Blanca’s new executive chef Gavin Schmidt personally visits Chino Farms every morning, maintaining his commitment to keeping his menu fresh and seasonal. “Whether an animal, a fish, or a carrot, we like to take advantage of the great agriculture here in California,” he says. “When we say we serve ‘farm to table,’ it means getting everything we need straight from the source. We like dealing directly with the farmer who grows the produce, as well as the rancher who raises the animal.” Free-range meats include pigs and lamb, along with a charcuterie program that utilizes the entire animal. A must-have is the Grilled Neville Ranch Berkshire Pork, A Day On The Farm with grilled loin, sausage, belly, and other forms, served with baby vegetables from seed to flower. (858/792-0072, www.dineblanca.com) MARIA DESIDERATA MONTANA
