CiboDivino Marketplace, North Oak Cliff’s authentic Italian market, is taking its “divine food” namesake to a new level. Passionate about sustainable farming and organic, locally-sourced produce, executive chef Ryan Olmos has launched his own farm at his home in Midlothian, TX. The project, Olmos Famous Organics, currently provides freshly-from-the-ground, organic produce for a variety of CiboDivino’s bright dishes.
“At CiboDivino, we take pride in serving dishes with honest and whole ingredients, just as it is done in Italy,” said executive chef Ryan Olmos. “We carefully select each product used throughout the market’s menu and take pride in knowing the farms, ranches and purveyors we work with have the same wholesome outlook on food.”
His passion for fresh, local ingredients and a desire to know everything about the life of every vegetable he serves, led Olmos to get his hands dirty and give it a try himself. Earlier this year, he started prepping his land with the goal to grow and source his own fruits and vegetables for CiboDivino. After his first “test run” to see what would respond to the soil, Olmos couldn’t be happier with how Olmos Organics is turning out.
The chef-farmer invested in non-GMO seeds and grows his crops with just sunshine and water. And, not only is his produce growing in this environment, it’s thriving, producing over five pounds every other day. Olmos has started incorporating his organic produce into dishes at the market and even creating some new ones. Dishes featuring his vegetables include Zucchini Bread, a number of fresh, summer salads such as one with Swiss chard, spinach, shaved carrots, toasted walnuts and olive oil and a Vegetable Medley of acorn squash, zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, tomatoes tossed with salt, pepper and olive oil. Yet, the chef’s favorite way to enjoy his summer harvest remains simply washed and thrown on the grill, letting the natural flavors shine.
Current Olmos Famous Organics produce selection includes:, Zucchini, Cherry Tomatoes, Heirloom Tomatoes, Eggplant, Acorn Squash, Purple Cauliflower, Okra, Swiss Chard, Arugula, Bell Peppers
Over the next year, Olmos will double the square footage of his farm and expand his selection of produce to include a fruit tree orchard. He is particularly excited about a small goji berry plant, currently only a few inches high, that will take three years to bloom and produce fruit.
Olmos’ goal is to eventually provide CiboDivino with enough produce that the market is 100% sourced by Olmos Famous Organics. He plans to have enough produce to eventually sell to guests at the market as well. However, for now, Olmos is focusing on planning his winter produce, which will include bok choy, cabbage and much more.
We need to check this out