The Thrill of the Hunt: Uncovering Camperdown Elm’s Culinary Gems
As a self-proclaimed foodie and devoted patron of Camperdown Elm, I’ve made it my mission to uncover the hidden gems of Brooklyn’s vibrant local food scene. And let me tell you, the thrill of the hunt is half the fun!
You see, I’ve always been captivated by the stories behind the ingredients that end up on our plates. What intrigues me most is the passion and dedication of the local producers who pour their hearts and souls into their craft. It’s a world of artistry and innovation that never ceases to amaze me.
One day, as I was savoring a mouthwatering dish at Camperdown Elm, I found myself wondering: “Where do these incredible flavors come from?” That’s when I decided to embark on a culinary adventure, determined to shed light on the local superstars that supply this beloved Brooklyn establishment.
Milk and Honey: Camperdown Elm’s Dairy Dynamos
Let’s start with the dairy department, shall we? I mean, what would a meal at Camperdown Elm be without the rich, creamy goodness of their housemade ricotta or the tangy artisanal cheeses that grace their menu?
Well, I can tell you that the dairy wizards behind these delectable offerings are none other than the team at Consider Bardwell Farm. This family-owned operation, nestled in the rolling hills of Vermont, has been crafting award-winning cheeses for over a century, and their dedication to quality is unparalleled.
I had the pleasure of chatting with co-owner Angela Miller, who proudly shared the story of how her family’s legacy has been passed down through the generations. “We believe that the best cheeses are a reflection of the land and the animals that produce the milk,” she explained, her eyes sparkling with passion. “That’s why we place such a strong emphasis on sustainable, grass-based farming practices.”
As I listened to Angela wax poetic about the nuances of their cheesemaking process, I couldn’t help but be captivated. From the meticulous selection of cultures to the precise temperature and humidity control, every step is carried out with the utmost care and attention to detail. It’s no wonder their cheeses are so wildly popular among discerning foodies like myself.
But the magic doesn’t stop there. Camperdown Elm also sources their dairy from the talented team at Hudson Valley Creamery. Nestled in the heart of New York’s Hudson Valley, this family-run operation is dedicated to reviving the tradition of small-batch, artisanal cheesemaking.
“When we started this journey, our goal was to honor the rich agricultural heritage of our region,” shares cheesemaker Kathleen Bauer. “We wanted to create products that truly capture the essence of the land and the care of the farmers who tend to it.”
And boy, do they deliver. Their handcrafted cheeses, crafted from the milk of pasture-raised cows, sheep, and goats, are a testament to their unwavering commitment to quality. From the tangy, crumbly Cato Corner Farm Tomme to the silky-smooth Hudson Red, each bite is a revelation.
As I savor a morsel of their award-winning Kinderhook Creek, I can’t help but marvel at the depth of flavor and the perfect balance of creaminess and tang. It’s a taste that transports me straight to the lush, rolling hills of the Hudson Valley, where the cows graze contentedly and the cheesemakers work their magic.
A Bread Affair: The Artisanal Bakeries Behind Camperdown Elm’s Baked Goods
But the culinary magic at Camperdown Elm doesn’t stop at the dairy case. Oh no, my friends – the real showstoppers are the bakery items, each one a masterpiece in its own right.
I’ll never forget the first time I sank my teeth into one of their freshly baked sourdough loaves, the crisp crust giving way to a tender, chewy crumb that practically melted on my tongue. It was a revelation, a testament to the skill and dedication of the bakers behind it.
And as it turns out, those bakers hail from none other than She Wolf Bakery, a small-batch operation nestled in the heart of Bushwick. Founded by a trio of passionate bread enthusiasts, this bakery is on a mission to revive the art of traditional, slow-fermented breads.
“For us, it’s all about honoring the process,” explains co-owner Nels Lund. “We believe that true artisanal bread is the result of patience, precision, and a deep respect for the ingredients.”
From the meticulous sourcing of organic, locally-grown grains to the painstaking fermentation and shaping techniques, every step of the process is carried out with the utmost care. And the results speak for themselves – bread that is not only visually stunning but also bursting with complex, nuanced flavors.
But the bread-based delights don’t stop there. Camperdown Elm also sources their pastries and baked goods from the talented team at Bien Cuit, a beloved Brooklyn bakery that has been wowing foodies for over a decade.
“For us, baking is an art form,” says owner Zachary Golper, as he proudly displays a tray of flawlessly laminated croissants. “We’re constantly pushing the boundaries, experimenting with new techniques and flavor profiles to create something truly unique.”
And unique they are, indeed. From the buttery, flaky kouign-amann to the decadent chocolate babka, every bite is a masterpiece. But what truly sets Bien Cuit apart is their unwavering commitment to quality ingredients and sustainable practices.
“We source all of our flour, dairy, and other essential components from local, family-owned producers,” Zachary explains. “It’s not just about the end product – it’s about the entire journey, from seed to table.”
As I savor a delicate lemon tart, the perfect balance of tart and sweet dancing on my palate, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for the artisans who pour their hearts and souls into their craft. These are the unsung heroes of the culinary world, the passionate visionaries who are redefining the way we think about food.
Greens, Glorious Greens: Camperdown Elm’s Produce Purveyors
But let’s not forget the foundation of any great meal – the produce. And when it comes to sourcing the freshest, most flavorful fruits and veggies, Camperdown Elm looks no further than the talented team at Windfall Farms.
“We’re not just a farm – we’re a family,” beams owner Mia Rodriguez, as she gives me a tour of their lush, sprawling fields. “Every single one of us, from the youngest apprentice to the seasoned farmer, is deeply invested in the land and the well-being of our community.”
