Exciting things are happening in Mountain Home!…read more
In 2016, Chef Christian Phernetton, formerly of Camel's Crossing and State & Lemp in Boise, started The Chef's Farm, "an 11-acre biodynamic and electromagnetic culture research farm in Hammett, Idaho."
In October 2023, Chef Phernetton opened FARMERS STASHE, a Farm-to-Table business located at 354 N. 2nd E. St in downtown Mountain Home. FARMERS STASHE features the bounty of The Chefs Farm via products such as soups, pizzas, waffles, kombucha, hummus, ramen, salads, baked goods, fermented foods, etc. The photos show what was available the day I visited.My plan was to stop and grab a quick bowl of soup for lunch. I was so in awe of what I found, that I ended up buying much of what was available. Here is what I tried:
Chicken Noodle Soup - I enjoyed the soup. it had a nicely flavored broth and was chock-full of chicken, vegetables, and noodles.
Mushroom Pizza - The pizza was unlike any pizza I've ever had before. It featured two different types of mushrooms, one of which was fermented. I was told the dough takes at least 72 hours to make. It was accompanied by two different types of peppers and oregano, all of which are grown on the farm.
Plum Crazy Kombucha - This is one of the three best kombucha I've ever had. I regret not buying more. It was made with plums grown on the farm.
Carrot Cake + Chocolate Beet Cupcakes - What is a girl to do when she can't decide between the Carrot Cake and Chocolate Beet cupcake? Get both! Of the two, I preferred the Carrot Cake. Both appeared to be made with a whole grain flour, which results in a coarser texture. I prefer baked goods made with All-Purpose Flour or Cake Flour.
Rustic Pita + Roasted Garlic Hummus - The pita was fresh baked, and excellent! The hummus was nice and creamy, but had a slightly bitter flavor, which can happen if you don't remove the garlic germ.
In January 2024, Chef Phernetton has /epk/ Farm-to-Table monthly dinners scheduled "3 days before and 3 days after the full-moon." Currently, the dinners are at FARMERS STASHE, but when the weather gets warmer, the plan is to have them at the farm.
In March 2024, Chef Phernetton launched Agrarian Culinary Institute (AGI), "the first (and only) Farm-to-Table culinary school in Idaho.
Chef Phernetton's visionary business model exemplifies why I love small towns. The next time you're on I 84, instead of passing by Mountain Home, be sure to get off the exit to check out FARMERS STASHE. You'll be glad you did!
