Rich soils and fine food
Leslie Philip
The Farm at South Mountain located in Phoenix, has been dubbed by guests and diners “The valley’s favorite escape.” The Farm is equipped with organic gardens, three award-winning restaurants, a health and wellness retreat, art gallery/studio and an arts and crafts shop.
The Farm’s vision was originally created by Dwight Heard, benefactor of the Heard Museum, in the early 1920s. Over time, the ancient river bed with naturally rich soils became known as The Farm and was bought by A. Wayne Smith.
“[Wayne Smith] purchased this property from the Skeeter family, and it started first with The Farm Kitchen and then just developed more and more. All of these restaurants that are on the property now used to be homes,” said Nikki DeHerrera, Event Planner of The Farm at South Mountain.
“The Farm Kitchen, which is simple soups and salads. is owned by Pat Cristifolo. She owns Santa Barbara Catering and she has a lot to do with this property,” DeHerrera said.
“In the back is the Morning Glory Café, a breakfast restaurant and then Quiessence is a fine dining restaurant which has a separate owner, Greg LaPratch,” she said.
For over 40 years, Skeeter Coverdale a retired cattleman, nurtured and oversaw the property. Diners can take a tour through Skeeter’s Cottage, located near the main office.
Maya’s Garden is an organic garden on The Farm and provides fresh produce and herbs for the restaurants on the property.
“[Maya] is also involved with the Phoenix Farmer’s Market and she sells her produce to other local restaurants around the valley,” DeHerrera said.
“The owner, Wayne Smith, wanted it to feel like you’re not in Arizona; it’s a whole other destination space,” DeHerrera said.
The menus for each restaurant change each day to introduce something new. Also featured on the property is the Retreat Healing Sanctuary where guests can receive a therapeutic massage, energy balancing, intuitive readings and the ancient healing art of Curandera.
For more information visit www.thefarmatsouthmountain.com or follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
