Fredericksburg Herb Farm - Fredericksburg, Texas

Did you know that cauliflower and broccoli are both flower blossoms? Most of us are familiar with the spice saffron. Did you also know that saffron also comes from a flower? Mrs. Food and I took a long and leisurely drive up to Fredericksburg this Saturday. We were both looking for a little down time and a change in scenery, something different from the steel and cement construction site Austin’s east side has suddenly become. Mrs. Food read about a place just west of downtown Fredericksburg that sounded like the perfect spot to eat, relax, and enjoy the quite of the country, Fredericksburg Herb Farm.

Fredericksburg Herb Farm grows all their own herbs and edible flowers on the 14 acres of land surrounding the restaurant. Getting seated took a good 20mins. We later found out that half the crew called in sick or just did not bother to show-up. We finally got a cute little table in the back room. The room, filled with large windows, allowed us views of the lovely gardens and a rather large gazebo.

Our meal began with a pitcher of sangria - $20 and an appetizer, the Edible Flowers Spring Rolls - $8. Small in size, colorful on the plate, the spring rolls were very simply made, rice noodles wrapped in rice paper with an assortment of blue, red and yellow flower petals added in. The flavor was subtle, yet slightly bitter, not unpleasant but kind of neutral on the pallet. I felt that $8 cost was a little much. For the main course, Mrs. Food had the Grilled Hill Country Peach Salad w/ chicken - $13 (field greens tossed in a basil blush vinaigrette, grilled peaches, almonds with herbed feta and sliced chicken). Mrs. Food really enjoyed the salad and is going to try and replicate it herself. The wedges of grilled peaches made this salad really bounce….very nice. I had the Rosemary Smoked Chicken - $10 (A breast quarter smoked with rosemary, olive oil and spices served with salad and foccacia bread). Very nice, great flavor, the salad was amazing, but the serving size was small. If I had been really hungry, I would have been wanting for more.

By this time, we had each drank 5…yes 5 glasses of sangria each, with the bottom of the pitcher nowhere in sight. This may be the best sangria deal around. I can’t think of any place in Austin where you can get good sangria for under $25 a pitcher. We ended up having to leave some on the table when we left. I had to drive and Mrs. Food was catching a pretty good buzz. Our total cost for the meal and drinks came to $56 with tip.

Walking the gardens is a must. We discovered a day spa and quiet meditation room hidden among the many flowers and trees. In the spring time I can only imagine what this place must smell like. During your walk you might encounter the two wild turkeys that have taken up permanent residence on the property. The farms rooster and the turkeys have become pretty good chums and seem to hang out and follow each other around.

Mr. Food says 1 spoon up. Service time was the negative for this review. The food was good, could have been a little bigger portions. Mrs. Food and I definitely don’t have any issues with the sangria or the beautiful gardens. I just believe that when even under staffed, a simple hello carries a lot of weight. Don’t just walk past someone and act as if you don’t see them, turn, smile and say hello.

Fredericksburg Herb Farm
407 Whitney
Fredericksburg TX 78624
1-800-259-HERB
1-830-997-8615
http://www.fredericksburgherbfarm.com/index.htm

The web sight is packed full of cool info….I thought the recipe section was really groovy.