Happy Father’s Day from the Irvington Farmers Market!
Last market was a quiet one! Between the heat and Knicks keeping us all up late with their championship-winning game the night before, it seemed like everyone was sleeping in. We’re looking forward to seeing more of you this weekend, as we celebrate Father’s Day at the Irvington Farmers Market! Swing by Cano Coffee or Boxing Day Cafe to get Dad properly caffeinated for the day ahead!
We’re especially excited to have Dough Nation pizza truck there on Sunday with their fabulous “market” pies, made with our vendors’ fresh produce, and Zabari back with his amazing falafel sandwiches and platters. Either option is a good one to treat Dad to a market lunch before or after you shop for your late afternoon/early evening grill fest.
In my family, we’ve long had a no-gifts rule for holidays like this, mostly because my parents already have plenty of stuff. But you know what never clutters up a house? Edible gifts! They’re gone in a flash… especially if you get something as good as Cream Bomb cream puffs! That’s right, Naoko will be back this Sunday… you’ll find me standing in line early to make sure I get one filled with the Earl Gray custard before she runs out as is her wont. So good!
Or perhaps Dad would enjoy a nicely wrapped box of Butter + Bow chocolate cookies. We’ll also have Red Barn Bakery in attendance with their unique scones, muffins, and (my personal favorite) vegan whoopie pies.
But since cherries have arrived at the market, you should probably make your own pie, right? Try this fool-proof hand-scratch pie. Buy extra cherries to make Dad may enjoy this cherry bourbon smash.
And speaking of vegan, please give a warm welcome to our new vendor Black Girl Kimchi! This small-batch company pours so much love into each jar of their unique kimchi, using ingredients from the African diaspora, such as mustard greens, collard greens and okra. Their website calls it — rather brilliantly — a cultural conversation through fermentation, and I for one can’t wait to check out this fusion of flavors. I’m sure they’ll bring their collard greens and mango summer kimchi, or the owner’s personal favorite, the jerk baby bok choy.
Adding more fermented food into our diet is fantastic for gut health — not only does it introduce live probiotics and reduce inflammation, but its breakdown of phytic acid allows our bodies to absorb more minerals. Pick up a jar — your gut will thank you! Try making their adorably-presented kimchi grilled sandwich, or stop by R&M for some poultry to try this chicken and kimchi stir-fry.
I have stir-fries on the brain lately — last week Max from Titusville Farm sent me home with some yukina savoy. Just when I thought I knew most of our market greens, here came this tasty surprise! I sautéed mine in olive oil and threw in an array of Tivoli Farm mushrooms. The outcome was delicious. Somewhere between a bok choy and a collard green, with a slightly peppery kick to it. (Sounds like an ingredient Black Girl Kimchi could really work their fermentation magic on… Can you say collab?!)
But back to Dad for a minute… not to stereotype, but if yours is anything like mine, he might be a big fan of a nice steak dinner! With both R & M Farm and LeRoux Trading Co at the market, you could get your hands on a beautifully marbled ribeye steak, and cook it to perfection. Serve it with a bright arugula salad and some grilled spring onions from Madura Farm. While you're there, wish Happy Father’s Day to Rashaun, who you’ll find working with his son behind the stand.
You could also snag some Farm Eats ground beef to make burgers! Or cheeseburgers, after you stop by Aux Bons Fromages for some of their Harvest Moon, an aged semi-hard variety that melts smoothly over a burger. I’d serve them with this herby potato salad, complete with Doc Pickles olives and fresh herbs from Halal Pastures! Deee-licious.
See you there, with kiddos in tow! And Happy Father’s Day!
