Shu first came to California from his native Japan in the 1980s, and began working for Nature Farm, a large organic farm based in Camarillo. Debby had been living and working on her family‘s 24-acre farm in Los Olivos, which is home to some of the first wine grapes planted in the Santa Ynez Valley. After Shu and Debby were married, they settled at Debby’s family farm and began The Garden Of ... in the early 1980s on 4 acres of assorted vegetables, greens, and flowers.
The Takikawas‘ specialty is lettuce, which is crisp and succulent. Their potatoes have tender skins, sweetness and a clean flavor. Whether it’s beets, zucchini, kale or carrots, all approach the ideal in appearance and freshness. Other certified organic produce on the farm includes a variety of cruciferous greens, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, squash, leeks, and carrots.
For more than 20 years, the Takikawa family has been farming in Los Olivos. This third-generation, 15-acre farm focuses on sustainable farming practices, with an emphasis on mindfulness. Shu is also as revered for mentoring young farmers as for growing pristine produce.
Jeff and Janet have known Debby and Shu for over 10 years but it was the opening of the restaurant that got them all working more closely together. Jeff truly believes that their lettuces are integral to the success of Eats.