Binkley’s

Kevin Binkley of Binkley’s restaurant called Bob a few months ago wanting to plan an Heirloom Tomato dinner. He wanted to do a special evening to celebrate the different varieties of heirloom tomatoes available in the summer. Bob asked if we would be free to join them, and we agreed before ever looking at a calendar. If you have ever eaten at Binkley’s you know why. If you haven’t, then you are missing a truly incredible culinary treasure.

Kevin’s food is adventurous and genius. He honed his craft at the French Laundry and words fail to describe his talent. Sean and I sat with Bob and Marsha and Kevin’s mother, Nancy, and his stepfather, Julian. The dinner was six courses in all, each one highlighted the flavor and possibilities for the different varieties of tomatoes that Bob brought to the dinner. Talking with Nancy also made me feel a little relief. My own son has dreamt of being a chef someday, but his vision seems set on the executive chef position at Red Lobster. Nancy confessed that Kevin had been a fan of the “Lobster” in college. Thankfully for all of us he has risen to such culinary heights. I have hope now that Aidan will too.

The photographer in Sean had to capture each one before I could take a bite. With Julian’s help, he and I lighted the shots with our iPhones. It was well worth the combined effort, because I wanted to remember every course.

Here are some of the photos from that amazing evening: