King David Apples - Straight To Your Plate - November '14

-- The Dish -- Executive Chef Brian Frakes of The Pfister Hotel demonstrates how to make Sonoma Duck Breast with Shaved King David Apples, Honey Roasted Autumn Squash, Watercress, Drunken Figs, Local Chèvre, Warm Apple Fritter, Cider Emulsion. Originating in 1893, and harvested in the fall, the King David apple is believed to be a cross between the Jonathon apple and either a Black Arkansas or Winesap apple. Its coloring ranges from dark red to black, and its flesh is crisp and juicy with a yellowish coarse texture. A rich and spicy flavor takes on the palate with a taste often described as similar to a Montmorency cherry. The family-operated orchards have supplied the public with historic apple varieties for over 60 years. Some of the orchards’ trees were planted in the late nineteenth century and significant additional plantings were made during the Great Depression by the orchards current owners. The orchards cover 16 acres with more than 700 trees and over 100 varieties with dates varying from the Calville Blanc d’Hiver (1598), Gravenstien (1600) to the Wolf River (1881) and Pink Pearl (1944). Weston’s Orchards work to conserve these antique apple vaieties from extinction. The Old Church apple, for example, is grown solely on their farm. November 2014 | King David Apples http://StraightToYourPlate.com by Marcus Restaurant Group -- The Vendor -- Weston Antique Apple Orchards | http://www.westonapples.com | 19760 W. National Avenue New Berlin -- About Straight To Your Plate -- Straight to Your Plate by Marcus Restaurant Group is a celebration of local flavor. Every month, our innovative chefs search out local purveyors who are doing an outstanding job in sourcing and supplying unique, interesting, and just plain tasty foods. Our collaborations with these partners are documented with online videos. You can sample our chef's creations featuring ingredients from these purveyors at our downtown Milwaukee restaurants: Mason Street Grill, Milwaukee Chophouse, and Kil@wat. We invite you to join us in this ongoing culinary adventure.