You'll Really Dig It! Orchard Kitchen's Farm-to-Table Experience
Experience Chef-Crafted Cuisine on a Five-Acre Farm in Whidbey Island, Washington
Tucked away on a five-acre organic farm on Whidbey Island in Washington, Orchard Kitchen represents the ultimate farm-to-table experience where your dinner grows steps from your table.
A Dream Rooted in Expertise
Chef Vincent Nattress built this venture on decades of culinary experience. His culinary journey began at 16 as a dishwasher on his native Whidbey Island, but it was a transformative trip to Europe after high school that ignited his passion for authentic, ingredient-driven cuisine. A three-month stage at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Provence during college cemented his commitment to excellence.
Vincent's California years included prestigious roles as Winery Chef at multiple establishments, founding a successful catering company, and partnering with his wife Tyla to open Roux Restaurant in St. Helena. The San Francisco Chronicle recognized Roux as both a Top 10 New Restaurant and one of the Top 100 Bay Area restaurants overall—no small feat in one of America's most competitive dining markets.
His partnership with Meadowood Napa Valley as Executive Chef further elevated his reputation, working alongside culinary luminaries to transform the property into a gastronomic destination. Yet despite these achievements, Vincent and Tyla felt called back to the Pacific Northwest to create something uniquely their own.
The Perfect Pairing
Tyla Jones Nattress brings her own impressive credentials to this venture. Her East Coast upbringing gave way to a California wine education that included laboratory work at Robert Mondavi Winery and specialized event coordination at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars. Her innovative wine program at Roux focused on small-production bottles with fewer than 1,000 cases—a philosophy that continues to influence Orchard Kitchen's beverage offerings.
Together, Vincent and Tyla spent years searching for the perfect property to realize their vision. In 2011, they discovered their five-acre farm on Bayview Road, and by 2015, Orchard Kitchen opened its doors.
Where Agriculture Meets Artistry
The restaurant's Head Farmer, Savannah Reid, brings an unexpected background to the role. A former Division 1 volleyball champion turned corporate executive, she left her position overseeing 25 LA Fitness locations across three states to pursue authentic work aligned with her values. Her corporate management background translated well to overseeing agricultural operations.
Training under experienced organic farmer Ghislain Jutras, Savannah developed a farming philosophy centered on creating optimal growing conditions. Her approach ensures that every vegetable, herb, and fruit reaching Orchard Kitchen's plates represents the pinnacle of seasonal flavor and nutritional density.
A Communal Evening
Orchard Kitchen operates on a refreshingly simple premise: 32 seats, one seating per evening, Thursday through Saturday at 6 p.m. Each week, Vincent surveys the farm's harvest and connects with local producers before crafting a four-course menu that captures the moment's best offerings. This menu appears on the restaurant's website at the week's start, and reservations fill quickly.
Guests enter an open kitchen and dining room featuring four handcrafted rustic tables that encourage interaction between diners. The intimate communal atmosphere mirrors a well-orchestrated dinner party, with Vincent timing each course to allow conversation and connection between diners.
Orchard Kitchen is located at 5574 Bayview Road in Langley. Check www.orchardkitchen.com for weekly menu updates—you'll definitely dig this farm-fresh experience.
