Every summer, we look forward to the arrival of juicy Missouri peaches from Eckert’s Farm and the creative ways St. Louis chefs put the seasonal fruit to work. To celebrate the season, Casa Don Alfonso inside The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis has unveiled a limited-time collaboration with Eckert’s Farms.
Available July 7-31, the special menu showcases Eckert’s freestone peaches at the height of the harvest in a lineup of savory dishes, dessert and a seasonal cocktail created by Chef de Cuisine Nino Ricupero and Mixologist Benjamin Gerlach.
The collaboration pairs one of the Midwest’s most beloved family farms with the elevated Italian restaurant, highlighting local ingredients through the lens of Italian cuisine.
“Partnering with Eckert’s allows us to showcase one of the region’s most iconic summer ingredients at its absolute best,” Ricupero said. “Our team has developed dishes that honor the natural sweetness and versatility of fresh peaches while staying true to the Italian culinary traditions that inspire our menu every day.”
The menu includes smoked hamachi crudo topped with grilled Eckert’s peach ceviche tiger milk, crispy pork belly, homemade pickles and avocado mousse, as well as slow-cooked pork belly served with cauliflower noisette purée and a peach balsamic gel. For dessert, guests can order a peach gratin with vanilla custard, fresh Eckert’s peaches and caramelized almonds.
Behind the bar, the Pesca Picante combines peach shrub with habanero, honey and soda water, served alongside a shot of the guest’s spirit of choice.
According to the release, Eckert’s expects one of its largest peach harvests in recent years and will supply fresh peaches directly to the restaurant throughout the collaboration.
“We’re always looking for new ways to celebrate the incredible produce grown on our farm and connect people to the story behind their food,” said Chris Eckert, president of Eckert’s Farms. “This partnership with Casa Don Alfonso brings the farm-to-table experience to life in a truly special way. We’re proud to see our peaches showcased through the creativity of their culinary team and to highlight the role local farms can play in exceptional dining experiences.”
