HOME Travel Guide Common Sense Travel
decorative font style
    Travel >> Holiday Travel >  >> Travel Notes

Creating Culinary Magic with Local Ingredients at RE Farm Café at Windswept

Creating Culinary Magic with Local Ingredients at RE Farm Café at Windswept

The farm-to-fork and local sourcing movements connect diners with the origins of their food while championing small family farms, growers, and producers. These principles go beyond trends—they embody a dedication to fresh, healthy, sustainable ingredients transformed into exceptional cuisine and creative cocktails. With its deep agricultural roots, Happy Valley inspires its renowned restaurants to source locally, delivering unforgettable dining experiences for locals and visitors alike.

In part 1 of our 4-part series, join us for an insider's look at Happy Valley-raised, grown, and made products, and see how top chefs showcase local flavors on their menus.

Local Ingredients, Expertly Prepared

Nestled on Fillmore Road near University Park Airport, RE Farm Café at Windswept transforms locally sourced ingredients into simple, healthy, and delectable dishes. This Living Building Project-certified venue offers breathtaking sunset views, underscoring owners Duke and Monica Gastiger's unwavering commitment to sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.

Quality ingredients are paramount for the skilled chefs at RE Farm Café.

Creating Culinary Magic with Local Ingredients at RE Farm Café at Windswept

"Our sourcing starts with farm visits to assess farmers' sustainable practices," explains Duke Gastiger. "We taste everything before purchasing—trust, but verify!"

Gastiger notes that while every small farm excels in one or two signature products, others may be average, making selectivity essential.

"Exceptional fresh, healthy, flavorful ingredients allow chefs to work true magic," Gastiger adds. "At RE Farm Café, we prepare dishes simply to highlight natural flavors, avoiding heavy sauces that mask taste."

The café draws from a reliable network of Happy Valley farmers for premium ingredients.

"Beyond our own Windswept Farm, key partners include Goot Essa for artisanal cheeses and Rising Springs Meats for premium cuts," Gastiger says. "Their pride elevates every dish our guests savor."

Creating Culinary Magic with Local Ingredients at RE Farm Café at Windswept

Based in Howard, PA, in the scenic Nittany Valley, Goot Essa comprises Old Order Pennsylvania Amish farmers crafting artisanal cheeses from ancient European traditions.

Gastiger praises Goot Essa's Der Edel Bleu Kase as rivaling pricier imports. A café standout: pan-seared local beef skirt steak from Rising Springs Meats, topped with Goot Essa Bleu and shallot wine cream.


Creating Culinary Magic with Local Ingredients at RE Farm Café at Windswept

Goot Essa owner John Esh seeks markets that value their exceptional cheeses. Featured in top Happy Valley restaurants, they're also on menus in Washington, DC, Philadelphia, and Virginia's Loudoun County wineries.

Discover Happy Valley's Flavorful Bounty

Creating Culinary Magic with Local Ingredients at RE Farm Café at Windswept

Local ingredients shine across Happy Valley's restaurants and craft beverage spots. Embark on your own culinary adventure. [Learn how the Happy Valley Takeout Trail enhances your experience.]

From premier farm-to-fork spots to classic American, ethnic, and innovative fare—Happy Valley has it all. Start planning your visit.

For more on Happy Valley's farms, fields, and markets, visit www.happyvalleyagventures.com.


Travel Notes
  • Ultimate Guide to Apple Picking in Northern New Hampshire

    Northern New Hampshire hosts a wonderful collection of native apple orchards nestled in the foothills of towering mountain ranges, alongside sparkling lakes and rushing rivers, and tucked away in the state’s pristine wilderness. And with autumn’s crisp weather, colorful foliage, and the natural hankering for apples this time of year—visiting a local orchard to pick-your-own is simply a must! Besides, warm apple pies, buttery apple crisps, hot apple cider, and fresh cider donuts

  • From City Dreams to Organic Farm Reality: A Singaporean s WWOOF Adventure in Wakayama, Japan

    Chasing after cute animals, making jam, and growing wise on a porch swing. The country life city folks dream about. Heres how Singapore native and recent college grad Eileen Lee found it through WWOOF-ing, working on an organic farm, in Wakayama, Japan.WAKAYAMA, Japan — Ive always dreamed of becoming a farmers wife. I grew up in Singapore, and you know how it is: grass is always greener on the other side. Especially on the rolling hil

  • Step Inside the 2004 White House Holiday Celebration at the Bush Center

    Each year, the President and First Lady choose a distinctive theme that shapes White House holiday décor, cards, and menus—from Home for the Holidays to All Creatures Great and Small. The White House staff invest countless hours in crafting ornaments, garlands, and large‑scale decorations that transform the iconic grounds and state floor. These displays delight thousands of visitors, from tour guests to attendees of holiday parties. At season’s end, the items are carefully packed for preservatio