What?! Chicken? Oysters? Fish or meat? Two of the most wonderful parts of each and every chicken, are its so-called "oysters" - two per animal - which can be found at the junction of the small of the bird's back and its hips. Although Rocky Mountain oysters are something else entirely(!), these chicken nuggets resemble oysters in size only, but have the succulence of dark (chicken) meat and the tenderness of the breast. The French name for these beauties is sot-l'y-laisse, or something akin to "what a fool leaves behind" - and with good reason! They're harvested with a spoon or paring knife and are often, indeed, left behind when many (in this country) butcher a chicken at home or in a restaurant.  Although they're technically a muscle, they're rarely used by the fowl, thereby retaining the soft and super tender nature.

We, as chefs, love using them because they're delicious and a perfect size and foil for just about anything from soup to nuts. In fact, they're delicious with either or both. What makes them special is the fact that each full-size chicken only produces two of these little gems. We're currently offering chicken oysters cornmeal-crusted, alongside our grilled polenta and soft-boiled egg with cherry tomatoes and ancho cream. Mmmmmmm.

Jude Becker grew up on his family's Iowa pig farm, one originally established back in 1850 by his ancestors. Today Jude raises organic pigs in a system developed in Europe over 15 years ago, largely allowing the animals to breed, forage and live naturally - outside - all year round. The animals are under Jude's supervision from birth to slaughter, not only assuring them a humane and happy, natural life in the fields, but preserving a culture and producing an animal with deliciously characteristic and well-marbled meat. In addition, Jude supplies Herb and Kathy at La Quercia with many of their extra special hams with which they make prosciutto, as well as animals for their unique "Acorn Edition" pig program, now entering Year lll.

Becker Lane Organic or for more reading, Boy Meets Pig.

Each year, we accumulate donations through our wine program for four deserving organizations. Their inclusion on our list is based on their work to help preserve diverse food choices, contribute to the local community, support local farmers, and help commit to a more sustainable future. This month as many head back to school, we highlight another worthy contender:

Healthy Schools Campaign (HSC) envisions a day when all students in our schools have equal and easy access to nutritious, healthy meals in a clean, safe and healthy school environment. HSC advocates on behalf of a diverse group of stakeholders for school change, to raise the general awareness and the conditions in which students, teachers and staff learn, eat and work everyday. In a time that many believe the content of much of the lunches served in schools contributes to the rampant spread of childhood diabetes in our society, HSC is working hard to change this. Healthy Schools Campaign