Cherries, new granola and giant pretzels!
Opening day was so much fun and guess what? Now we get to do it all over again! It’s going to be a festive day at the market, with a couple of new vendors to introduce to Irviington, and Vicente Saveedra serenading us with his soft Latin ballads.
Rhubarb season is, sadly, fleeting. e and if we are lucky enough to have more of these bright green and rosy stalks — tart, crisp, and just a little nostalgic — you should definitely pick some up! Rhubarb has a way of dividing people, though. My father hates rhubarb almost as much as he hates The Sound of Music — both strong childhood grudges that come from too many screenings at his small-town cinema, and too much of his Nana’s rhubarb pie. (Is there such a thing as too much rhubarb pie?). Lucky for me, I’ve wound up on the opposite end of the spectrum, which means I’ll be picking up a strawberry-rhubarb pie from Noble Pies, returning to our market this season. Lucky us!
Looking toup your cocktail or mocktail game? Summer is the perfect time to get into making your own syrup, whether that’s using Madurarhubarb for this easy rhubarb syrup, or visiting Mead Orchard to make a cherry version! Word on the street is that they’ll have sweet and sour varieties for us this week! How exciting. These syrups pair brilliantly with seltzer, lemonade, margaritas, or even gin & tonics…I might even get some loose leaf blueberry hibiscus Teagevity tea, brew a nice big iced batch, and try them together. I’m guessing the results would be pretty delicious…
And speaking of delicious, we’re thrilled to welcome Zeena Bakery back to the Irvington Farmers Market this Sunday! Purveyor of delicious Levantine specialties, definite fan-favorite from last summer season, and a new mom, please help us show Zeena she has been truly missed! I’ve (seriously) been counting down the days until her return. I’m sure those of you who have tried her maamoul, coffee cardamom chocolate cookies, and focaccia laced with dukkah and za'atar spices, have, too. A wedge of that pillowy focaccia and an oat flat white from Boxing Day Cafe = my perfect market breakfast!
And for those slower mornings at home, we’re also excited to welcome Nicky’s Made with LoveGranola to Irvington! You’ll find her right next to the White Moustache Yogurt tent, an ideal pairing if ever there was one. What began as a passion project during the quieter days of COVID has turned into something really special. Nicky’s approach is simple — find joy in the little things, be kind to your body, and eat what is delicious. Her gluten-free, organic granola is a reflection of all three.
A little birdie told me that there might be apricots at the market this weekend. So early! I know what I have planned if it’s true. I’ve been eyeing this roasted chicken thighs recipe with tangy apricots and carrots for quite some time, and I believe Letterbox and Caradonna Farms might be able to make this dream come true…
Also new to the market: Pretzel Boy! Their soft German-style pretzels and organic sourdough pretzels use New York State flour as the main ingredient. And look at the size of them! Try one of these jumbo treats in Cinnamon Sugar, or their savory varieties.
And with Iberian Delights here this week, as well as our lovely crew from Pura Vida Fisheries and an abundance of fresh herbs under the Halal Pastures tent, this might be the week to try this delicious baked shrimp and chorizo paella with salsa verde! Instead of monitoring it over the stove, you can just pop it in the oven and carry on with your night! What a game changer. (Something Katherine from Mama Hu’s Sushi Bakes knows very well… stop by to see her on Sunday!)
And don’t forget, over the summer, many of our vendors will be coming to the market every other week! This week, stock up at Boogie Down Bronx Honey, Aya Hummus, Agape Premium Olive Oil, La Trafila Pasta (with fresh creamy mozzarella and focaccia sandwiches), and more. Then there's other vendors whose time with us is even more limited — Bitchin' Babkas and Kate Poland Clay are our special visitors this week!
Irvington Girls Scouts (and some Brownies) will be selling maple syrup tapped in the Irvington Woods as a fundraiser for their troops. They'll be set up in front of the school where you can also find some lovely local au pairs doing some creative kids' face painting this week.
Questions about the schedule? Stop by the market tent! I’m always happy to answer questions, swap stories and recipes, and learn more about the people who make our market so special — you!
