“Farmhouse at Descanso Gardens, the new farm-to-table dining destination nestled within the botanical garden and living museum located in La Cañada Flintridge, launched on Friday, May 30, 2025. Developed in collaboration with Southern California’s renowned Chef Rich Mead, Farmhouse is open daily for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, offering an immersive, seasonal culinary experience in Descanso Gardens’ breathtaking 150-acre urban oasis.”
“Farmhouse will enhance the guest experience here at Descanso Gardens,” said Juliann Rooke, CEO of Descanso Gardens. “Through this partnership with Chef Mead, we hope visitors will join us in cultivating a space where nature, great food, and community come together.”
“The Farmhouse at Descanso Gardens culinary program is a harmonious collaboration between two acclaimed Southern California chefs: Chef Rich Mead, the restaurant’s visionary, celebrated for his pioneering work in sustainable cuisine and passion for supporting local farmers; and Chef Adam Cherney, who leads the kitchen as Executive Chef. Sharing Chef Mead’s deep commitment to farm-to-table principles, Chef Cherney is known for his creativity and precision, honed over more than 15 years in top Los Angeles restaurants, including A.O.C., Pace and Saltie Girl. He now embarks on his next chapter at Farmhouse at Descanso Gardens, where he will bring this shared vision to life.”
“Inspired by the exceptional ingredients produced by California farmers and thoughtful purveyors, the seasonal menu is complemented by a garden-to-glass cocktail program and a carefully curated wine list. Start with a selection of shareable plates, including the Farmhouse Charcuterie Board with pickled veggies, house-made seasonal jam & grilled Larder Baking Co. ciabatta; and the Coriander & Cumin-Spiced Carrots served with burrata cheese, carrot top pistou, pistachios and mint. Entrée highlights include the Grilled Autonomy Farms Grass-Fed Coulotte Steak with asparagus, cipollini onions, spinach, crispy fried smashed Weiser Farms potatoes, shiitake mushroom puree & red wine jus; and the Seared Salmon, accompanied by Tehachapi Grain Project Sonora grain, ginger, leek, mushroom, spinach, green beans and Thai vinaigrette.”
“Guests can enjoy a thoughtfully designed space that combines indoor and outdoor seating and a modern, airy aesthetic. With a dynamic menu of seasonal dishes and a garden-to-glass cocktail program, Farmhouse at Descanso Gardens is the perfect setting for both casual meals and special gatherings, inviting guests to connect with nature and savor the freshest flavors of the moment. Farmhouse at Descanso Gardens is open daily for lunch and dinner and weekend brunch with the last reservation at 8:30 p.m. Access to the restaurant is separate from Descanso Gardens and located near the Garden entrance.”
Chef Rich Mead and Adam Cherney are our guests with a salivating overview of Farmhouse at Descanso Gardens.

