April's Full Moon

I am no expert on the traditions and history that come with the names of the moons. But I am learning and the monthly dinners are an outlet for others and I to learn more. Today starts a new moon which will lead to April's Full Pink Moon. The moon is called the pink moon because the pink flowers of the wild ground phlox are one of the fist spring flowers to bloom. The moon also goes by the Full Egg Moon. This is because the hormones of natural chickens are effected by daylight and therefore longer days means more eggs. Also the egg represents rebirth a natural theme for spring. Some other names are the Full Sprouting Grass Moon and the Full Fish Moon. Both also great reminders that spring may finally be here.

I urge anyone that is interested to do more research. Let me know any insight you may find. And we can all grow our knowledge of this part of lost tradition.

March's Full Sap Moon Menu

Cocktails/ Hors d’oeuvres:
'Oatmeal on the Rocks'
Yellow foot chanterelle rilettes served with toasted house baguette

First Course:
Winter green and Miner Lettuce Salad
Maple Vinaigrette dressing and candied walnuts

Second Course:
Cheese plate served with house made lavash
Port Townsend Creamery Seastack
Estrella Wynoochee River Blue (albino blue)
Estrella Black creek Buttery

Main Course:
Maple brined Magnalista pork chops
with mapple pear chutney and sauted rainbow chard

Dessert:
Huckleberry Cobler topped with vanilla bean ice cream

The Tenth Day of March

The first Scratch dinner was held on the tenth day of March. Scratch's monthly dinners are held on the night of the full moon. Each full moon has a specific name, used by early settlers and native americans.

March's full moon goes by: the full sap moon, the full sugar moon, and the full worm moon.

There were no worms used in the meal, instead the menu revolved around maple syrup and other sugars. Chef Nick attempted to use maple or sugar in each dish without letting it overpower the palate.

What is Scratch?

Scratch is a series of food events. Right now these events are only monthly feasts. But as interests grows more events will be added. Many of these are already in the works. Scratch operates through donation only. The donations go straight to paying for the food and operating costs of each event. What this means is great food for real prices.