Manzanita Creek Farm

Manzanita Creek Farm

We went and visited a friends farm last wednesday on Bainbridge, Manzanita Creek Farm. Jade is quite the busy lady! Including her many endeavers she will also be selling at the Bainbridge Island Farmers Market. http://www.bainbridgefarmersmarket.com/ Here is a little bit about her farm:

Although we've lived here for 3 years, we didn't start farming it until the start of 2006 - starting with the alpacas and a series of test farming and supply for the fam. I have 7 total alpacas (3 suri and 4 Huacaya). I have them all in a variety of colors and textures for the purpose of knitting yarn as small commodity farm product I intend to market locally. We also have 2 registered pygmy goats for purposes of breeding and a couple rescued La Mancha hybrid Spanish goats we use strictly for brush control.The farm is 7 acres in total, with at least 4 of those acres being utilized for raising livestock, crops and fruit trees. We also have a 1 acre pond stocked with trout that pours out into Manzanita Creek which runs right through our property - hence the name of our farm, Manzanita Creek Farm. The farm also boasts a guest house designated for visitors, extended family of island residents or folks that just want to enjoy the pleasures of an island farm retreat.

Jade Castillo is an Executive Chef with her own catering company called Soiree Catering (mysoireecatering.com). She markets her products locally including at The latest cafe establishment, Cafe Trios and soon at the Bainbridge Island Farmer's Market. At least half of all the ingredients on the menu are grown on their farm.

Jade's husband Michael Gutteridge is a tech consultant for the Fred Hutchinson in Seattle, but spends most of his spare time managing the the farm. Michael has engaged in alternative farm projects on the farm including raising Spring lamb for consumption and hosting site for blackberry honey farmers (Ref: Roy Barton, Honeyhill Farms).

Manzanita Creek Farm has initiated a series of local annual events that are growing in popularity including the Great Easter Egg Hunt and Potluck (3rd annual - Mar. 23, 08), Kalua Pig Roast and concert (TBA, annual summer event) and Pumpkin Carving Party (pre-Halloween event). Other future plans include U-pick days and possibly fruit pressing parties.

Jade Castillo

Soiree Catering mysoireecatering.com

6910 NE Day Rd. (West), Bainbridge Island, WA 98110206)201-3201, 851-0973 cell

"Organic products coming soon from Manzanita Creek Farm"