Biscuit breakfasts and cedar planters at the market this week!
Keep your eyes peeled, folks! As we shake off the bleariness of winter, you’ll notice things changing at the market, whether that’s a new crop of veggies, new faces behind the stalls, or new spots for your favorite vendors. Remember, you can always come find me at the market tent to answer any questions about the market map—I am always happy to point you in the right direction!
While our sister Morning Glory markets that are closed during the winter (I'm looking at you Pelham, Bronxville and Chappaqua) opened weekly last weekend, both the Hastings and Irvington Farmers Markets are on a slightly different schedule. We still alternate with Hastings through May and take a blessed weekend off May 30-31 so we can prep, rest and restore before we start weekly again June 6/7 through November.
All this to say, this is our last Irvington market until June 7th folks, so stock up!
This is your last chance to get plant upstarts from Homegrown Nurseries who will be ut on the grass by the entrance, near our lovely compost volunteers! this week because the plaza is so full. He’s got a gorgeous variety of tomato seedlings, from Sweet Bombs bursting with flavor, to early producing Jasper varieties, or the high-yielding, meaty Red Pearl. Don’t be afraid to ask him questions! I inquired about his intriguingly named “toothache plant” at the last market, and got a fantastic description of edible flowers that taste like a combination of "pop-rocks and novocaine." Nick uses them to make his own fizzy vodka—how fascinating! We're putting him on the grass because this Sunday, he’s paired up next to Home Harvest Cedar Planters, making us a one-stop-shop for all your garden needs.
And speaking of what’s bursting to life through the soil, Diane from Halal Pastures gave me a brilliant education on springtime greens at the last market. Try making a delicate market salad from their Golden Frill Mustard, which is crunchy, peppery, and slightly sweet. Pair it with dried fruit or nuts from Kariba Farms, grilled chicken from Letterbox Farm, and a vinaigrette made with Agape Premium EVOO olive oil, Boogie Down Bronx Honey, and fresh herbs. Make your market work for you!
It’s also the time of year where, if you’re lucky, you can find some short-lived spring green garlic under Halal’s tent. Perfect when braised, sautéed, grilled, or turned into a sauce, like in this stunning charred asparagus with green garlic chimmichuri, just the thing to slather on a steak or from Le Roux Trading Co., R&M Farms, or Farm Eats. Grab a bundle of asparagus spears at Madura or Caradonna, and get cooking! (Pro-tip: If you want get a leg up on next week's BBQ weekend, buy your proteins this Sunday. R&M has a new pepper and onion sausage, btw).
Soupernatural will be unveiling their spring/summer soups, such as broccoli parsnip, carrot ginger, and zucchini, as well as new seasonal salads to feast on. And, for you market veterans who remember how delicious Joe Tomato's fresh mozzarella was, La Trafila now has fresh mozzarella and burrata made hours before market, plus new authentic sandwiches, too, made on their house focaccia.
Recent favorites Cream Bomb Cream Puffs and Mel’s Pierogies will be at the market, too, and let’s give a warm welcome to Coog’s Bites! Chef Julia Clark is gracing us with her talent for comfort food breakfasts and bringing her mouth-watering May biscuit menu. Try the buttermilk with strawberry chia jam, or the sour cream with house-smoked maple pepper bacon. You better believe there’s an egg and cheese breakfast sandwich biscuit too! We are New Yorkers, after all.
If you want something more exotic, look no further than Zabari Falafel, who will be serving up falafel sandwiches and platters all day long.
I have a friend who has recently discovered she’s lactose intolerant, and I can’t wait to have her taste the sweet and delicious goat milk at Sugar Shack Creamery! It’s the freshest and cleanest tasting goat milk I have ever tried, and it’s all because of the level of craft and care Joni and Charlie put into the goat-keeping process. They keep their male goats, or bucks, out of scent-range from the milking does, ensuring that the males’ musky odor doesn’t contaminate the milk. So that’s why it makes the best cinnamon cappuccino ever! Need something sweet to pear your coffee with? No, that wasn’t a typo, just a bad pun — go shopping at Caradonna, then try your hand at this incredible pear and cardamom pie from Zoe Bakes. We promise; sweet, rosy strawberries will be in season when we kick-off in June!
If you're looking for something to do the weekend we're closed (May 31st) head to Wickers Creek Market, a vintage market at the Dobbs Ferry Waterfront.
I found a sunny yellow vintage Dansk pot, with lid, at their last market. At $28, it was an absolute steal! For its inaugural run, I will make this zippy spring risotto, using fish from Pura Vida and chorizo from Iberian Delights.
See you Sunday!
