Page 14 - Leisure Living Magazine: June 2020 Edition

Chef Jamie McFadden
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In 2018 Chef Jamie’s passion for “the grape”, his fresh-approach style of cooking, and his atten- tion to detail all led him back to his roots in north- west Ohio, where he renovated and reopened his family’s Norwalk farm as Sandy Ridge Vineyards & Mercantile. “My uncles offered me the opportu- nity to refurbish the barn and plant grapes. Their spirit and enthusiasm for the project have been very inspiring,” states Jamie. A unique concept for the area, Sandy Ridge features a rustic wine tasting room with scrumptious dishes created by Jamie and his team using the freshest ingredients. Food and wine lovers ascend the stairway to culi- nary heaven as they savor Jamie’s signature Crab Mac & Cheese with a glass of Snowbirds Gruner Veltliner....or succulent Lamb Chorizo Meatballs paired with Sandy Ridge Cabernet Franc. Great wine does indeed meet great food in this space. “We work diligently to create a unique tasting room experience utilizing our excellent wines and diverse food selections, explains the Chef, adding, “We have been blessed with an incredibly awesome team. They all are extremely outgoing, thoughtful, and sincere. We are very lucky to have such a fantastic crew.”
The warm ambiance of Sandy Ridge features cozy indoor gathering areas surrounded by nat- ural reclaimed wood, and peaceful and scenic outdoor seating including an immense fire pit and a grill area. The Mercantile is especially invit- ing, where guests may treat themselves to fresh- ly baked goods and sweets, enjoy live entertain- ment, and relax in the company of the McFadden family’s cherished 1928 Model A Ford Roadster, proudly displayed in the center of the mercantile.
For Chef Jamie, his family and his staff, the rewards of re-opening this piece of Ohio history have surpassed their greatest vision. The Nor- walk community and surrounding areas have embraced their endeavor in myriad ways, includ- ing selecting Sandy Ridge Vineyards & Mercan- tile for the Best of Norwalk Award and the New Business of the Year Award, both in 2019. When asked what he loves most about his work, Chef Jamie replied, “Having had the opportunity to re- turn home after 30-plus years away, and rebrand a community landmark. The journey has been very rewarding.” He credits his parents with instilling in him the inspiration to pursue his career path of
Sandy Ridge features cozy gathering areas.
fine food and wine. “Both were wonderful cooks and gracious hosts. I wish they would have lived to experience Sandy Ridge.” It is this writer’s belief that there just might be a pair of very proud par- ents who often look down over the rows of healthy vines, the lovingly restored barn and the immacu- late, beautiful grounds of Sandy Ridge Vineyards & Mercantile, and if it were possible, would ex- claim, “Well done, son. Well done indeed!”
“Great Stories Begin with Unforgettable Cocktails” - Chef Jamie McFadden
“Growing up in the Midwest, how could one ever forget the TV jingle ‘Summer time is Country Time’, referring to Country Time Lemonade. Memorial Day weekend would bring to our refrigerator a three-month supply of cold pitchers of lemonade. Lemons have and always will be one of the many food items that scream summer. As an adult, I enjoy uti- lizing our Sandy Ridge Sparkling Riesling to create this very refreshing classic cocktail”:
French 75 Cocktail
The French 75 cocktail was originally created at the New York Bar in Paris in 1915. The combination of gin, lemon juice, Champagne and sugar was said to have a kick like a French 75mm gun! Serve on the rocks or make a pitcher and freeze slightly.
In a shaker combine:
2 oz lemon juice
2 oz gin
2 teaspoons simple syrup 1 cup ice cubes
Shake. Pour into Collins glasses and top off with 4 oz of chilled Sandy Ridge Sparkling Riesling. Garnish with 1 lemon slice and 1 maraschino cherry.
14 |LeisureLiving June 2020
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