#summercrops

Just like that it’s officially FALL our favorite time of year for entertaining. Nothing says Hunt Country like a festive tailgate at the upcoming International Gold Cup, Fall Races, and point-to-points. It’s the prefect time for us to introduce you to our new Vol. 7 (coming soon!) member Chef Ryan Ross of Lovage & Co. 

Photo by Catherine Abegg

MEET RYAN Ryan Ross Chef and Founder of Lovage & Co. is Warrenton, Virginia Native  now back home and based in Hunt Country. Ryan has been in the realm of bespoke dining and food–centric events for the last 10 years. You may have visited her Mother’s organic healthfood store, The Natural Marketplace, a local favorite. Ryan attended the Natural Gourmet Institute of NYC, as well as the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Health supportive, festive, organic, sustainable, foraged and local food is her world! She is a recipe writer, product developer, food stylist, and has consulted for plant-based restaurants in Washington state, New York City, Nicaragua, Munich, and Paris. Ryan has appeared on CHOPPED, “Light makes Right” on the Food Network and co-hosted the finale episode of Joel Gamoran's first season of SCRAPS on the A&E network. Lately, though you find her throwing a dinner party for 40 guests in a field, cooking for private clients, or working on her latest project of creating a kitchen and culinary studio in Hunt Country.    

TAILGATES, PARTIES, & FESTIVE GATHERINGS We love hiring Ryan for bespoke dinner parties, festive tailgates, and hunt breakfasts especially when going for an organic, plant-rich, and seasonal style. Some of Ryan’s favorite items for the upcoming fall gatherings are sliders, BLTs, savory scones, and a good crudite basket with a homemade herbed yoghurt 'Ranch'.  

Tarts both sweet and savory are a must - she does them with all butter crusts filled with warming spices, stone fruits, honey, and brown sugar. Or go savory with caramelized onions, golden squash and sharp cheddar. They are fun as individual galettes or a make a statement as a large free-formed tart.

Photo by Molly M. Peterson

Chef Ryan’s signature is her “Platter Scape” which is a work of art - stacks of seasonal veggies, cheese, spreads, dips and accoutrement- fit for a crowd with all varying tastes and preferences.  We adore one for a tailgate because it doubles a beautiful centerpiece and an abundant platter to graze on!

FILL THE FRIDGE FOR FALL As a private chef trained in integrative nutrition and skilled in cooking for specialty diets - think gluten-free, low sugar, vegan, vegetarian, paleo, ketogenic, hormone balancing, etc. Ryan can fill your fridge with health supportive family style meals for the week made fresh with local ingredients. Just send her an email or give her a call and she will customize a menu to suit your tastes, dietary restrictions, and health goals. It’s the perfect time for a Fall Cleanse!

Be Sure to To Tell Her Scout Sent You!