The Wild Acre Presents: Echoes
ECHOES gathers the moments, places, and feelings that define us, transformed into five courses of flavor. Each bite is a memory shared and a story told. We invite you to taste our memories, savor the flavors, and join us on a journey through the stories we hold dear.
A Spark to Start - The Acre’s Seasonal Sip
A sparkling winter mocktail that recalls the carefree nights of our younger days.
STORY BEHIND THE DISH: This course is a gentle homage to the Italian tradition that shaped Monica and Jeanette, reimagined through memories of coastal kitchens and years spent immersed in the rhythms of the seafood world. Each bite distills the spirit of the Seven Fishes into a single, quiet moment: ink-dark pasta cradling tender crab, a clear broth carrying the whisper of the ocean, and anchovy pearls that echo the depth of heritage. A familiar story, retold with their own hands.
Echoes of the Seven Fishes
Squid ink ravioli filled with sweet crab, set in a delicate seafood consommé, finished with anchovy pearls and a bright ponzu veil.
STORY BEHIND THE DISH: This course is a gentle homage to the Italian tradition that shaped Monica and Jeanette, reimagined through memories of coastal kitchens and years spent immersed in the rhythms of the seafood world. Each bite distills the spirit of the Seven Fishes into a single, quiet moment: ink-dark pasta cradling tender crab, a clear broth carrying the whisper of the ocean, and anchovy pearls that echo the depth of heritage. A familiar story, retold with their own hands.
STORY BEHIND THE DISH: During her years cooking for a prominent family from the Middle East, Monica immersed herself in the region’s flavors and techniques, learning to balance spice, richness, and elegance. This dish honors that experience — a modern interpretation of Middle Eastern comfort and refinement, where the depth of tradition meets the warmth of the season.
Royal Echoes
Baharat-spiced lamb meatballs served with smoked apple-date sauce, roasted delicata squash, and a pomegranate vinegar reduction. Topped with pistachio dukkah for crunch and flavor.
STORY BEHIND THE DISH: During her years cooking for a prominent family from the Middle East, Monica immersed herself in the region’s flavors and techniques, learning to balance spice, richness, and elegance. This dish honors that experience — a modern interpretation of Middle Eastern comfort and refinement, where the depth of tradition meets the warmth of the season.
STORY BEHIND THE DISH: Jeanette’s seven years as an active Florida FFA member shaped her deep connection to food from the ground up. Early mornings tending crops, learning the rhythm of the seasons, and developing reverence for farmers and the labor behind every ingredient remain central to her culinary philosophy. This dish reflects that story: growth, effort, and the quiet pride of creation, distilled into grain, root, and orchard — a homage to the land and the hands that feed it.
Echoes of the Field
Creamy farro risotto folded with brown butter and a touch of white pepper. Topped with silky parsnip purée, caramelized pear, and finished with hazelnut praline for crunch and a warm, nutty flavor.
STORY BEHIND THE DISH: Jeanette’s seven years as an active Florida FFA member shaped her deep connection to food from the ground up. Early mornings tending crops, learning the rhythm of the seasons, and developing reverence for farmers and the labor behind every ingredient remain central to her culinary philosophy. This dish reflects that story: growth, effort, and the quiet pride of creation, distilled into grain, root, and orchard — a homage to the land and the hands that feed it.
Echoes of Passion — The Acre's Seasonal Palate Cleanser
Icy and vibrant, meant to awaken the palate with citrusy freshness and a subtle floral-spice notes.
STORY BEHIND THE DISH: A cherished Venezuelan Christmas ritual, unraveled and retold. In Monica’s home, hallacas were never just a dish — they were a gathering. Banana leaves washed and perfumed by many hands; masa kneaded with laughter; stews simmering while stories passed from one generation to the next. Tonight, the dish is deconstructed not to change it, but to honor what it carries: family, memory, and the joy of creating together. A festive echo, plated with reverence.
Echoes of Hallaca
Deconstructed Venezuelan Christmas hallaca, featuring tender corn masa purée and traditional guiso - a slow-braised Venezuelan meat stew. Served with raisin confit, olive dust, and pickled red bell pepper ribbons.
STORY BEHIND THE DISH: A cherished Venezuelan Christmas ritual, unraveled and retold. In Monica’s home, hallacas were never just a dish — they were a gathering. Banana leaves washed and perfumed by many hands; masa kneaded with laughter; stews simmering while stories passed from one generation to the next. Tonight, the dish is deconstructed not to change it, but to honor what it carries: family, memory, and the joy of creating together. A festive echo, plated with reverence.
STORY BEHIND THE DISH: One of Jeanette’s most treasured memories was driving through her hometown, where orange groves stretched as far as the eye could see. When the trees were in bloom, the air was filled with the intoxicating scent of orange blossoms — so sweet and fragrant she couldn’t help but roll down her window and soak it all in. This dessert captures that memory, distilling the joy of sun-warmed citrus, orange blossoms, and the lingering sweetness of a place deeply loved.
Echoes of the Grove
Olive oil cake layered with a grapefruit–Campari glaze, topped with tangerine mousse, and finished with orange, pink grapefruit, and tangelo supremes marinated in vanilla syrup.
STORY BEHIND THE DISH: One of Jeanette’s most treasured memories was driving through her hometown, where orange groves stretched as far as the eye could see. When the trees were in bloom, the air was filled with the intoxicating scent of orange blossoms — so sweet and fragrant she couldn’t help but roll down her window and soak it all in. This dessert captures that memory, distilling the joy of sun-warmed citrus, orange blossoms, and the lingering sweetness of a place deeply loved.