to ParisJune 18, 2011 at 8:47 AM

    What a lovely visit..It feels so American for us watching from Europe!! I love it! I think I should travel to your country and stay there for a long time..to be able to see personally all you show! The tomato pie? Yummy!

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  26. Priscilla - She's Cookin'June 19, 2011 at 10:17 PM

    You've captured the pastoral beauty and tranquility in your images - I've never seen such an immaculately manicured farm! Definitely go for the pillows - wish I had a place for the floral sculpted-base lamp. What a delicious southern-style lunch, too!

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  27. AnnapetJune 21, 2011 at 11:34 AM

    Gorgeous photos and delicious food! Thanks for sharing, Patty!

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  28. Magic of SpiceJune 22, 2011 at 10:13 AM

    I so want that greenhouse! What a wonderful place and great way to spend a day...gorgeous :)

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