A farm-to-holiday-table dinner at Windrose Farm in Paso Robles
Barbara and Bill Spencer run Windrose Farm, the produce from which is a staple at the Wednesday farmers market in Santa Monica and in prominent restaurant kitchens. Here they pause on the porch of their Paso Robles ranch house. Bonnie the dog also takes it easy.
(Mariah Tauger / For The Times)The farm stand on-site at Windrose Farm in Paso Robles.
(Mariah Tauger / For The Times)A farm-fresh holiday meal is set out at Windrose: squash and potato gratin, foreground, lamb chops, sourdough bread and salad.
(Mariah Tauger / For The Times)Barbara Spencer picks chard to be used in a salad.
(Mariah Tauger / For The Times)Freshly picked chard and previously harvested apples are just a few of the ingredients that Barbara and Bill Spencer will use in their holiday dinner.
(Mariah Tauger / For The Times)A fresh-picked salad and homemade vinaigrette at Windrose Farm.
(Mariah Tauger / For The Times)A 1920s Magic Chef stove has pride of place in the Spencers’ Windrose Farm kitchen.
(Mariah Tauger / For The Times)Bill Spencer and his wife, Barbara, bought their land in Paso Robles in 1990. Nowadays, Windrose Farm is synonymous with fresh produce.
(Mariah Tauger / For The Times)A Windrose Farm employee harvests leafy spigarello.
(Mariah Tauger / For The Times)Barbara and Bill Spencer prepare a meal in their ranch house kitchen.
(Mariah Tauger / For The Times)Bill Spencer gathers herbs at Windrose Farm.
(Mariah Tauger / For The Times)Sheep at Windrose Farm in Paso Robles.
(Mariah Tauger / For The Times)Bill Spencer coats lamb chops with herbs as he prepares them for the skillet.
(Mariah Tauger / For The Times)A 1920s stove in the Spencers’ kitchen.
(Mariah Tauger / For The Times)Barbara Spencer slices farm-fresh squash for use in a gratin.
(Mariah Tauger / For The Times)Bill Spencer checks a batch of tomatoes fresh from his smoker at Windrose Farm.
(Mariah Tauger / For The Times)Sheep in the Spencers’ Windrose Farm flock.
(Mariah Tauger / For The Times)