Harry’s Berries are the most beloved strawberries in Southern California. Their certified organic family farm is located in Oxnard, California. Established in 1967 by Harry Iwamoto, it is now operated by Harry’s daughter and son-in-law, Molly and Rick Gean. They grow beautiful Gaviota and Seascape strawberries that have a cult following, but our favorites are their Mara Des Bois. Reminiscent of a “French Wild” Strawberry with a hint of concord grape notes, they are the essence of late spring/early summer. Perfectly red and warmed to room temperature, a small clamshell of these perfumed jewels were the muse that took Jennifer on a delicious journey down memory lane thru the South of France and inspired next weekend’s Supper Kits. Scroll down for details.
Order deadline 5pm, Monday, May 31st for weekend delivery.
My first trip to the South of France was in 1971, when I was 8. We stayed near Avignon, in a classic Auberge nestled beside a pasture which my brother and I joyfully discovered was full of adorable snails — my father wasted no time warning us that these cute antenaed creatures would most likely end up on someone’s plate in the Auberge dining room that night — “they’re called Escargots!” After spending the entire dinner darting concerned glances at our neighbors’ dinner plates to see if they were really eating our snail friends, a bowlful of fresh strawberries and cream was finally placed in front of me for dessert, and my mood abruptly improved. These were the most delicious, plump, red, juicy, messy strawberries imaginable for a little girl dressed for dinner in a white dress. My mother, to this day, still brings up my white dress permanently stained with strawberry juice! But she knew very well that there are moments in life when strawberries take over, and that’s all that matters — and yes, we both still remember them 50 years later.
When I lived in Europe during the mid-80’s and 90’s, I would find my way to Cannes most years, for the Film Festival. But I wasn’t particularly interested in the Croisette or the movies, you could always find me at the farmer’s market, hunting out, amongst other things, “les Fraises des Bois” a tiny, delectable and very fragile strawberry with the sweetest aroma — Finally, in the early 2000’s, I brought my own children with me to Cannes, and introduced them to the wonders of the sculpture garden at the Maeght Foundation, strawberries and sorbet, (and of course aioli and heirloom tomatoes, basil and baby artichokes), on their first trip to the Provence.
Next weekend’s menus will transport you to the South of France and inspire nostalgic memories of your own.
Next weekend, treat yourself to our Sunday Supper Kit featuring Little Apple Treats Original Apple Cider Vinegar and Pasturebird Chicken. It includes the recipe and ingredients for Sara Woodward’s Roast Chicken Thighs with Lemon & Aioli and Heirloom Tomatoes. Check your pantry for olive oil, butter (optional), salt, and pepper.
The Vegetarian Supper Kit features CA Coast Naturals Olive Oil and Green Olives and includes the recipe and ingredients for Herbed Farro Salad with Feta, Chickpeas, Olives & Whole Lemon Vinaigrette. Check your pantry for salt and pepper.
And for nights tight on time…
Our Weeknight Supper Kit features Mission Rose Fresh Pasta and Creamy Tomato Sauce with Basil, Marjoram & Oregano and a side salad featuring Garden of lettuce.
Plan a summery picnic or backyard soirée and enjoy the Wine & Grazing Board Supper Kit featuring:
- Vin de California Amethyst Field Blend
- Cowgirl Creamery Pierce Pt.
- Manzanita Manor Dry-Farmed Walnuts
- M.Greenwood Jam
- Rustic Bakery Crackers
- Scout Lobster
- and Charlito’s Cured Chorizo
The Vegetarian Wine & Grazing Board Supper Kit skips the charcuterie and conserva but includes the option to add hummus or a spread.
A LA CArte
Experience firsthand the wonders of Harry’s Berries Mara de Bois Strawberries .
Inspired by the famed Proust’s memory inducing treats, we are excited to welcome Pagnol Boulanger’s new pastries:
- Lavender Honey Madelines
- Bread Pudding
- Lemon Tart
- Flourless Chocolate Torte
- and Lemon Poppyseed Cookies
Narrative Provisions Boxes (Exclusive to current subscribers)
Our Narrative Provisions boxes are filled with pasture-raised meat & eggs, curated pantry items, and local produce to make our featured recipes, but you’ll need to check your pantry for these few items found HERE.
Large Omnivore Narrative Provisions Featured Recipes:
- Roast Chicken with Lemon & Aioli with Heirloom Tomatoes*
- Fennel Marinated Pork & Crushed Potatoes
- Chicken with Mushroom Sauce & Roasted Vegetables
- Frisee Salad with Poached Eggs & Mustard Vinaigrette*
- Herbed Farro Salad with Olives & Whole Lemon Vinaigrette
Featured Ingredients:
- Rancho Llano Seco Pork Chops
- Pasturebird Chicken Thighs* & Breasts
- Alexandre Family Farm Eggs*
- Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice
- Harry’s Berries Mara de Bois Strawberries
- CA Coast Naturals Green Olives
- Farro
- Creme Fraiche
- Bub & Grandma’s Baguette*
- Manzanita Manor Dry-Farmed Walnuts
- and locally sourced produce for the above recipes*
*Included in Small Omnivore Narrative Provisions Boxes.
Large Vegetarian Narrative Provisions Featured Recipes:
- Lemon & Aioli with Heirloom Tomatoes
- Frisee Salad with Poached Eggs & Mustard Vinaigrette
- Herbed Farro Salad with Olives & Whole Lemon Vinaigrette
Featured Ingredients:
- Alexandre Family Farm Eggs*
- Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice
- Harry’s Berries Mara de Bois Strawberries
- CA Coast Naturals Green Olives*
- Farro*
- Artisan Cheese
- Bub & Grandma’s Baguette
- Manzanita Manor Dry-Farmed Walnuts
- M.Greenwood Mustard*
- and locally sourced produce for the above recipes*
*Included in Small Vegetarian Narrative Provisions Boxes.