A pair of restaurateurs invite old and new friends to gather for a supper that honors the land.
It wasnt just rain, says Alkassar, who recalls the sudden downpour with a hearty laugh.
Our staff was drenched, and the guests were drenched.
Credit:Peter Frank Edwards
The band was super wet.
We were like, Its the Titanic.
Alkassar remembers making the rounds apologizing to patrons.
Credit:Peter Frank Edwards
To his surprise, folks voiced their encouragement rather than complaints.
People were so happy to be in that setting that they were forgiving, he says.
I noticed there were 14 lychee, 5 mango, and a couple of avocado trees.
Credit:Peter Frank Edwards
Lychees andmangoesare my top two favorite fruits in the world.
I was like, Where do we sign?
I realized that most people just dont know how much effort goes into growing great produce, he says.
Credit:Peter Frank Edwards
We didnt have any formal experience, so it was a lot of trial and error.
But we dug our own trenches for irrigation and built beds, he says.
But the spirit remains the same.
Whats growing determines the meal, says Patel.
Its cooking from my with heart and making what Im feeling at the moment.
Guests have no idea what theyre in for until they are at the Rancho.
Credit:Peter Frank Edwards
Its the most eclectic group of individuals youll ever meet, says Alkassar of those who come.
We have everyone from retired couples from Coral Gables to the party crowd from Miami.
Its honestly the most wholesome thing Ive ever been a part of, says Alkassar.
Credit:Peter Frank Edwards
Our team fights over who gets to staff these events.
Its physical work, but its incredible.
Thats almost half the reason we do it, he says.
Sundays at the Rancho are as important for all of us as they are for our guests.
