The Philly Food Feed

Blueberry Pumpkin Muffins

2012-01-15T13:13:00.003-05:00

I mentioned the other day how much my family loves pumpkins and how we have been using the proceeds of Fall's pumpkin bounty to make baked goods galore throughout these not-so-cold winter months. We found one of our favorite recipes on Allrecipes.Com and have tweaked it enough to make it a super healthy snack for the Philly Food Feed Family - Blueberry and Pumpkin Muffins. When I first found this recipe my wife thought it would be an odd combination but since we became blueberry freezing fanatics over the summer, we have an abundance of the blue buggers. I just typed in pumpkin and blueberry into Google and the first recipe that came up has been what we have been going with. I substituted part of the flour with wheat germ and add flax meal as well. Antioxidants (blueberries/flax), Fiber (pretty much all of the dry ingredients, and Beta Carotene (from the pumpkin) makes this recipe healthy as well as delicious. Here is the recipe we have been using - Enjoy!

1/4 Cup of Wheat Germ
1/2 Cup of All Purpose White Flour
3/4 Cup of Quick Cooking Oates
1/3 Cup of Flax Meal
1/2 Cup of White Sugar
2 tsp. of Baking Powder
3/4 tsp. of Salt
1 tsp. Ground Cinnamon
1/2 tsp. Ground Nutmeg
1/2 Cup of Pureed Pumpkin
1/2 Cup of Milk
1 Egg
1/4 Cup of Butter, melted
3/4 Cup of Blueberries

Directions

1.Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease and flour muffin pan or use paper liners.
2.Mix all of the dry ingredients together in a mixing bowl until evenly blended.
3.In a separate bowl, stir together the pumpkin, milk, egg, and butter.
4.Gradually stir in the flour mixture, just until all ingredients are moistened.
5.Fold in the blueberries. Spoon batter into muffin cups, filling to the top.
6.Bake in preheated oven until tops spring back when lightly pressed, about 20 minutes.

If you make this, please let us know. If you take a picture, even better!

Greetings From the Pennsylvania Farm Show!

2012-01-13T13:21:00.000-05:00

This year, one of my New Year's resolutions was to post more on this blog; what better way to start working on that resolution than by taking a trip to the 96th annual Pennsylvania Farm Show?
On Wednesday, we packed up the car and took a trip to Harrisburg to take in the sights and sounds (and tastes) of Pennsylvania farming at it's finest. The PA Farm Show is the largest indoor agriculture expo in the country with an attendance of about 400,000 people yearly. When we arrived, it seemed like all of those 400,000 people were there at once.

There is fried fungus among us.

The car ride was over two and a half hours long and the baby needed to eat (yeah, the baby...) so when we got there we decided to explore the Food Court first. So did everyone else evidently but that was okay. Although crowded, the lines were fast and there were plenty of places to stand and eat. In fact, the long tables that were set up for eating actually promoted conversation between strangers. Strangers whose camaraderie began and ended with which vendor they purchased their meal from and "Wow I'm going to that stand for dinner!" I decided to honor Pennsylvania's foremost fungus, the mushroom. Thanks to the PA Mushroom Growers Cooperative, I was able to enjoy some deep fried breaded mushrooms and a chaser of some cream of mushroom soup. I know, much mushrooms but the proceeds go to the American Mushroom Institute which supports mushroom growers throughout the country. In fact, the income from all of the food court fair goes to support the various Pennsylvania Agricultural Commodity Organizations and we were going to help as many of them as our waistlines allowed. Sarah and Ethan did their part to help the PA Potato Growers Cooperative with their copious consumption of fresh cut french fries. Sarah also helped me with my mushroom bounty. It was a farm show family affair indeed.
After lunch it was off to the Large Arena for some Kids Tractor Pulling and Tractor appreciation. We didn't arrive in time to enter Ethan into the Tractor Pulling, but it was cute to watch young kids peddling their hearts out to win a tractor toy and the affection and adulation of the audience. While that was going on we decided to tour the infield and appreciate all of the various tractors lined up for the Tractor Square Dance. No, we didn't see the actual square dance (would have been nice) but we did see some fine pieces of machinery, I tell you what:

After much tractor appreciation, it was time to seek out some livestock. We promised Ethan animals on this trip and he was not to be trifled with. Good for us that this expo did not want for animals. As long as you could tolerate the odor, you could mingle with cows and chickens and turkeys and pigs and goats and sheep...you get the picture. Never had I seen so many cows in one place in my life. It was utterly ridiculous (yep, I went there). Ethan was bombarded with bovines; at one point a cow hit him in the face with it's tail. I guess that was the cow's way of telling him to moooove over. The cows didn't have to tell us...if I ever see a cow poop again in my life, it will be too soon. Ethan liked that part however, and demanded throughout the rest of the day to see more cows "pooping and peeing". On a more serious note, when you go to the Farm Show, you can't help but learn about the aspects of farming that you usually take for granted. Continuing with the cows, we were surprised to learn that there are 7,304 dairy farms in Pennsylvania, home to over 541,000 dairy cows. Of those dairy farms, 98% of them are family owned and operated. This information was provided by the PA Dairymen's Association, as well as fried cheese cubes on a stick (that was dinner, along with pulled pork nachos...slimming). Moovelous! (I know, definitely going overboard).

Gladys, I wish this guy would stop taking pictures of us.

After cows came chickens, goats, rabbits, alpacas (yes, alpacas)...there were so many animals I can't chronicle them all - this would be less of a blog post and more of a novel. We went without consulting a map and it seemed like whenever you thought you were at the end of a hall there would be an opening to another hall...it was endless. All I have mentioned so far is the animals and as we all know, farming in Pennsylvania also consists of fruits and vegetables. And of course, with over 10,000 exhibitions we were bound to come across some of their offerings. Little did we know, we would also come across an old friend of the feed...Ben Wenk (actually we did know, he has been regaling his Facebook followers all week of his Farm Show exploits. It was more of a little did we know if we could find him). We caught up with him on the Main Floor selling, you guessed it, apples!
Ben was splitting time between his Main Hall apple selling and the food court where he was dishing out apple dumplings, caramel apples, dried apples...pretty much anything apple under the sun. Ben's fruitful labor (ha ha, I'm on a roll) was on behalf of the State Horticultural Association of Pennsylvania (SHAP) and its major benefactor, the Penn State College of Agricultural Science Fruit Research Extension Centerlocated in Biglerville, PA, which happens to be in Ben's backyard. From their website: "In addition to providing site-specific conditions for research, the facility increases opportunities for growers, consultants, consumers, and students to observe experiments and to consult with scientists. Extension specialists apply experimental findings to local conditions, and, in turn, make suggestions to scientists about new research needs." For the laymen reading (and writing) this post, centers like this one help ensure the best quality fruit hits our lips through research, experiments and information sharing. For those who just think farmers' only spend part of year at their craft, Ben Wenk is an example of how that just isn't so. Next time you see him at the Headhouse, thank him for his commitment. I was thanking him on the way home while I was chowing down on a famous Three Springs Fruit Farm Honeycrisp Apple.

Speaking of fruits and vegetables, I would be remiss if I didn't talk about all the various pumpkins we saw at the Show. We love pumkins in this house whether for ornamental purposes or for cooking. We have been making pumpkin muffins with blueberries from the summer all winter long. In honor of those muffins, Ethan posed with a pumpkin that would have us making muffins between now and when Chelsea Clinton is President.

So there you have it. I mean, I could write so much more but I'm going to let some more photos tell the story. It was really a great time for our family at the Farm Show. If you have a chance to check it out this weekend, it's worth the trip. Pennsylvania farmers are the best and this Farm Show proves it!

Benefits of the Acai Berry

2011-12-19T10:17:00.001-05:00

From time to time I like to post tidbits about healthy foods that I feel people should be aware of. The acai berry is one of those foods.

The acai berry is renowned for an array ofproperties and one such property is its high antioxidant qualities. The acai berry can be taken in liquid or rawform and can be found in an assortment of health food stores worldwide. One place to look is http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/,the health food store often has a variety of offers on and you will often seedeals such as buy three products, get the cheapest free.

Healthy snacking is a great way to stop thecravings and next time you reach for the chocolate, try reaching for a healthyfood instead; such as nuts, berries, and dried fruits. All are high in fibre,vitamins and antioxidants and will help you keep up a balanced diet.

Berries have a variety of qualities andacai berries are one of the more sought after due to one particularquality. These unique berries in factpromote weight loss and the best bit is they are also completely organic.

Berries, nuts and dried fruits are allavailable in health food stores and are a much better alternative to the likesof greasy and fried foods. The workschedules of today often mean that we work longer hours and the work vendingmachine becomes extremely tempting on many occasions!

Try taking a few healthy snacks to workinstead of your purse, this way you won't be tempted by the unhealthy snacks onoffer and can instead enjoy tasty and healthy goodness as appose to sweets,crisps, chocolate bars. All of thelisted will only leave you feeling bloated and unsatisfied rather than good aboutyour body.

