If the phrase “Jack of all trades” was a reference to the Kennedy’s, I’d be more like the “Ted”. |
My name is Zach Stotter. For those of you who know me, most of this introduction will be common knowledge, but read on anyway. For those who don’t know me well, or at all for that matter, here are a few things about me to let you know what you might be getting into by following my exploits. First: I am a dabbler… that’s not to say that I try things a few times and then move on, it’s more like I try to be good at something so that I can enjoy it, but it shouldn’t rule my identity, or consume my time to the point that I don’t have time to focus on other things. Let’s put it this way, if the phrase “Jack of all trades” was a reference to the Kennedy’s, I’d be more like the “Ted”. A pretty impressive life overall, but he’ll never be on currency. So what do I dabble in? Let’s start with the obvious… the outdoors are my greatest passion. Hunting, fishing, gardening, and even some foraging make up a vast majority of my hobby time. Within these hobbies alone, you could easily be swallowed by the culture of a particular niche. Archery hunting and fly fishing are perhaps the greatest examples of this. But that can’t be me. If I obsessed about archery hunting, when would I go after ducks? If I spend all my time in the duck blind, how will I ever limit out on rabbits? If I spend all my money on fishing equipment, how will I afford tree stands? And if I don’t take time for my family, who’s going to be there for me when all else prove meaningless? Balance is the key, and I wish I was a better practitioner of this sermon, but more on that in a later entry… I am also a conservationist, environmentalist, and lover of nature. This respect for nature is really what pushed me to my other great love: food! An ethical outdoorsman does his best to make a clean harvest and utilize as much as possible. As Hank Shaw (one of my idols) would put it, “nose to tail” cooking. This isn’t a “grind it all up and make bologna” mentality either. That method generally disappoints me because of the amazing meals that can be had through a harvest if people would take the time to respect the art of cooking, rather than just saying it’s “too gamey”. I consider what I cook to be top notch and I would put it up against most restaurants in a heartbeat. However, not every meal can be done with game meat and as I discover new styles and methods and dabble in my own restaurant ideas, I certainly enjoy cooking farm raised foods as well. Far from being a professional chef, I have a vast amount of respect for those who cook professionally and do it with conviction. Knowledge of cooking only leads to a greater appreciation of a well prepared meal. Take risotto for example. Good risotto is not magic, but it’s much more than just rice. If you have great risotto from a restaurant, know that some care went into preparing this dish! Whether it is a grandma making a pie or a 5 star chef presenting a culinary masterpiece, there is love that goes into cooking. It could be love shown through time and dedication to family and friends (think good barbeque) or the passion of a chef for his or her art. This is why I love food… and wine… and beer. I enjoy traveling and trying new foods from high end restaurants and local favorite dives. If I find one worthy of some praise, you can rest assured that you will hear about it. So that’s me. An outdoorsman/foodie/cook. The “Ted of all trades”. This blog, if that’s what you call it, will journal most of my hobbies. Hopefully some of the entries will peak your interest. I think there is something in it for you, even if it’s just the study of a different, but hopefully interesting, thought process. P.S. ~ Don’t get me wrong, I obsess about archery hunting… and nearly obsess about the rest of it.
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A peek into the dining experience. |
Zach Stotter absolutely loves creating new dishes. The aroma, the taste, the colors and texture... new spices, flavors, challenges--he loves it all. Emily loves to eat. More than almost anything. She also loves a house full of happy people. A perfect combination was born.
Married in May of 2015, the Stotters are excited to present The Broken Antler, a unique dining establishment in Central Pennsylvania, serving up international cuisine in a relaxed, quaint, home setting. |
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Do you have a particular dish you'd like to see us make? Do you perhaps wish to celebrate a milestone with an intimate group? Let us know what you're thinking, and we'll chat!
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