L.A. Redditors might revile its price (anywhere from $15 to $24 per pound), but once you’ve tasted the sweet, fragrant flesh of Harry’s Berries, you’ll quickly understand why they’re the most expensive strawberries in Southern California. The certified organic family farm in Oxnard grows delicate, flavorful strawberry varieties and only picks them at peak ripeness, shortening shelf life but maximizing flavor. Available at farmers’ markets and upscale grocery stores, they’re favored by many of L.A.’s best chefs.
Now, fourth-generation farmer Molly Gean (daughter of the farm’s namesake, Harry Iwamoto) and her husband Rick are retiring. (Don’t worry: They’re leaving Harry’s Berries in the hands of their adult children and a few of their grandchildren.) In honor of their decades of hard work, A.O.C. is hosting a retirement bash for the Geans complete with a slew of one-night-only Harry’s Berries specials at the restaurant’s Brentwood location on Thursday, September 26.
For Harry’s Berries superfans, it’s a chance to meet the Geans personally as well feast on the farm’s peak season produce, which includes tomatoes and beans as well as strawberries. (While the strawberries are available year-round, they’re generally more plentiful in the summer months.) “This is our moment to pay tribute to an epic lifetime of farming and good food,” chef Suzanne Goin said via press release. “Please join us as we celebrate Molly and Rick!”
Highlights of the one-night-only specials include a spinach and strawberry salad with dandelion, ricotta salata and candied pecans; Alaskan halibut with haricots verts, Santa Barbara pistachios and Harry’s Berries; hanger steak with last-of-the-summer tomatoes and black olive chimichurri; and a strawberry ice cream sandwich with sugar cookies and bittersweet chocolate.
All of the dishes will be available alongside A.O.C. Brentwood’s regular à la carte menu. Dinner reservations for September 26 are available on OpenTable.