Acai berries are not only tasty; they aregood for you & what other reason do you need to invest in the superfruit?

Fresh Food at Broad and Olney

2011-10-16T09:25:00.001-04:00

Septa's Olney Transportation Center dominates the scenery at the intersection of Broad Street and Olney Avenue and a vast array of amenities are available to those switching from bus to subway or vice versa. A person can have a donut, go to the bank, get a burger, shop at the dollar store, or even purchase a wig; the choices are practically limitless. Now, the frequenters of the area have a healthy and fresh choice to add to their list – produce from the weekly farmers’ market. Sponsored by the Food Trust, this market is part of the Get Healthy Philly initiative launched last year by the Philadelphia Department of Health in effort to combat the city’s growing obesity problem.

Throughout the summer and now into the fall, this market has provided area residents and commuters a cornucopia of freshly picked fruits and vegetables locally grown in Lancaster County. This season’s bounty has included green peppers, eggplant, onions, broccoli, cauliflower, sweet corn, sweet potatoes, collard greens, kale, tomatoes, apples, peaches, plums and more. Hillside Farm, the purveyor at the market is helmed by Amish farmer John King and his family who also bring fresh baked goods to the market as well as cheese and yogurt. While the current fall season has seen the end of some of the fruit, apples are still plentiful and will be until the market ends. Most of the vegetables listed are still available and will be available until the end of the market as well.

Farmer John is pleased by the turnout for this first year market and attributes some of the market’s success to the acceptance of Snap/Food Stamps, WIC Farmers’ Market Checks, and Philly Food Bucks. Philly Food Bucks help those with ACCESS cards save money at the farmers’ market. For every 5 dollars spent at the market with the ACCESS card, you receive 2 dollars back in Philly Food Bucks for more fruits and vegetables.

If you haven’t been to this market yet, you have until Thanksgiving to give it a try. The Olney Transportation Center farmers’ market is located at Broad Street and Olney Avenue and is open every Wednesday from 2PM to 6PM until November 23rd. What better way to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday than with some fresh nutritious fall produce? We will see you next Wednesday!

For My Friends in Frankford...

2011-08-11T01:00:00.000-04:00

Celebrate the Arts with the Frankford CDC
Wish the First Friday events throughout the City took place on Saturday afternoons? Well, the Frankford Community Development Corporation invites you to join us for our "Second Saturday" series of arts festivals this summer and fall. We are hosting art displays and sales along Frankford Avenue on August 13th, September 10th and October 8th from 12n to 3p. Meet us on the 4500 block of Frankford in August, the 4700 block in September, and the 4600 block in October to peruse art, take in great performances, and find something delicious to much. Are you an artist who wants to participate? Call 215-743-6580 and visit www.frankfordcdc.com for more information.

Farmers in Frankford

2011-07-28T08:17:00.002-04:00

Tuesday marked the first ever farmers' market at the Frankford Transportation Center (Bridge and Pratt to you Northeasters). This is a great moment for those in Northeast Philadelphia who are underserved as far as producer only farmers' markets are concerned. Some local press was there to cover the event - check out some of the pictures posted by the Frankford Gazette!

The market runs from 2pm to 6pm every Wednesday through October. You can pick up locally grown produce on your way home from work. Love it!

The Return of the Peach

2011-07-12T19:10:00.001-04:00

The other day I was driving to work after skipping breakfast. Because I am what I and my family affectionately refers to as a “Diabeto”, it was necessary for me to eat on the road. I grabbed a peach purchased at Margerum’s Herbs at Clark Park (43rd and Baltimore Ave.) and was on my way. I feel the need to mention that I was wearing a newly purchased dress shirt. As I hit 95, I fished into my lunch bag and pulled out the aforementioned peach and proceeded to take a bite.

This peach was so damn juicy that by the time I arrived at work, my new shirt was peached and my hands were sticky and my face was sticky and it was dumb to skip breakfast at home. Peach was good though, really good.

Equally as good was the peach I sampled at the Oxford Valley Farmers’ Market (900 E. Howell St.) last Thursday from Eden Farms farmer Joe Christophel. I was privy to the first peach of the market and it was like biting into a pitted piece of Heaven. I made sure I told any customer I saw and probably sold a few peaches myself that way.

The Headhouse Farmers' Market (2nd and Lombard St.) is not immune to peach fever. I made sure to stop by and see my old friend Ben Wenk at Three Springs Fruit Farm. After biting into the first one of the many yellow peaches I brought home, I remembered why I frequent his stand throughout the summer. When the doughnut peaches come, I camp out like they are Dylan tickets. Nobody camps out for tickets anymore, but you get the point.

So I guess the point here is that peaches are everywhere. And for those on a health kick, peaches are a great source of Vitamin C. Taste good and good for you. Peachy!

Grilling For a Cause

2011-07-11T21:36:00.000-04:00

This past Saturday I was honored to participate in the Acme Family Day at the Stockman and Dakota Coral as a celebrity griller. That is not a typo – I am now officially a celebrity. And if that doesn’t move you, I will go even further to say that I won the grilling showdown and my charity, The Food Trust, received a $5000.00 donation as a result. While all of this is awesome news, my wife is now in the market for a contractor to widen our doorways due to my increased head size. Remember that scene in “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” when the Grinch’s heart grew really big really fast? Imagine my already big bald head instead of the Grinch’s tiny heart and you’ll get the picture.

Though the competition was stiff – Lori Wilson , anchor at NBC 10 and Shannon Shaffer, blogger at fortheMommas.com, ultimately I prevailed. I think the tide might have been turned by my vote glomming and baby kissing (literally, I had my sister-in-law bring my 2 ½ year old son so I could be kissing babies). He had fun too! The “Coral” was actually the parking lot of the Acme off of Red Lion Road in the Great Northeast, converted to the Wild West with bales of hay and cowboys. Yee Haw!

It was a great day for this celebrity blogger and even a greater day for the Food Trust. Thanks to Acme for making it all possible!

7th Annual Good Food, Good Beer Celebration

2011-07-10T23:15:00.000-04:00

This upcoming Saturday will find the Headhouse Shambles awash with Foodies. Farm to City and Slow Food Philadelphia are joining forces again to bring the Good Food, Good Beer and the Rest is History Celebration to the city. This year’s participants include:

• Countrytime Farms
• Feast Your Eyes Catering
• Healthy Bites
• The Restaurant School
• BT Baking
• Philly Compost
• Earth Bread and Brewery
• Philadelphia Brewing Co.
• Stoudts’ Brewing Co.
• Victory Brewing Co.
• My House Cookies
• Eco Products

You can get tickets at http://www.slowfoodphilly.org/events/gfgb-2011/. Last year was a blast and there is no reason to believe this year will be any different. Ticket proceeds will benefit Farm to City and Slow Food Philadelphia to further their efforts for a more sustainable Philadelphia. Good food, good company and a sustainable city. Who could ask for more?

Philly Area Farmers' Markets - July 4th to July 10th

2011-07-04T00:54:00.000-04:00

Tuesday

West Oak Lane
Ogantz Ave. at 72nd Ave.
Hours: 2pm - 6pm

Strawberry Mansion

Hours: 2pm - 6pm

North 33rd Street at Diamond.

Rittenhouse Farmers' Market

Hours: 10am to 1pm

Walnut Street (South Sidewalk) and 18th

South and Passyunk Farmers' Market

Hours: 2:30pm to 7pm

On Passyunk Ave, off South Street just east of 5th

Mt. Airy Farmers' Market

Hours: 3pm to 7 pm

William Allen Plaze of Lutheran Theological Seminary, on the 7200 block of Germantown Ave.

Walnut Hill Farm Stand

Hours: 3pm to 6pm

4610 Market Street, adjacent to SEPTA 46th Street location.

Grays Ferry

Hours: 2pm to 6pm

29th Street at Wharton Street.

Broad and Ritner

Hours: 2pm to 7pm

Broad Street at Ritner Street.

Point Breeze

Hours: 2pm to 6pm

22nd Street at Tasker Street.

Wednesday

Haddington Wednesday (Opening Day!)
Hours: 1pm to 5pm
52nd Street an Haverford Ave.

Cliveden Park
Hours: 2pm to 6pm
Chew Ave. at Johnson Street

Village of Arts and Humanities

Hours: 2pm to 6pm

10th Street and Germantown Aves.

Broad and South

Hours: 2pm to 7pm

Broad and South Streets.

Schuylkill River Park

Hours: 3pm to 7pm

25th Street at Spruce.

University Square Farmers' Market

Hours: 10am to 3pm

36th Street at Walnut.

Fountain Farmers' Market

Hours: 3pm to 7pm

East Passyunk Ave. at 11th and Tasker Street.

Oakmont Farmers' Market (Havertown)

Hours: 3pm to 7pm

Oakmont Municipal Parking Lot, Darby Road just west of Eagle Road

Thursday

Fairmount Farmers' Market

Hours: 3pm to 7pm

22nd Street at Fairmount Ave.

