When we heard that Chef-Proprietor Roberto Argentina had moved his Farm Artisan Foods Restaurant in Redlands to a new location we thought it was time for a second visit.
The Farm is unusual by its featuring Bocconcini, the Italian version of Spanish tapas. Bocconcini is Italian for small bites and there are 16 of them on the menu ranging from house cured duck prosciutto with sweet melon to tiny lamb filet with fingerling potatoes and oyster mushrooms. Also Scallop with parsnip puree and cauliflower sauce or braised beef short ribs with saffron risotto or venison chop with wild rice and local squash.
We thought the change of location for the restaurant a very good one. It is still located in the center of downtown Redlands and Roberto now has a roomy restaurant complete with outdoor patio, prominently placed wine bar, and a private dining room as well. The new location seats seventy people at tables with white table cloths and original paintings decorating the walls. Ambiance is elegant but casual.
Most important there is still the enthusiasm and culinary skills of Chef Argentina who has a long background in the food business, first in Chicago, then as a chef in a popular Los Angeles restaurant and most recently in Redlands. Food is most important here and Roberto is now smoking his own bacon, curing his own salmon and looking to smoked trout on the menu as well as Shepherd Pie and Quiches.
Besides the Bocconcini a regular Continental menu offers items like roasted pork tenderloin with caramelized onion sauce and polenta or slow cooked lamb shank with scalloped potatoes, roasted shallots and beets. There is a Chef Tasting Menu serving an entire table with a choice of a four course or six course menu. There are also monthly winemaker dinners.
The wine list is large and varied. There are 10 wines available by the glass representative both by varietal and country of origin. Wines from other states, Oregon and Washington, are included as well as countries including Canada, Argentina, Spain and New Zealand.
The lunch menu offers salads, pasta and three meat entrees. Here we selected the shrimp fettuccine and admired both the house baked bread and pasta which is also made in-house.
The Farm Artisan is now located at 22 E. State Street in Redlands and is open for luncheon and dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. As this was being written Roberto was starting a Sunday Brunch as well. Reservations at 909 792-1162.
Back to Table of Contents
Graphic Design by Impact Graphics