Summer harvest season has officially begun in the Kitchen Garden at The Leaf, and that means fresh, locally grown ingredients are making their way onto the menu at Gather Craft Kitchen & Bar.

One of the most unique partnerships in Assiniboine Park happens just outside The Leaf, where our horticulture team grows a variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers in the Kitchen Garden. Located only a short walk from Gather, the garden allows Chef Mike and his team to incorporate produce harvested at peak freshness into seasonal dishes and features.

Recently, Head Chef Mike joined Outdoor Horticulture Supervisor Craig for a tour and harvest of the garden's early crops. Together, they picked walking onions, beets, Swiss chard, herbs, Saskatoon berries, raspberries, squash, and plenty of lettuce, which will be featured in fresh summer salads and other menu items.

"It's incredibly rewarding to see something we've grown from seed end up on a guest's plate just a few steps away," says Craig. "The Kitchen Garden was created to connect people with where their food comes from, and this partnership with Gather brings that idea to life."

The harvest is only just beginning. Larger crops, including tomatoes, cucumbers, leeks, and additional squash varieties, are still on the way as the growing season continues.

One ingredient Chef Mike is particularly excited about is the patty-pan squash blossoms. These delicate edible flowers can be incorporated into creative seasonal dishes, adding both flavour and visual appeal.

"Having access to ingredients harvested the same day they're served is something really special," says Chef Mike. "The garden inspires us to be creative and build features around what's growing right now. It allows us to celebrate the season and offer guests flavours they won't find at any other time of year."

This collaboration between the horticulture and culinary teams is a true garden-to-table experience, showcasing the best of what the season has to offer while highlighting the incredible work happening in the Kitchen Garden. And if there happens to be any surplus produce, it doesn't go to waste. Leftovers are shared with Park Café and the animals at the Zoo, ensuring every harvest is put to good use.

So next time you visit Gather, keep an eye out for seasonal features inspired by ingredients grown just outside The Leaf. You might be enjoying produce that was harvested only hours before it arrived on your plate!

Gather also hosts "Garden to Gather," an evening that offers a unique opportunity to experience the journey from garden to plate. Begin with a guided tour of the Kitchen Garden and discover how what's growing inspires and supplies the menu at Gather. Then enjoy a curated 6-7 course dining experience with wine and cocktail pairings, featuring the freshest ingredients harvested from our gardens. Throughout the evening, our chefs will share the stories, flavours, and inspiration behind each thoughtfully crafted course.

We have limited spots left for our August 11 event. Learn more.

The Kitchen Garden is located in the outdoor gardens at The Leaf and is open to the public daily!