Cecil B. Moore

Hours: 2pm to 6pm

Cecil B. Moore Ave. at Broad Street.

Clark Park

Hours: 3pm to 7pm

43rd Street at Baltimore Ave.

Oxford Circle Farmers' Market

Hours: 2pm to 6 pm

900 E. Howell Street. at the Oxford Circle Mennonite Church

Palmer Park

Hours: 2pm to 6pm

Frankford Ave. at East Palmer Street.

Norris Square Farmers' Market

Hours: 1pm to 5pm

West Susquehanna Ave. at Howard Street.

Suburban Station Farmers' Market

Hours: Noon to 6:30pm

16th Street Concourse between Market Street. and JFK

Jefferson Farmers' Market

Hours: 11am to 3:30pm

Chestnut Street, East of 10th Street.

Bala Cynwyd Farmers' Market

Hours: 3pm to 7pm

GSB Building on Parking Lot, on Belmont Ave, near St. Asaph's Road.

Media Farmers' Market

Hours: 3pm to 7pm

State Street. between Monroe and Gayley Street.

Friday

Haddington Friday (Opening Day!)
Hours: 1pm to 5pm
52nd Street an Haverford Ave.

East Falls Farmers Market

Hours: 3pm to 7pm

Midvale Ave near Ridge Ave.

Walnut Hill Farm Stand

Hours: 3pm to 6pm

4610 Market Street, adjacent to the SEPTA 46th. Street El Station.

Germantown Farmers' Market

Hours: 2pm to 6pm

Germantown Ave and Walnut Lane.

Saturday

Clark Park

Hours: 10am to 2pm

43rd Street at Baltimore Ave.

Fitler Square

Hours: 9am to 2pm

22nd Street at Pine Street

Overbrook Farms

Hours: 9am to 1pm

Lancaster Ave at City Ave.

Hunting Park Farmers' Market

Hours: 10am to 2pm

West Hunting Park Ave at Old York Road

Rittenhouse Farmers' Market

Hours: 9:30am to 3pm

Walnut Street (South Sidewalk) and 18th

Chestnut Hill Growers Market

Hours: 9:30am to 1:30pm

Winston Road between Germantown Ave. and Mermaid Lane

Girard and 27th Farm Stand

Hours: 10am to 1pm

NW corner of 27th Street at Girard Ave.

Bryn Mawr Farmers' Market

Hours: 9am to 1pm

Municipal Lot 7 on Lancaster Ave., in front of the Bryn Mawr Train Station

Swarthmore Farmers' Market

Hours: 9:30am to 1:30pm

In Municipal Building Parking Lot across from the Swarthmore Co-op

Lansdowne Farmers' Market

Hours: 9am to 1pm

26 North Lansdowne Ave, Lansdowne, PA.

Sunday

Dickinson Square Farmers' Market

Hours: 10am to 2pm

Southeast Corner of Dickinson Square, on Moyamensing near Morris Street.

Headhouse Farmers' Market

Hours: 10am to 2pm

2nd Street at Lombard Street.

Philly Area Farmers' Markets - June 27th to July 3rd

2011-06-27T22:02:00.002-04:00

Tuesday

West Oak Lane
Ogantz Ave. at 72nd Ave.
Hours: 2pm - 6pm
Strawberry Mansion

Hours: 2pm - 6pm

North 33rd Street at Diamond.

Rittenhouse Farmers' Market

Hours: 10am to 1pm

Walnut Street (South Sidewalk) and 18th

South and Passyunk Farmers' Market

Hours: 2:30pm to 7pm

On Passyunk Ave, off South Street just east of 5th

Mt. Airy Farmers' Market

Hours: 3pm to 7 pm

William Allen Plaze of Lutheran Theological Seminary, on the 7200 block of Germantown Ave.

Walnut Hill Farm Stand

Hours: 3pm to 6pm

4610 Market Street, adjacent to SEPTA 46th Street location.

Grays Ferry

Hours: 2pm to 6pm

29th Street at Wharton Street.

Broad and Ritner

Hours: 2pm to 7pm

Broad Street at Ritner Street.

Point Breeze

Hours: 2pm to 6pm

22nd Street at Tasker Street.

Wednesday

Cliveden Park (Opening Day!)
Hours: 2pm to 6pm
Chew Ave. at Johnson Street

Village of Arts and Humanities (Opening Day!)

Hours: 2pm to 6pm

10th Street and Germantown Aves.

Broad and South

Hours: 2pm to 7pm

Broad and South Streets.

Schuylkill River Park

Hours: 3pm to 7pm

25th Street at Spruce.

University Square Farmers' Market

Hours: 10am to 3pm

36th Street at Walnut.

Fountain Farmers' Market

Hours: 3pm to 7pm

East Passyunk Ave. at 11th and Tasker Street.

Oakmont Farmers' Market (Havertown)

Hours: 3pm to 7pm

Oakmont Municipal Parking Lot, Darby Road just west of Eagle Road

Thursday

Fairmount Farmers' Market

Hours: 3pm to 7pm

22nd Street at Fairmount Ave.

Cecil B. Moore

Hours: 2pm to 6pm

Cecil B. Moore Ave. at Broad Street.

Clark Park

Hours: 3pm to 7pm

43rd Street at Baltimore Ave.

Oxford Circle Farmers' Market

Hours: 2pm to 6 pm

900 E. Howell Street. at the Oxford Circle Mennonite Church

Palmer Park

Hours: 2pm to 6pm

Frankford Ave. at East Palmer Street.

Norris Square Farmers' Market

Hours: 1pm to 5pm

West Susquehanna Ave. at Howard Street.

Suburban Station Farmers' Market

Hours: Noon to 6:30pm

16th Street Concourse between Market Street. and JFK

Jefferson Farmers' Market

Hours: 11am to 3:30pm

Chestnut Street, East of 10th Street.

Bala Cynwyd Farmers' Market

Hours: 3pm to 7pm

GSB Building on Parking Lot, on Belmont Ave, near St. Asaph's Road.

Media Farmers' Market

Hours: 3pm to 7pm

State Street. between Monroe and Gayley Street.

Friday

East Falls Farmers Market

Hours: 3pm to 7pm

Midvale Ave near Ridge Ave.

Walnut Hill Farm Stand

Hours: 3pm to 6pm

4610 Market Street, adjacent to the SEPTA 46th. Street El Station.

Germantown Farmers' Market

Hours: 2pm to 6pm

Germantown Ave and Walnut Lane.

Saturday

Clark Park

Hours: 10am to 2pm

43rd Street at Baltimore Ave.

Fitler Square

Hours: 9am to 2pm

22nd Street at Pine Street

Overbrook Farms

Hours: 9am to 1pm

Lancaster Ave at City Ave.

Hunting Park Farmers' Market

Hours: 10am to 2pm

West Hunting Park Ave at Old York Road

Rittenhouse Farmers' Market

Hours: 9:30am to 3pm

Walnut Street (South Sidewalk) and 18th

Chestnut Hill Growers Market

Hours: 9:30am to 1:30pm

Winston Road between Germantown Ave. and Mermaid Lane

Girard and 27th Farm Stand

Hours: 10am to 1pm

NW corner of 27th Street at Girard Ave.

Bryn Mawr Farmers' Market

Hours: 9am to 1pm

Municipal Lot 7 on Lancaster Ave., in front of the Bryn Mawr Train Station

Swarthmore Farmers' Market

Hours: 9:30am to 1:30pm

In Municipal Building Parking Lot across from the Swarthmore Co-op

Lansdowne Farmers' Market

Hours: 9am to 1pm

26 North Lansdowne Ave, Lansdowne, PA.

Sunday

Dickinson Square Farmers' Market

Hours: 10am to 2pm

Southeast Corner of Dickinson Square, on Moyamensing near Morris Street.

Headhouse Farmers' Market

Hours: 10am to 2pm

2nd Street at Lombard Street.

The Northeast Philly Food Feed

2011-06-23T11:48:00.000-04:00

I live in Northeast Philadelphia and also write for a Northeast Philadelphia blog. Check it out if you are so inclined - The Northeast Philly Food Feed

Philly Area Farmers' Markets - June 20th to June 26th

2011-06-20T18:53:00.001-04:00

Tuesday

West Oak Lane (Opening Day!)
Ogantz Ave. at 72nd Ave.
Hours: 2pm - 6pm

Strawberry Mansion

Hours: 2pm - 6pm

North 33rd Street at Diamond.

Rittenhouse Farmers' Market

Hours: 10am to 1pm

Walnut Street (South Sidewalk) and 18th

South and Passyunk Farmers' Market

Hours: 2:30pm to 7pm

On Passyunk Ave, off South Street just east of 5th

Mt. Airy Farmers' Market

Hours: 3pm to 7 pm

William Allen Plaze of Lutheran Theological Seminary, on the 7200 block of Germantown Ave.

Walnut Hill Farm Stand

Hours: 3pm to 6pm

4610 Market Street, adjacent to SEPTA 46th Street location.

Grays Ferry

Hours: 2pm to 6pm

29th Street at Wharton Street.

