Granny's Parlour

A brief, playful overview of famous cooks, farmer, foodies and homesteaders who may be recognized for public, scientific, political or other  achievements, but often not for their interest in farming, sustainability, food and cooking.

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Richard Branson (1950 – )

On the Ninety Acres Culinary Center web page, you’ll find the words, “Farm to Table is one thing; we are a Table at the Farm.”

Richard Branson’s Ninety Acres Restaurant is situated in Somerset County, New Jersey. The vision for this magnificently restored estate was to secure more than 80% of the foods it serves from local sources, and this it does. In fact, much of the kitchen’s stock comes from the on-site farm.

The vision does not stop there, however. In the future, there may be a farmers’ market right on the premises. And even this is not the end of the road, for Branson also envisions a culinary school and luxury resort.

Upon exploring the splendid website, you will learn that, “Ninety Acres is an epicurean oasis that upholds the agricultural authenticity of the surrounding environment.” The words “Impeccably sourced ingredients” also stand out.

Branson is the founder of more than 400 businesses. His first business was a magazine called Student. He was only 16 at the time. It is interesting to note that one of the world’s best known businessmen actually did poorly in school, perhaps partially due to dyslexia. But, as you know, we always counterbalance our frailties and this is often how our greatest strengths emerge. Branson is living proof. His business savvy is undeniable.

Clearly, one of the planets’ richest businessmen, and one who created a telecommunications empire and has been in space and back still retains deep roots in the land and its fruits. A vicarious epicurean? It takes a vision to plot a garden, any garden, and sowing takes on many forms, including sowing ideas.

Read other entries in Portraits of Cooks & Farmers

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