The mighty Copper River is one of the swiftest and most rugged rivers in Alaska. Twisting and cutting deeply through the Wrangell and Chugach mountains, it's 300 mile stretch of pristine glacier-fed waters are riddled by hundreds of rapids.
 
Every May, around the 15th, the first salmon of the season return to the rivers and streams of Alaska with the Copper River being one of the first. King, Sockeye, and Silver salmon embark on their long journeys up the 'Copper to spawn and lay their eggs. As salmon start their  journey up the river and prepare to spawn, their feeding habits diminish. Because the Copper River is so swift, they must store extra fat and oils in order to survive the long trip.
 
This high fat and oil content is why Copper River salmon are recognized as some of the world's best-eating salmon. One taste of this firm red fish, with its rich and nutty flavor, and you will understand why food lovers relish the three to four weeks that fresh Copper River salmon is available each year.
 
Fresh Copper River sockeye salmon, pan seared with a hazelnut basil pesto, fresh grated Gruyère, smashed fingerling potatoes, and green beans. This weekend. Only at the Rookery!

Aquascape Your Outdoor Water Feature

Ever dreamed of adding a water feature to your patio or other outdoor landscape? It's not as difficult as you might think. Learn how on Saturday, June 21 by rolling up your sleeves and participating in the installation of a new pond and waterfall fronting the outdoor music stage at the Rookery.

Most of the digging, plumbing, and electrical work will be completed in advance of your arrival. Because in some ways that's the easy part. And while questions about those steps will be entertained, the main focus of this particular workshop will be on making sure your new water feature doesn't resemble a "cee-ment pond" (a Beverly Hillbillies reference for those below a certain age).

That design challenge will be addressed by workshop leader Sarah Boles of Northern Native Plantscapes. Sarah will discuss and showcase suitable aquatic and upland plants along with proper planting techniques to help your new water feature look as natural as possible. Along with the practical experience participants will receive a packet of resource materials.

The workshop will take place from 1-4 PM, rain or shine. Participants may join Sarah for dinner and continuing conversation afterwards if they choose. Cost is $20 for the workshop with dinner on your own optional.

Aquascape Your Outdoor Water Feature is just one of several workshops you can choose to participate in as part of the day-long Cable Garden Fest on Saturday, June 21. Check out the full schedule of activities by clicking HERE.  

Share the Farm

Once again this summer the Rookery will be partnering with our friends Maurice and Gail Smith of DragSmith Farms (from whom we purchase much of our fresh produce) to offer you the opportunity to receive your own weekly box packed full of tasty and nutritious vegetables.
 
Each time you open your box of freshly picked produce the wonders of sight and smell will greet your senses. The royal colors of an heirloom tomato or the robust earthy smell of carrots greet  you like a warm summer breeze. Family owned for 116 years, DragSmith's entire 104 acres is certified organic. They choose varieties of vegetables that taste good and pair them with growing methods that encourage flavor. Nothing inspires creativity in the kitchen like receiving a box overflowing with freshly picked vegetables. Each week you'll typically receive 6-8 different types, along with menu ideas that are especially helpful for preparing and serving the occasional unique vegetable you may never have tried before.
 
And not only that. The program also happens to be a terrific bargain. A half bushel of fresh garden produce each week for 20 weeks (June 22-Nov 2), delivered to the Rookery for pickup anytime after 4 PM on Thursdays, all for only $475. That's less than $24 per week. Do you know what it would cost to purchase that much organic produce at your local food cooperative or grocery store?
 
But what if you're mostly here in Cable only during our peak summer season? Once again this year DragSmith has agreed to offer our loyal Rookery guests a special "vacation package" farm share: 9 weeks (June 29-Aug 24) for just $225.
 
To sign up for either program simply stop by the Rookery or mail your check to DragSmith Farms, 1346 16 1/2 Avenue, Barron, WI 54812. Include your name, phone, email, and be sure to specify the Rookery as your pickup site. Or this year you can even purchase online. We guarantee you're gonna love it!