Broad and Ritner

Hours: 2pm to 7pm

Broad Street at Ritner Street.

Point Breeze

Hours: 2pm to 6pm

22nd Street at Tasker Street.

Wednesday

Broad and South

Hours: 2pm to 7pm

Broad and South Streets.

Schuylkill River Park

Hours: 3pm to 7pm

25th Street at Spruce.

University Square Farmers' Market

Hours: 10am to 3pm

36th Street at Walnut.

Fountain Farmers' Market

Hours: 3pm to 7pm

East Passyunk Ave. at 11th and Tasker Street.

Oakmont Farmers' Market (Havertown)

Hours: 3pm to 7pm

Oakmont Municipal Parking Lot, Darby Road just west of Eagle Road

Thursday

Fairmount Farmers' Market

Hours: 3pm to 7pm

22nd Street at Fairmount Ave.

Cecil B. Moore

Hours: 2pm to 6pm

Cecil B. Moore Ave. at Broad Street.

Clark Park

Hours: 3pm to 7pm

43rd Street at Baltimore Ave.

Oxford Circle Farmers' Market

Hours: 2pm to 6 pm

900 E. Howell Street. at the Oxford Circle Mennonite Church

Palmer Park

Hours: 2pm to 6pm

Frankford Ave. at East Palmer Street.

Norris Square Farmers' Market

Hours: 1pm to 5pm

West Susquehanna Ave. at Howard Street.

Suburban Station Farmers' Market

Hours: Noon to 6:30pm

16th Street Concourse between Market Street. and JFK

Jefferson Farmers' Market

Hours: 11am to 3:30pm

Chestnut Street, East of 10th Street.

Bala Cynwyd Farmers' Market

Hours: 3pm to 7pm

GSB Building on Parking Lot, on Belmont Ave, near St. Asaph's Road.

Media Farmers' Market

Hours: 3pm to 7pm

State Street. between Monroe and Gayley Street.

Friday

East Falls Farmers Market

Hours: 3pm to 7pm

Midvale Ave near Ridge Ave.

Walnut Hill Farm Stand

Hours: 3pm to 6pm

4610 Market Street, adjacent to the SEPTA 46th. Street El Station.

Germantown Farmers' Market

Hours: 2pm to 6pm

Germantown Ave and Walnut Lane.

Saturday

Clark Park

Hours: 10am to 2pm

43rd Street at Baltimore Ave.

Fitler Square

Hours: 9am to 2pm

22nd Street at Pine Street

Overbrook Farms

Hours: 9am to 1pm

Lancaster Ave at City Ave.

Hunting Park Farmers' Market

Hours: 10am to 2pm

West Hunting Park Ave at Old York Road

Rittenhouse Farmers' Market

Hours: 9:30am to 3pm

Walnut Street (South Sidewalk) and 18th

Chestnut Hill Growers Market

Hours: 9:30am to 1:30pm

Winston Road between Germantown Ave. and Mermaid Lane

Girard and 27th Farm Stand

Hours: 10am to 1pm

NW corner of 27th Street at Girard Ave.

Bryn Mawr Farmers' Market

Hours: 9am to 1pm

Municipal Lot 7 on Lancaster Ave., in front of the Bryn Mawr Train Station

Swarthmore Farmers' Market

Hours: 9:30am to 1:30pm

In Municipal Building Parking Lot across from the Swarthmore Co-op

Lansdowne Farmers' Market

Hours: 9am to 1pm

26 North Lansdowne Ave, Lansdowne, PA.

Sunday

Dickinson Square Farmers' Market

Hours: 10am to 2pm

Southeast Corner of Dickinson Square, on Moyamensing near Morris Street.

Headhouse Farmers' Market

Hours: 10am to 2pm

2nd Street at Lombard Street.

Clark Park - A Photo Expose'

2011-06-20T14:18:00.000-04:00

On Thursday, the north section of Clark Park reopened after months of renovations. This part of the park is home to a successful farmers' market on Thursdays during the Spring and Summer and Saturdays all year 'round. Here are some photos from this past Thursday and Saturday, the first days after the park was reopened. You should have been there! And if you were...see you next week!

Courtesy of Mukethe Kawinzi

Heat Doesn't Stop the Markets

2011-06-13T19:39:00.001-04:00

Photo Courtesy of Mukethe Kawinzi

John Esch wiped his brow and took a hard swig of his water bottle. He has just traveled over three hours, from the outskirts of Gettysburg, arriving at 900 E. Howell Street – the site of the Oxford Circle Farmers’ Market. He, along with two other vendors, braved the near 100⁰ heat last Thursday to bring farm fresh fruits and vegetables and baked goods to the people of the great Northeast.

Last Thursday was the opening day of the Oxford Circle Farmers’ Market as well as the opening day of two other farmers’ markets across the city; one at Norris Square (West Susquehanna Street) and Palmer Park (Frankford Ave. at East Palmer Street). This totals six markets operating on Thursdays this summer sponsored by The Food Trust, a local non-profit dedicated to the proliferation of healthy, nutritious food, throughout the Philadelphia area. Although turnout throughout the city was light, it was to be expected considering the oppressive heat. However, those who were able to attend were rewarded with freshly picked produce from local Pennsylvania producers. These markets, as well as a host of others, will be going on throughout the summer and fall. If you are a fan of seasonal produce, it would behoove you to check out one or more of these markets. Food Trust Market List

Philly Area Farmers' Markets - June 13th to June 19th

2011-06-13T09:21:00.000-04:00

Tuesday

Strawberry Mansion (Opening Day)

Hours: 2pm - 6pm

North 33rd Street at Diamond.

Rittenhouse Farmers' Market

Hours: 10am to 1pm

Walnut Street (South Sidewalk) and 18th

South and Passyunk Farmers' Market

Hours: 2:30pm to 7pm

On Passyunk Ave, off South Street just east of 5th

Mt. Airy Farmers' Market

Hours: 3pm to 7 pm

William Allen Plaze of Lutheran Theological Seminary, on the 7200 block of Germantown Ave.

Walnut Hill Farm Stand

Hours: 3pm to 6pm

4610 Market Street, adjacent to SEPTA 46th Street location.

Grays Ferry

Hours: 2pm to 6pm

29th Street at Wharton Street.

Broad and Ritner

Hours: 2pm to 7pm

Broad Street at Ritner Street.

Point Breeze

Hours: 2pm to 6pm

22nd Street at Tasker Street.

Wednesday

Broad and South

Hours: 2pm to 7pm

Broad and South Streets.

Schuylkill River Park

Hours: 3pm to 7pm

25th Street at Spruce.

University Square Farmers' Market

Hours: 10am to 3pm

36th Street at Walnut.

Fountain Farmers' Market

Hours: 3pm to 7pm

East Passyunk Ave. at 11th and Tasker Street.

Oakmont Farmers' Market (Havertown)

Hours: 3pm to 7pm

Oakmont Municipal Parking Lot, Darby Road just west of Eagle Road

Thursday

Fairmount Farmers' Market

Hours: 3pm to 7pm

22nd Street at Fairmount Ave.

Cecil B. Moore

Hours: 2pm to 6pm

Cecil B. Moore Ave. at Broad Street.

Clark Park

Hours: 3pm to 7pm

43rd Street at Baltimore Ave.

Oxford Circle Farmers' Market

Hours: 2pm to 6 pm

900 E. Howell Street. at the Oxford Circle Mennonite Church

Palmer Park

Hours: 2pm to 6pm

Frankford Ave. at East Palmer Street.

Norris Square Farmers' Market

Hours: 1pm to 5pm

West Susquehanna Ave. at Howard Street.

Suburban Station Farmers' Market

Hours: Noon to 6:30pm

16th Street Concourse between Market Street. and JFK

Jefferson Farmers' Market

Hours: 11am to 3:30pm

Chestnut Street, East of 10th Street.

Bala Cynwyd Farmers' Market

Hours: 3pm to 7pm

GSB Building on Parking Lot, on Belmont Ave, near St. Asaph's Road.

Media Farmers' Market

Hours: 3pm to 7pm

State Street. between Monroe and Gayley Street.

Friday

East Falls Farmers Market

Hours: 3pm to 7pm

Midvale Ave near Ridge Ave.

Walnut Hill Farm Stand

Hours: 3pm to 6pm

4610 Market Street, adjacent to the SEPTA 46th. Street El Station.

Germantown Farmers' Market

Hours: 2pm to 6pm

Germantown Ave and Walnut Lane.

Saturday

Clark Park

Hours: 10am to 2pm

43rd Street at Baltimore Ave.

Fitler Square

Hours: 9am to 2pm

22nd Street at Pine Street

Overbrook Farms

Hours: 9am to 1pm

Lancaster Ave at City Ave.

