Mind-Blowing Matsutakes Earn a Tasting Menu All Their Own

by Rebecca Lockwood

One of the best Pacific Northwest fall mushroom harvests in recent memory is currently underway.  At the center of this harvest is an abundance of wonderful pine mushrooms also known as Matsutake.  The Matsutake at its peak is the most aromatic mushroom that we know of; earthy forest aromas are accentuated by spicy, piney and minty notes. 

The Secret Altura Garden

At Altura restaurant, we receive beautiful local greens from a number of sources, but sometimes it's satisfying to reach to your own garden for a sprig of mint or bright array of flowers. The garden located in Nathan and Rebecca Lockwood's backyard is a wonderful opportunity to not only harvest a number of herbs and greens at an economic price, but to also have confidence in the handling and raising of the produce. 

Boar Feast: Sunday Supper Series #1

by Caitlin Collins

Last weekend, Altura kicked off a new tradition called the Sunday Supper Series. The SSS is an exciting event because not only is the food fantastically delicious and something other than the typical Italian fare, but the price is more accessible, which allows us to open our doors to a wider range of guests who are curious about what we do here at Altura.

We celebrated our cook Nick Apt's 25th birthday with the dinner, which was called the Boar Feast. Here's what the menu looked like:

ANTIPASTI

Boar's Head, Potted Pork, Lardo, Pickled Vegetables

COPPA DI TESTA

Green Garlic, Salsa Verde, Spring Vegetables

TROTTER TOTS

Calabrian Chili Aioli, Lusty Wench (Chef Lockwood's home-brewed red ale)

BOAR'S BLOOD PAPPARDELLE

Spicy Ragu of Braised Pork

BONE-IN ROAST PORK SADDLE

Wild Onion Polenta, Crispy Kale

BLOOD TRUFFLES AND CALVADOS

Flaming Marshmallow

Co-Owners and husband and wife Nathan & Rebecca Lockwood