Scout works with a lot of local restaurants to get the word out about the cool and delicious things they’re doing, but they couldn’t do what they do without access to awesome ingredients. To get what they need, culinary creatives depend on personal networks of passionate artisans, farmers and producers who often work hard without ever seeing the glory they deserve. Since it’s always good to recognize those who have your back, we bring you the Supplier Shout Out!

To kick this new feature off, we turn to Shira Blustein – founder and General Manager of Main Street’s plant-based The Acorn – to find out who they turn to when sourcing the produce that inspires and enlivens their fresh and seasonal menus…

Which one of your suppliers do you want to draw attention to and what do they supply you? North Arm Farm – they send us everything from beans and strawberries to potatoes and squash. We love Trish’s commitment to growing and cellaring quality fruits and veggies in the Pemberton Valley.

Which ingredient from North Arm Farm are you currently most excited to use? Hop shoots! Hop shoots are a product that can fall under the radar (more often thrown into animal feed than on to a dinner plate). We use hop shoots because they are tender and delicious, but it’s also nice to know we are using a product that might otherwise go to waste! We get as many shoots as we can from North Arm Farm, but we’ve also been getting some shoots from the wonderful folks at Barnside Brewing, an on-farm-brewery in Delta slated to open this summer (they have lots of hop shoots to spare right now!)

How can we get a taste? Which of your dishes features what they supply? Hop Shoot Salad: warm hop shoots, maple blossom vinaigrette, browned hazelnut butter, peppercress and toasted hazelnuts, finished with pickled green strawberries.

How long will this menu item be on your menu? It will be on as long as Hop Shoots are available – but it’s a short season!