Hunting Park Farmers' Market

Hours: 10am to 2pm

West Hunting Park Ave at Old York Road

Rittenhouse Farmers' Market

Hours: 9:30am to 3pm

Walnut Street (South Sidewalk) and 18th

Chestnut Hill Growers Market

Hours: 9:30am to 1:30pm

Winston Road between Germantown Ave. and Mermaid Lane

Girard and 27th Farm Stand

Hours: 10am to 1pm

NW corner of 27th Street at Girard Ave.

Bryn Mawr Farmers' Market

Hours: 9am to 1pm

Municipal Lot 7 on Lancaster Ave., in front of the Bryn Mawr Train Station

Swarthmore Farmers' Market

Hours: 9:30am to 1:30pm

In Municipal Building Parking Lot across from the Swarthmore Co-op

Lansdowne Farmers' Market

Hours: 9am to 1pm

26 North Lansdowne Ave, Lansdowne, PA.

Sunday

Dickinson Square Farmers' Market

Hours: 10am to 2pm

Southeast Corner of Dickinson Square, on Moyamensing near Morris Street.

Headhouse Farmers' Market

Hours: 10am to 2pm

2nd Street at Lombard Street.

Philly Area Farmers' Markets - June 6th to June 12th

2011-06-06T13:12:00.001-04:00

More than a few opening days this week -

Tuesday

Rittenhouse Farmers' Market
Hours: 10am to 1pm
Walnut Street (South Sidewalk) and 18th

South and Passyunk Farmers' Market
Hours: 2:30pm to 7pm
On Passyunk Ave, off South Street just east of 5th

Mt. Airy Farmers' Market
Hours: 3pm to 7 pm
William Allen Plaze of Lutheran Theological Seminary, on the 7200 block of Germantown Ave.

Walnut Hill Farm Stand (Opening Day!)
Hours: 3pm to 6pm
4610 Market Street, adjacent to SEPTA 46th Street location.

Grays Ferry
Hours: 2pm to 6pm
29th Street at Wharton Street.

Broad and Ritner (Opening Day!)
Hours: 2pm to 7pm
Broad Street at Ritner Street.

Point Breeze (Opening Day!)
Hours: 2pm to 6pm
22nd Street at Tasker Street.

Wednesday

Broad and South
Hours: 2pm to 7pm
Broad and South Streets.

Schuylkill River Park
Hours: 3pm to 7pm
25th Street at Spruce.

University Square Farmers' Market
Hours: 10am to 3pm
36th Street at Walnut.

Fountain Farmers' Market
Hours: 3pm to 7pm
East Passyunk Ave. at 11th and Tasker Street.

Oakmont Farmers' Market (Havertown)
Hours: 3pm to 7pm
Oakmont Municipal Parking Lot, Darby Road just west of Eagle Road

Thursday

Fairmount Farmers' Market
Hours: 3pm to 7pm
22nd Street at Fairmount Ave.

Cecil B. Moore
Hours: 2pm to 6pm
Cecil B. Moore Ave. at Broad Street.

Clark Park
Hours: 3pm to 7pm
43rd Street at Baltimore Ave.

Oxford Circle Farmers' Market (Opening Day!)
Hours: 2pm to 6 pm
900 E. Howell Street. at the Oxford Circle Mennonite Church

Palmer Park (Opening Day!)
Hours: 2pm to 6pm
Frankford Ave. at East Palmer Street.

Norris Square Farmers' Market (Opening Day!)
Hours: 1pm to 5pm
West Susquehanna Ave. at Howard Street.

Suburban Station Farmers' Market
Hours: Noon to 6:30pm
16th Street Concourse between Market Street. and JFK

Jefferson Farmers' Market
Hours: 11am to 3:30pm
Chestnut Street, East of 10th Street.

Bala Cynwyd Farmers' Market
Hours: 3pm to 7pm
GSB Building on Parking Lot, on Belmont Ave, near St. Asaph's Road.

Media Farmers' Market
Hours: 3pm to 7pm
State Street. between Monroe and Gayley Street.

Friday

East Falls Farmers Market
Hours: 3pm to 7pm
Midvale Ave near Ridge Ave.

Walnut Hill Farm Stand
Hours: 3pm to 6pm
4610 Market Street, adjacent to the SEPTA 46th. Street El Station.

Germantown Farmers' Market
Hours: 2pm to 6pm
Germantown Ave and Walnut Lane.

Saturday

Clark Park
Hours: 10am to 2pm
43rd Street at Baltimore Ave.

Fitler Square
Hours: 9am to 2pm
22nd Street at Pine Street

Overbrook Farms
Hours: 9am to 1pm
Lancaster Ave at City Ave.

Hunting Park Farmers' Market
Hours: 10am to 2pm
West Hunting Park Ave at Old York Road

Rittenhouse Farmers' Market

Hours: 9:30am to 3pm

Walnut Street (South Sidewalk) and 18th

Chestnut Hill Growers Market

Hours: 9:30am to 1:30pm

Winston Road between Germantown Ave. and Mermaid Lane

Girard and 27th Farm Stand

Hours: 10am to 1pm

NW corner of 27th Street at Girard Ave.

Bryn Mawr Farmers' Market

Hours: 9am to 1pm

Municipal Lot 7 on Lancaster Ave., in front of the Bryn Mawr Train Station

Swarthmore Farmers' Market

Hours: 9:30am to 1:30pm

In Municipal Building Parking Lot across from the Swarthmore Co-op

Lansdowne Farmers' Market
Hours: 9am to 1pm
26 North Lansdowne Ave, Lansdowne, PA.

Sunday

Dickinson Square Farmers' Market

Hours: 10am to 2pm

Southeast Corner of Dickinson Square, on Moyamensing near Morris Street.

Headhouse Farmers' Market

Hours: 10am to 2pm

2nd Street at Lombard Street.

Honesty is the Best Gastronomy

2011-05-31T10:38:00.002-04:00

This morning Stu Franks and I ventured to Drexel University's campus to meet and interview Tom McCusker, owner of the ubiquitous Honest Tom's Taco Shop. Two Sundays ago, Tom's truck fed famished foodies at the Headhouse. The Sunday after that, he provided punks provisions at the Punk Rock Flea Market at 9th and Callowhill. The rest of the week he was and still can be found at Drexel, the Parkway, Clark Park in West Philadelphia and soon - permanent business (one without wheels) back in West Philly. I wasn't trying to flex my perspicacity when I said ubiquitous; this guy is everywhere.

Alas, this is a typical day in the life of the food truck vendor in the days of vendorchic. A trend that originated on the West Coast, the food trucks have rolled their way east and are now a fixture in most major metropolitan areas. What used to be known, albeit not so affectionately as a "roach coach", the food truck has gained an aura of legitimacy thanks in no small part to offerings like the one pictured to the right. Thanks to fresh local ingredients and a committed local entrepreneur, some lucky residents of Philadelphia are tasting tacos for breakfast. And after enjoying more than a couple ourselves, it's easy to understand how the The National Restaurant Association proclaims that the food truck category is projected to top $630 million in nationwide revenue in 2011, up 3.6 percent from 2010, which would outstrip the 2.5 percent growth estimate for the entire restaurant business. When we told Honest Tom about these figures, he couldn't believe it, although the facts belie his disbelief. Case in point - he has been so successful with his truck that he will be opening up his first "brick and mortar" establishment this August.

Tom McCusker, 29, has been in the food truck game since 2009. A native of Delaware County, he graduated from Drexel University with a degree in Hospitality Management and discovered the breakfast taco (see above) while in Austin Texas. He came back to Philly and started up Honest Tom's with his brother Matt, although per Tom, his brother Matt "has left the business to pursue wedded bliss with his lovely fiancee'..." McCusker isn't short on help though, he recently hired Phil, whose interests Include (per the Honest Tom's Facebook page), cold beer, hot legs, and Aerosmith. Funny guy this Honest Tom...Speaking of Facebook, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the role of social networking in the rise of the mobile vendor, and McCusker acknowledges the value of sites like Facebook and Twitter, especially when it comes to sharing his schedule with the Honest Tom's faithful. For instance, I wasn't sure if he would be at Clark Park the Saturday before Memorial Day. I checked his Facebook and boom - closed Friday, Clark Park on Saturday. Real time updates for free for a mobile eating establishment. I keep hearing that the rules have changed and in the "new economy" you need to become innovative to survive. By utilizing social networking and offering a product that is considered gourmet fare, the food truck vendor can navigate through the pitfalls of the recession and bypass the normal start-up costs of a sit-in eatery as well as the cost of marketing said eatery. Heck, even this blog post, one of the cornerstones of social networking, is a commercial for Honest Tom. While we are on the subject of commercials, I mentioned I came to see Tom with Stu Franks, whom you may recognize from his groundbreaking interview with Three Springs Fruit Farm's Ben Wenk two weeks ago. He has put together a video about Honest Tom that continues to glorify the Taco Truck King...enjoy

-
Here is Tom's schedule. If you first heard about him here, let him know. Word of mouth, social networking...there seems to be a theme here.
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays - 20th and Race 11-2
Tuesdays and Thursdays - 33rd and Arch
Saturdays - Clark Park - 43rd and Baltimore 10 - 2
Sundays - Various for Breakfast.
His new location will be at 261 South 44th St., between Spruce and Locust.