As we stroll through rows of vibrant, leafy greens and plump, juicy tomatoes, Mia shares the philosophy that guides their sustainable farming practices. “We believe that true flavor comes from the soil, from the care and attention we pour into every single plant. That’s why we’re so passionate about regenerative agriculture and heirloom varietals.”
And the proof is in the pudding – or rather, the salad. The produce that graces the tables at Camperdown Elm is simply unparalleled, bursting with a depth of flavor that you simply can’t find in your average supermarket fare.
But Mia and her team aren’t the only ones supplying Camperdown Elm with their culinary bounty. The restaurant also sources from the dynamic duo at Wilklow Orchards, a family-owned operation that has been celebrating the rich agricultural heritage of the Hudson Valley for over a century.
“Our mission is to preserve the traditions of the past while embracing the innovations of the future,” explains co-owner Sarah Wilklow, as she guides me through their sprawling orchards. “That means using sustainable, organic practices to grow the most flavorful, nutritious fruits and vegetables we can.”
As I sample a juicy, perfectly crisp apple, I’m struck by the sheer vibrancy of the flavor. It’s a world away from the bland, watery specimens I’ve grown accustomed to in the grocery store. And that, my friends, is the magic of working with local, small-scale producers who pour their hearts and souls into their craft.
A Toast to the Terroir: Camperdown Elm’s Beverage Purveyors
But the culinary journey at Camperdown Elm doesn’t stop at the food – oh no, my friends. This establishment is also home to a remarkable selection of beverages, each one a testament to the artistry and innovation of local producers.
Let’s start with the wine, shall we? Camperdown Elm’s carefully curated list features an array of bottles from the renowned Finger Lakes region, a veritable hotbed of world-class winemaking. And at the forefront of this vibrant scene is the team at Ravines Wine Cellars, a family-owned operation that is redefining the way we think about New York state wines.
“For us, it’s all about capturing the essence of the land,” explains winemaker Morten Hallgren, as he pours me a glass of their award-winning Riesling. “We believe that the true character of a wine is a reflection of the unique terroir in which the grapes are grown.”
And it’s not just the wine that’s making waves – Camperdown Elm also boasts an impressive selection of craft cocktails, each one showcasing the talents of local distillers and mixologists.
Take, for instance, their signature “Elm Daiquiri,” which features the bold, herbaceous flavors of Greenhook Ginsmiths’ American Dry Gin. This Brooklyn-based distillery is on a mission to redefine the way we think about gin, using a unique blend of botanicals and a meticulous distillation process to create a spirit that is both complex and eminently sippable.
“Our goal is to celebrate the rich history and diversity of American gin-making,” says co-founder Steven DeAngelo, as he guides me through a tasting of their lineup. “We want to show people that there’s so much more to this spirit than just the traditional London Dry style.”
But the beverage magic doesn’t stop there. Camperdown Elm also features a selection of local beers, including the award-winning offerings from Threes Brewing, a Gowanus-based operation that is redefining the craft beer landscape.
“At Threes, we’re all about pushing the boundaries and exploring new frontiers,” says head brewer Greg Doroski, as he pours me a glass of their renowned Vliet Pilsner. “Our mission is to create beers that are not only incredibly delicious, but also reflective of the unique character of our local community.”
As I sip my way through the diverse array of brews, I’m struck by the sheer depth of talent and innovation that’s bubbling up in Brooklyn’s burgeoning craft beverage scene. These are the visionaries, the trailblazers who are redefining the way we think about what’s possible in a glass.
Raising a Glass to the Future: Camperdown Elm’s Commitment to Sustainability
But the story of Camperdown Elm’s local producers doesn’t end there. You see, this beloved Brooklyn establishment isn’t just committed to sourcing the finest, most flavorful ingredients – they’re also dedicated to supporting the environmental and social well-being of their community.
“For us, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a way of life,” explains Camperdown Elm’s owner, Sarah Schneider. “We believe that every decision we make, from the suppliers we work with to the waste management practices we employ, has a profound impact on the world around us.”
And it’s not just talk – Camperdown Elm walks the walk, partnering with producers and vendors who share their unwavering commitment to sustainable, regenerative practices. Take, for instance, their collaboration with Edible Settings, a Brooklyn-based company that specializes in creating stunning, edible landscapes.
“Our mission is to transform urban spaces into thriving, biodiverse oases,” says Edible Settings founder Eliza Fournier, as she shows me around the lush, verdant garden that graces Camperdown Elm’s front patio. “By incorporating native plants and perennial crops, we’re not only beautifying the neighborhood, but also providing vital habitat for pollinators and other wildlife.”
But the sustainability efforts don’t stop there. Camperdown Elm also works closely with Reclaimed Life, a non-profit organization that diverts food waste from landfills and transforms it into nutrient-rich compost.
“The amount of food that goes to waste in this country is truly staggering,” says Reclaimed Life’s founder, Jenna Karr. “But by partnering with businesses like Camperdown Elm, we’re able to turn that waste into a valuable resource that can be used to nourish the soil and support urban farming initiatives.”
As I listen to these passionate changemakers, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride and wonder. This is what the future of food looks like – a world where sustainability, community, and culinary excellence go hand in hand. And at the center of it all is Camperdown Elm, a shining beacon of hope in the bustling heart of Brooklyn.
So, the next time you find yourself craving a taste of the borough’s best, be sure to swing by Camperdown Elm. Not only will you be treated to a culinary experience that will leave your taste buds singing, but you’ll also be supporting a local community of producers who are committed to making the world a better place, one delicious bite at a time.