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food, made out of the very best local product, and supporting local small businesses in the process. Alexandria is ready for this level of cuisine and has proved it by making La Ferme the #1 restaurant on Trip Advisor in Alexandria. The downtown businesses also are great “word of mouth” supporters, directing customers to our doors for a fast delicious lunch or a relaxing fine dining evening meal.” Matthew adds, “Supporting local for us is a value system that was taught to us by our parents long ago! Give back to the community, feed the people what they deserve, and be content with the positive conscience that results with doing it right!” In turn, Matthew and Tanya also believe in shopping local in all aspects of their life. “We shop local for things other than food, especially supporting the small family owned businesses like ourselves; we know how hard it is to make it. We feel local is healthier and more flavorful and just the right way to go when it comes to food. We will only serve the best and we know local, seasonal food is the best.” From the success of La Ferme and beyond, Chef Matthew has a reputation of excellence in Alexandria. The community is certainly happy to have him and La Ferme building new culinary traditions within their community by pushing the boundaries of Fine Dining to a new level. Matthew offers, “We host 5-course dinners with beer and wine pairings each month and they get sold out quickly. We have fast, timeefficient lunches, great table service at our evening meal, and top-notch food at very reasonable prices with high-end beer and wine lists. We support our neighbors and community small businesses. I also teach local community education cooking classes for the school district, can schedule cooking classes for private parties by appointment, and also have inhome chef services.”
The beauty of a homemade and thoughtful meal is what fuels Matthew and makes La Ferme a dining experience worth a visit. “Using made from scratch, raw ingredients means that we know what is in all of our food down to each individual ingredient. This helps people, especially those with dietary restrictions of any type, feel confident and comfortable dining with us at La Ferme,” shares Chef Matthew. “I am an educated chef who can cater to any food needs, and that is refreshing in a world full of food-sensitivities/allergies. My wife is dairy and gluten sensitive, so I understand how hard it is to find a place that you can feel safe for meal choices. I take everything very seriously when it comes to food and when you use local (real) ingredients it is very easy to make healthy and safe food.” Tanya and Matthew invite all, near or far, to make a visit to Alexandria, Minnesota to experience the distinctive La Ferme. “We do have a unique setting; it used to be an old bank, then office space, and now La Ferme.” Matthew adds, “We have a Vault we use as our “Chef ’s Table” where I am able conduct 3 or 5 Course Dinners, by diner request. We also have a “Refuge” for larger groups, meetings, or special events. We have updated our decor to a more “French Farm” theme, and have hung some of my family’s farm pictures on the wall as a focal point and emphasis on farm, family, and fabulous food!” In closing, Chef Matthew Jensen offers the significance of finding and following his passion. And this is something he is grateful for in every day of his work at La Ferme. “I never have to work a day in my life. I do what I love and it makes me happy to serve people the food they deserve to have on their plates: real, local, healthy, and creative. I have stayed true to my customers, the farmers, and ingredients, even if it means making less money or it takes more work to get it on the plate! I will never sacrifice quality at La Ferme.”
SUMMER 2015
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