Special thanks to Stu Franks (video production) and Rachel Playe (photography) who both contributed to this post.

Philly Food Feed on Foodspotting

2011-05-28T21:01:00.002-04:00

We have entered a sighting on Foodspotting. We are awesome.

Clark Park Market - Dried Herbs - Philadelphia, PA

Happy Birthday Bob!

2011-05-24T22:23:00.000-04:00

I know this is a blog about food, but I would be remiss if I didn't wish a happy 70th birthday to Bob Dylan. While I have always been into music, for some reason in my first 33 years, Dylan was off my radar screen. Then last year my wife scratched her glasses. On the way to America's Best, I had the radio on scan and picked up a staticy station right when the DJ was giving the number of the station and asking for the 7th caller. I literally had no idea what I was calling for, but by the end of the hastily made call I had won tickets to see Bob Dylan in Monmouth College in North Jersey. LOL. Believe it or not, I saw Ray Davies of the Kinks exactly the same way. That is my M.O., I like farmers' markets and 70 year old popular music icons. Ok, cool. So I wanted to bone up on Dylan in the two months I had to wait. Wow. Blood on the Tracks? Wow. Freewheelin'? Wow. This is like up there with the Beatles to me now. I know, like 50 years late right? And then I saw him.
As some of you know I am at Clark Park every Sunday and on the way down 95, I am blasting Dylan. So there, I made it relevant.

So here is my list of top 10 Dylan songs as of today. See me next week and it will at least change in order, if not new songs. Happy Birthday Bob!

1. Don't Think Twice, It's Alright
2. Tangled Up In Blue
3. All Along The Watchtower
4. Simple Twist Of Fate
5. Stuck Inside of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again
6. Positively 4th Street
7. Hurricane
8. If Not For You
9. The Man In Me
10.Masters of War

Chariots of Fiber

2011-05-23T22:33:00.001-04:00

Remember last week when I referred to asparagus as a super food? When I alluded to its super-sized selection of vitamins and nutrients, I had no idea that it also could be super in size as well. Courtesy of Margerum's Herbs, Etc., this monster of magnesium (asparagus contains 4% of your daily allowance) will probably become part of a cream of asparagus soup I want to make either today or tomorrow. Incidentally, if anybody out in Feed Land has a recipe for said soup, lay it on me either here or on Facebook. I could just look one up on the interweb but it would be more fun this way I think.

The New Look Philly Food Feed

2011-05-20T08:11:00.003-04:00

New season - new look. What do you think?

What We Are Doing Up In Here

2011-05-19T08:00:00.002-04:00

With the market season back in full swing, we are spending more time in the kitchen devising ways to best enjoy our weekly bounty. We have plenty of asparagus and last week I blogged a recipe of an asparagus egg bake my wife and I enjoyed. The asparagus can be and should be used in a myriad of ways. This speedy growing member of the lily family, asparagus is a nutrient rich food, high in folic acid and is a good source of potassium, fiber, vitamin B6, vitamins A and C, and thiamin. We are big about fiber in this house and Asparagus has about 3 grams of fiber per 5 ounces, but only contains about 20 calories for the same amount. Did somebody say Super Food? Besides nutrition, asparagus is delicious no matter how you prepare it, and the methods are many. You can grill it, boil it, steam it, include it in risotto, pasta, soup, salad, stir fries...I could go on. So with all of those methods at our disposal, we decided to make the same egg bake.

How good does that look? For real. I used the same recipe from last week except I added a quarter tsp. of Cayenne Pepper. Definitely gave it a kick. Next week I'm going to change it up and make it with fresh spinach and feta. Anybody have a good recommendation for where to get feta? Lay it on me.

Speaking of making the same thing over and over again...all winter I have been making potato soup. Like all winter. I really don't know if I have ever posted the recipe before but no matter, it is way better now than when I started making it so I want to post the recipe I have pretty much anointed as the standard potato soup recipe my family will use ad infinitum.

Philly Food Feed Potato Soup (How Original)

3 1/2 cups peeled and diced potatoes

1/3 cup diced celery

1/3 cup finely chopped onion

3/4 cup diced cooked ham

3 1/4 cups chicken/vegetable stock

2 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules

1/2 teaspoon ground celery seed

1 teaspoon granulated garlic

1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

1 teaspoon ground white or black pepper, or to taste

5 tablespoons butter

5 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 cup milk

1 cup light cream

Combine the potatoes, celery, onion, ham and stock in a stockpot. Bring to a boil, then cook over medium heat until potatoes are tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in the chicken bouillon, salt and pepper, celery seed and garlic. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour with a fork, and cook, stirring constantly until thick, about 1 minute. Slowly stir in milk/cream as not to allow lumps to form until all of the milk has been added. Continue stirring over medium-low heat until thick, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir the milk mixture into the stockpot, and cook soup until heated through.

If anybody has any ideas about how to perfect these recipes, we are all ears. Please post your ideas and if I use them, I will surely give you credit!

Out of Hibernation

2011-05-09T22:42:00.002-04:00

I'm watching the last inning of the Phillies game as I write this. They are a super, super team, of that there is no doubt. However, I would have liked to see them at least win two of three against the surging Atlanta Braves. Another division rival tomorrow in Florida against the Marlins. Ah, baseball chatter. Must be Spring...and Spring has certainly sprung for the The Philly Food Feed as we are back in blogging action for the 2011 farmers' market season. With the weather finally changing to bearable, the Food Feed family has been enjoying the kick-off of this year's farmers' market season at two of Philadelphia's premier markets - Clark Park Farmers' Market in West Philadelphia and the Headhouse Farmers' Market in Society Hill.

This season at the Food Feed we are offering those in the community the opportunity to contribute to this blog, whether it be an article, tip, recipe, picture, etc. I'm sure there are plenty of people out there that take awesome pictures of asparagus and would like a way to showcase them other than Facebook, or maybe you are a budding star of journalism looking to "make your bones". As you probably can tell from the use of food vernacular in the proceeding sentence, we only ask that your submission be food related and pertaining to the local food scene in the Philadelphia area, as well as pieces related to sustainable agriculture on the local and national level. We are gonna give this a shot. We already have added a correspondent this season! And his first "assignment" was the opening of Headhouse on the first Sunday in May. Stu Franks, rock star, movie maker, and now local food fancier was on the scene with his shopping list and video camera. Talk about commitment! I can barely remember the grocery bags and the baby when I go to Headhouse and more often then I want to admit, I end up forgetting the grocery bags. I would imagine that's better than the alternative. My wife would concur. Check out this interview Stu did with Ben Wenk of Three Springs Fruit Farm at last week's season opener at the Headhouse:

Moving on to West Philadelphia - Saturday marked the "unofficial" kick-off to the season at the Clark Park farmers' market although this market is open all year round. With the Spruce Hill May Fair going on right across the street and the return of Gina Humphreys of Urban Girls Produce, Fahnestock Fruit Farm, and the University City High School garden club to the farmers' market, foot traffic was at a level not seen since last summer. I asked Jon Glyn, Clark Park market manager and Food Trust stalwart about the turnout and his enthusiastic response said it all - "As usual, the Spruce Hill May Fair was a wonderful, family-oriented event, full of great food and interesting music, local businesses and lots of sunshine and good cheer. The turnout was amazing. Everybody was in that spring mood. Everybody was green and flowering inside."

I'm flowering inside just reading that. Lots of guys here flowering inside. I must be growing an entire garden in my stomach because after cooking what we bought from the purveyors at the park for Mother's Day, I look like I'm eating for two. Asparagus and Lettuce from Brogue Hydroponics, Onions and Potatoes and Eggs from Margerum's Herbs, Grass fed ground beef from Landisdale Farm...Mother's Day brunch and dinner at our house had a distinctive Clark Park flavor this year. For brunch, I made my lovely wife Sarah an egg bake with said Asparagus, Eggs, and Mushrooms which went over great. I will gladly include the recipe at the end of this post - I found it on the internet and made some adjustments per our personal tastes. It made enough that after brunch I was eating it cold for the rest of the day.

We fired up the grill for Mother's Day Dinner and the aforementioned ground beef from Landisdale Farm did not disappoint. I made 12 burgers and I don't think there were any leftovers. We have a new grill with three burners which is awesome because I like my burgers mooing and my wife likes them char-broiled. Hers weren't as done as she would have liked but mine were spot-on. I guess I can't bring myself to scorch such delicious meat. There I go flowering again...

As promised, here is the recipe for the egg bake. Special thanks to the Perfect Pantry. Enjoy!

Asparagus Egg Bake

10 large eggs
1/2 tsp olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
10 asparagus spears, bottoms trimmed, sliced 1/8-inch thin
2 cups grated or shredded cheese
2 Tbsp light cream
1/2 tsp dried thyme leaf
1 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp dried dill
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp Hungarian Paprika
1/2 tsp fresh black pepper

Cooking spray (canola or olive oil)

Preheat oven to 375°F. Prepare a casserole dish by spraying with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, lightly beat the eggs.

