Cooking show mixes best of Backbone Valley, Noon Spoon
DANIEL CLIFTON • PICAYUNE EDITOR
TOBYVILLE — What happens when you combine the horticultural knowledge and green thumb of one of the most knowledgeable plant experts in the Highland Lakes with the culinary creativity and cooking skills of one of the most unique restaurant owners as well?
“She’s called the Kitchen Diva while I’m the Garden Guru,” said Jessica Robertson of Backbone Valley Nursery with a laugh. Robertson and Noon Spoon Cafe owner and head chef Jennifer Cayce are combining their talents April 19 for the “BackSpoon Cooking Show” at 10:30 a.m. The demonstration and tasting will be held at Backbone Valley Nursery, 4201 FM 1980 north of RR 1431 between Marble Falls and Granite Shoals.
Attendees will experience the best of both worlds with some great insight, tips and knowledge from two experts at growing vegetables and then cooking them up.
“A lot of people are out there with these gardens and some great vegetables, but they really don’t know what to do with them,” Robertson said. “It’s kind of a cooking show where we take it from the garden to the kitchen table.”
The setup is at the nursery, but it’s nothing fancy. Robertson said that’s one of the great things about the program: People don’t need a large, elaborate kitchen to take advantage of the tips and techniques she and Cayce will be sharing.
Robertson has established herself as one of the most knowledgeable garden experts in the area, and she knows how to share that knowledge with people in a way they understand and can use.
She routinely hosts programs at the nursery about gardening and plants.
Cayce has created one of the most unique eateries in the Highland Lakes at Noon Spoon Cafe. The menu features items found no place else, all boasting fresh ingredients. Cayce brings an innovative passion for food and recipes.
Robertson and Cayce are friends and have a good rapport during the show.
“We laugh and have a good time,” Robertson said. “We finish each others sentences; we really enjoy doing these shows.”
The show will feature cooking demonstrations and some sampling. And sometimes, Cayce gives up a secret recipe or two.
The event is open to cooks and gardeners of all levels and ages.
“Just come out and expect to have a good time,” Robertson said. “I always learn something from Jen when we do this. And that’s what it’s all about: learning some new things.”
Go to www.backbonevalleynursery.com for more on the nursery or www.noonspooncafe.com for more on the restaurant.
daniel@thepicayune.com