Summer Food Find: Patio Pours at La Laiterie

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Sean DeBobes, GoLocalProv Dining Critic

Matt and Kate Jennings are churning out more than just great cheese and charcuterie at La Laiterie at Farmstead, their Wayland Square restaurant, they are also doing it for a deal. Patio Pours is the latest brainchild of two-time James Beard foundation nominee and three-time Chochon 555 champ Matt Jennings. For a mere $10, Matt, Kate and the staff at La Laiterie will guide you through a choice of a glass of featured wine, cheese and charcuterie. I jumped at the chance to check out this summertime treat.

Simply elegant wine

I started my sampling with a glass of Elvio Tintero Grangia, a lightly sparkling white with hints of lemon peel and hay. This is a simple but elegant selection, great for a summer afternoon and perfectly matched with the rest of my morsels. I thoroughly enjoyed the Polder Gold, a pasteurized Goat's milk Gouda from the Netherlands. This was semi-firm and nutty.  The cheese really came to life when enjoyed with some of the accoutrements served alongside. Pickled Rhubarb, a spicy homemade mustard and cornichons each complemented and varied the taste of this great cheese.

Best bite of the night

My favorite bite of the night came by way of the chicken liver crostino with wigwam ham, five spice and shallot. This slightly rustic preparation juxtaposed against Jennings' deliberate and skillful plating is something anyone who enjoys a well-thought-out presentation will remark at. While the plating may caught my attention, this charcuterie is truly all about the flavor. One bite of this delicious fatty morsel and you realized it is no wonder that people call Chef Jennings a meat artist... there just isn't any better sobriquet.

The good news about Patio Pours is that you've got numerous chances to go. They're Tuesdays, Wednesdays and WaterFire Saturdays from 5pm-7pm at La Laiterie at Farmstead.  Perfect for those looking for a light dinner, a cheese break or anyone looking to jump into the wonderful world of cheese and charcuterie.

La Laiterie at Farmstead, 186 Wayland Ave, Providence. 274-7177 farmsteadinc.com

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

For more Food + Wine coverage, don't miss GoLocalTV, fresh every day at 4pm and on demand 24/7, here.

Related Articles

• Farmstead’s American Artisan Dinner at The James Beard House
• Farmstead’s Kate & Matt Jennings Named to Annual “40 Chefs Under 40” List
• Matt Jennings of Providence’s Farmstead Tapped By Michelle Obama for National Program
• RI Chefs Jennings, Speidel, Bolin in Running for James Beard Awards
• 12 to Watch in 2012: Matt Jennings

Enjoy this post? Share it with others.