In a small frying pan, heat the oil, and add the onions and asparagus. Sauté until onions are translucent, 2-3 minutes. Remove the pan from heat and set aside to cool for 2 minutes. Then, mix the onions and asparagus into the eggs along with all of the remaining ingredients. Pour the mixture into the casserole dish.

Bake at 375F for 35 minutes, until the casserole is lightly browned and a bit puffy. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before eating.

(Can be made up to one day ahead. Cool, cover and refrigerate. To reheat, uncover and place in a 350F oven for 15-20 minutes.)

Rabbit's Favorite Carrot Soup (And Maybe Yours Too)

2011-01-17T22:41:00.001-05:00

Our son Ethan loves books. He is almost two and a half now and we have been taking him to the library to play in the kids section and to pick out books for us to take out and read to him at home. Anyway, we recently picked up a book for him called Carrot Soup, by John Segal. Essentially this Rabbit plants a carrot patch and patiently waits for it to grow so he can make his favorite dish, you guessed it, Carrot Soup. However, when he finally goes to pick the carrots for his soup, he finds they are all gone! I won't give away the ending, but suffices to say, its a children's book and the ending is a happy one. Ethan loves this book so
much that I think we have read it at least four times a day since we took it out. To anyone out there with a toddler, this book is a winner.

I bring this up here because on the very last page, Rabbit's recipe for Carrot Soup is listed. Now for those who frequent Margerum's Herbs, Etc. at Clark Park, you know that Noelle has the largest and most tastiest carrots in Philadelphia. Considering my easy access to these aforementioned carrots, of course we had to try Rabbit's recipe. The recipe is pretty basic and you can do whatever you want to it to suit your tastes, but in its most basic form I found it to be delicious. Sarah didn't though, which I think is more due to her personal tastes than anything wrong with the recipe. To test this hypothesis, I had my brother-in-law Stu and sister-in-law Emily give it a taste. Stu agreed with me that the soup was heavenly, but Emily wasn't so fond of it. Again, I chalked this up to her personal tastes (she is Sarah's sister...lol). Although it wasn't her bag, Emily gave me the most relevant criticism in that while it wasn't up her alley, it wasn't bad and it tasted like something she would have at a gourmet restaurant. Quite a rousing endorsement indeed.

So here is the recipe. Give it a shot and let us know what you think. So far, its two and a half people for and one and a half against. And of course, if you need the carrots, see me on Saturday's at Margerum's Herbs at Clark Park. We shall see if there is any merit to Rabbit's recipe!

Rabbit's Favorite Carrot Soup -
2 Pounds of carrots - washed, peeled, and shredded
4 14-ounce cans chicken broth
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1/4 cup of butter
salt and pepper to taste
5 sprigs of fresh dill or parsley, minced (or dried to taste)

1. Saute' the onion and celery in butter in a large covered pot until tender. Add the shredded carrots and chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat and simmer with the pot covered for a half an hour.
3. Let cool slightly. Puree the mixture in a blender or food processor until smooth.
4. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add dill or parsley (I used both). Serve.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-16T12:08:00.001-05:00

Better late than never right? I figured as long as I got this in before MLK day I would be okay. How is it going out there in Philly Food Feed land? Its pretty slow this time of year for farmers' markets, although there are a few that persevere through the winter time, one of which I work at. All are on Saturdays.

Saturdays at Clark Park (10 am - 2 pm) -

This is where you can find me on Saturdays. In fact, I was working there this past Saturday and it was cold. Really cold. Thank goodness we had a sunny day or else I was sure I was going to need a black top hat and a carrot nose. That would have been okay though because there were plenty of carrots to go 'round.

Saturdays at the Piazza at Schmidt's (10 am - 2 pm) -

(From their site) - The Piazza Farmer’s Market is unmatched in size and variety with a contingent of more than 20 farmers. And—all of our farmers are one or more of the following: local, sustainably grown, ethically raised, free range, hormone free, pesticide free, organic, raw and/or grass fed. Products include vegetables and fruits, beef, raw milk, artisan cheeses, and heritage breed free range chicken eggs. Also featured are delicious prepared foods ready for shoppers to enjoy as they browse.

Fitler Square Farmers' Market (9am - 1 pm) -

Located at 23rd and Pine in Philadelphia, this market runs the gambit with conventional and organic fruits, as well as meat, goat, dairy products, and baked goods. Yum.

Rittenhouse Farmers' Market (10am - 2 pm) -

Located at Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia, this market has a little bit of everything! Sustainable seafood, meat, vegetables, dairy products, mushrooms, chocolates...wow. If you have never made it out to this market, make it a point to check it out.

Thanksgiving Eve at Clark Park

2010-11-28T00:26:00.003-05:00

Some images from Wednesday, Thanksgiving Eve. A chilly and windy day, but the farmers at Clark Park don't disappoint. Whether you needed turnips or parsnips, collard greens or blackeyed peas, or...well you get the point. We were there for ya!

Mukethe, our market manager,doesn't have time to pose for here adoring public

Lots to choose from...

Thanksgiving is Almost Here!

2010-11-21T09:09:00.000-05:00

So Thursday is Thanksgiving, a day to celebrate all we are thankful for with a meal. There really is no better day to showcase local food than Thanksgiving and we here at the Feed are no exception. This year our table will have local broccoli, brussel sprouts, collard greens, carrots, onions, garlic, cranberry orange relish, fresh herbs, various potatoes and more. We love this holiday and might love the day after Thanksgiving even more; Black Friday is a day that has us lethargically loving leftovers. There isn't much to this post today, just anticipating our day of thanks, a regular locavorian luau.

Farmers' Market Marathon Mea Culpa

2010-11-19T00:01:00.003-05:00

Yes we are still here! Wow, it has been a frightful long time since we at the Feed have posted anything on the blog. Let me tell you, it hasn't been from lack of thought, and it CERTAINLY hasn't been from lack of contact with the local foodshed. On the contrary, I am pretty much up to my potatoes with eyes...I mean up to my eyes with potatoes, apples, cabbage, turnips...the works. I have been working steady weekends with Noelle Margerum at Clark Park and the Headhouse and marketing the business via social networking during the week. I also started college again so I am doing that full time. And there is Ethan. So, needless to say, I didn't make it to all of the Farmers' Markets in the city this year. I am sorry to those who helped promote my failed quest but to them I say, there is always next year! I am learning much from my tutelage under Noelle, as well as other farmers, market managers, twitter friends who are in the scene. It has even given me an idea about starting some kind of marketing business for farmers coming to market who just don't have the time to spend social networking. So while you have not heard from us, it doesn't mean we have not been busy. So there you have it. So now the plugs -
Margerum's Herbs, Etc. Facebook
Margerum's on Twitter

Night Market A Rousing Success!!!

2010-10-08T13:32:00.001-04:00

I mean, I don't have any official numbers or anything, but judging by the turnout (and the lines), I would deem the first Night Market Philadelphia a rousing success. You couldn't walk but two steps in any direction without finding someone trading a smile or eating or drinking or commiserating with a friend under the South Philly stars.

Buy Me Some Lettuce and Mushroom Caps...

2010-09-22T12:12:00.002-04:00

Roy Halladay captured his 20th victory of the season last night, the first Phillie to do so since Steve Carlton in 1982. By beating the Braves for the second time in as many tries this homestand, as well as winning their season high 9th straight game, the Phillies have positioned themselves for another post-season run that could culminate in another parade down Broad Street. But wait! Isn't this a food blog? What do the Phillies have to do with Organic Bok Choy? Well nothing, but it was Food Trust Night last night at the game, hence the connection.

All season, The Food Trust has partnered (TEAM'ed UP!) with Brad and Lindsay Lidge to help educate families about the risks of childhood obesity, an increasingly ubiquitous problem in our society. Last night the Phillies Charities presented the Food Trust with a check for $10,000 dollars. Wow, that's a lot of cabbage! Now understand that this is on top of a nutrition and recipe advice from Lindsay Lidge AND their matching contributions at the Headhouse this season.

I know, I'm gushing. I can't help it. The two things in life I am really into, healthy food and the Phillies were ingredients in some sort of hedonism soup that simmered for a little over 9 innings yesterday, boiling over with a white foam of rally towels. There, in the top of the 9th inning, Brad Lidge jogged out to the mound and shut down the Atlanta Cowards (sorry, Braves...but come on, a new pitcher in the 3rd inning???). As everybody celebrated, I wondered if his successful year has anything to do with his Food Trust partnership. Could one of the apples from the Headhouse be giving him energy and essential vitamins he needs to be a successful pitcher? To the kids reading this - ABSOLUTELY!

