Why Cooking with the Seasons creates GREAT menus

Flavor That Speaks for Itself

When ingredients are harvested at their peak, they taste better—plain and simple. In spring, our menus often feature sweet peas, asparagus, and vibrant strawberries. A guest favorite at a recent fundraiser was our crostini with local goat cheese, fava bean mash, and mint—bright, herbaceous, and undeniably spring. Come summer, we turn to heirloom tomatoes, juicy stone fruit, and fresh basil for showstoppers like grilled peach and burrata salad or tomato tartlets with lemon-thyme crusts.

Sustainability, Built-In

Sourcing seasonally and locally cuts down on transportation emissions and reduces the need for storage or preservatives. We work closely with Bay Area farms and producers to build menus around what’s growing now—minimizing waste and maximizing freshness. It’s a small shift that adds up to a big impact for the planet.

Elevated Guest Experience

A seasonal menu also makes your event feel more intentional and connected. Whether it’s a rustic autumn wedding with roasted squash and wild mushrooms or a crisp winter gala featuring citrus-glazed duck and warm apple galettes, guests feel the care that goes into each course. It’s a way to ground your event in the moment and create a sensory memory that lingers long after the last bite

What’s on Our Menu This Week

Right now, we’re featuring edible flowers and flowering cilantro, both of which bring a burst of color and delicate flavor to spring dishes. From garnishing our signature shortbread cookies to infusing vinegars, they turn every plate into a work of art. A recent favorite: baby carrots roasted with honey and harissa, topped with flowering cilantro Star Route Farms and a sprinkle of calendula petals.

Why Edible Flowers Are More Than Just Pretty

Edible flowers like nasturtiums, violas, and bachelor’s buttons aren’t just beautiful—they add subtle flavor, texture, and a sense of celebration to the table. Using them is a nod to seasonality and intention, showing guests that every detail, down to the garnish, was chosen with care. We even make our own edible flower vinegars—bright, floral, and as gorgeous as they are flavorful. Click on the link to learn how to make your own. 

Edible Flower Vinegar