I went with Noelle Margerum from Margerum's Herbs, Etc. (see us at Clark Park Saturday and Headhouse on Sunday...PLUG!), and she met me there around six. I wanted to get there early because I like to take pictures before the game. I also wanted to be in good position to take pictures of the check ceremony but somehow I ended up being in the exact opposite place from where the ceremony was. I was at third base and they were in front of the Phillies dugout. I ran as fast as my gimp leg would allow but only came away with a cut-off blurry picture. Perhaps I should just sleep out next time because evidently getting there two hours early isn't enough time for me not to be a bungler. On another note, I have a ton of awesome batting practice pictures if you are a Braves fan. Zzzzz...zzzz.....

We sat in the Food Trust section and saw many people we knew. Noelle sat next to a couple, one of which was having a birthday. I think Noelle got covered in confetti which wasn't enough to rival the mound of peanut shells which built up around my sneakers like autumn leaves at the base of a stocky tree. Noelle roasted them at home and brought them - I am happy she came.

The Phillies look great. Like I said, they have won 9 in a row and this is a great time to be on a roll, so close to the post season. Jayson Werth looks like he has his stroke back, and the pitching is, as Sarge Matthews would say, ridiculous. So there you go. The Food Trust looks good, the Phillies look good, I am full of peanuts and everybody had a great time. I can't wait until October - playoffs!!! And, of course, locally grown pumpkins. Of course!

Reading Terminal Market to Acquire Farm to City

2010-08-31T07:05:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Bob Libkind for his informative post about this important happening in Philly's local food scene. Let's hope this merger means even more local food options for the people of Philadelphia.

Night Market Location Announced!

2010-08-30T12:31:00.000-04:00

The Food Trust has announced the time and date and location of the first Night Market we posted about earlier in the month. It will be on September 30th, from 6-10 at the corner of Passyunk Ave. and Tasker in South Philadelphia. You know we will be there to cover it. You should come too!

Debunking the Nixon Naysayers

2010-08-30T12:18:00.001-04:00

There has been a huge response to the Philly Food Feed's reporting the of visit of former President Nixon to the Headhouse Farmers' Market this past Sunday. It seems there are some who dispute that the picture posted on this blog is, in fact, the former President. When pressed, they say that they do not see any resemblance between the Nixon they knew, and the one photographed at the Headhouse Market. In order to put this matter to rest, I have obtained archival photographic footage of Nixon. This rare photo from 1972 pictures former President Nixon discussing the SALT Treaty with then General Secretary of the Soviet Union, Leonid Breshnev:

Apparently, Brezhnev thought Nixon needed more SALT, while Nixon felt he was seasoned appropriately. Hopefully this indisputable photographic evidence should put the whole matter behind us.

President Nixon Visits the Headhouse Market

2010-08-29T16:42:00.001-04:00

In what can only be described as uncanny, former President Richard Milhouse Nixon paid a visit to Noelle Margerum of Margerum's Herbs, Etc. this Sunday at the Headhouse Market. Although Nixon - believed dead for over 15 years - tried to keep a low profile, the Philly Food Feed obtained photographic evidence of his brief appearance.

A Roving Night Market? Awesome!

2010-08-17T22:17:00.002-04:00

The Food Trust is at it again! From the City Paper:

The Food Trust, nutritional advocates, local/sustainable boosters and orchestrators of Philly's many excellent farmers markets (including Big Papa Headhouse), will launch a roving night market in the month of September. Inspired by the bustling nighttime bazaars that can be found throughout Asia, these night markets will be held six times over the next 18 months, with each installment located in a different neighborhood around the city. The Food Trust does not yet have its vendor/participant list confirmed, but expect the city's most prominent street food vendors to set up shop for these special one-off events, and don’t be surprised if info on live music/entertainment emerges sooner rather than later. We hear the details and location of the inaugural night market will be released within the coming week; for now, visit nightmarketphilly.org and join their mailing list to keep posted.

What I'm Doing on Saturdays

2010-08-14T20:47:00.000-04:00

I took the camera with me to work today in order to share with you what I'm seeing on Saturdays at Clark Park. The lighting was good and the food was on full display. Check out some of the fare from Urban Girls Produce:

Like Wow! These look like they could be on the cover of some sort of culinary magazine. This is in Philadelphia folks, you can get here if you want to! This is only a sample of what you will find at Clark Park. Its always bustling with people but you never feel crowded in. There are so many characters too - farmers, customers, musicians. One of those characters is my boss Noelle. She really works hard to make sure everything is out, looking good, and ready for the throngs of people who stop at our stand.

This picture has not been doctored, the shutter speed not altered. This is how fast she normally moves. I don't know what she looks like exactly; she is a blur. I'm kidding of course but she is super efficient and knows her stuff. I am learning a huge amount about produce, and the business of farming from Noelle. Its an education that I'm getting paid for. What a scholarship! Case in point - today I learned about a fruit heretofore not on my radar screen - the Elderberry.

I mention the Elderberry here for a myriad of reasons, the most important being that a myriad of people asked what exactly this berry was, and what can be done with it. By the time the 73rd person asked these questions, I was begging Noelle to make a sign. So for anybody who wants to know, here is the story of the Elderberry - Elderberries grow on elder trees, sometimes called elderberry bushes. Elderberries contain sizable amounts of Vitamin C, Potassium, and in clinical studies have been proven to shorten the duration of the common cold (in fact, Elderberry Juice was used to treat a flu outbreak in Panama in 1995). They also contain anthocyanin pigments which give the elderberry their color and are great antioxidants. All of that, and you can also make wine out of them.

So that is Clark Park on a Saturday. If you have not already done so, come down and visit once in a while. You won't be disappointed.

2010-08-08T19:19:00.000-04:00

No title needed for this blog post; the picture almost speaks for itself. For those of you who do not speak vegetable, this is an heirloom tomato courtesy of Barry Savoie of Savoie Organic Farm. You can catch him at the Haddonfield Farmers' Market on Saturdays and at the Headhouse on Sundays. If this tomato could only last until Halloween, I would put it out as a pumpkin. Alas, it might make it until tomorrow, right up until I put it in my next Ratatouille.

Grand Opening of the Norris Square Park Farmers' Market; Eleven Down, Sixteen to Go

2010-08-06T23:01:00.007-04:00

The Philly Food Feed Farmers' Market Marathon continued on Thursday and we turned into "Johnny on the Spot" at the grand opening of the Norris Square Park Farmers' Market on the corner of Susquehanna and Howard Streets in North Philadelphia. This market is the second of ten new markets the City of Philadelphia is slated to open over the next two years, in partnership with The Food Trust and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). In an effort to provide fresh foods to low-income areas of the city, the HHS is providing a 15 million dollar grant from their Communities Putting Prevention to Work initiative derived from a 650 million dollar, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act allotment. The idea here is that by increasing access to healthy foods in low-income communities, the obesity prevalence and chronic diseases that plague these communities will decrease. While the noble aspects of this plan have to be admired, fighting obesity now costs less money than having to fight it later with health care dollars. During this "Marathon", I have visited parts of the city that I usually don't frequent and it really makes me appreciate the access I have to healthy food. I have never lived in a place where I could not walk to get an apple, even if it wasn't organic. Even with that, I still have diabetes and there is no doubt it is weight related. Moreover, I only know what I know now through my own research and advanced age. Advanced at least over some of the children who gathered at the opening to profess their love for healthy food. They need more fruit options than Tahitian Treat or they will be checking their blood sugar three times a day by their thirties.

The vendor on hand, Solly Farm, showcased some beautiful fruits and vegetables and definitely proved themselves worthy of the auspicious occasion. Among their wares I spotted peaches, apples, eggplant, strawberries (still?) and onions. It is their fruit you see as the new blog background. Wow, what a prestigious distinction for them. Somebody be sure to let them know.

A special shout-out has to go to The Food Trust for managing the entire affair. One didn't have to look far to see one of their smiling faces assisting the farmers or the customers or anybody else who might have had a question. It was crowded and hot but I didn't see any of them break a sweat. Well, it was pretty hot so I'm sure they did, whether or not I actually saw it. I know Ethan was sweating, but overall he was a very good boy. The whole affair went off without a hitch (unless you count the Mayor taking over decoration detail from the wind), and you could definitely tell that everyone was having fun, a welcome by-product of the spread of healthy food.

Speaking of the spread of healthy food, there is another program promoting access to fresh produce I wanted to highlight. The Philly Food Bucks Program, a joint effort of The Food Trust (again!) and the Philadelphia Department of Health, should motivate those receiving SNAP/food stamps benefits to really get in on the fresh food fun. For every five dollars they spend in SNAP/food stamps benefits at a participating farmers' market, they will receive two dollars in Philly Food Bucks to spend at any other SNAP participating farmers' market. Here is a list of said markets. What a fine idea; more investment in communities rather than in insurance companies. I also like the name.

Farmers' Markets Sprouting Up All Over the Country

2010-08-04T20:21:00.000-04:00

Here is a recent article from Grist detailing the USDA's press release touting the growing number of farmers' markets in the United States. While the numbers are promising, they still are less than 1% (direct sales - i.e. farmers' market, u-pick, farm stands) of the total food economy.
Link - Farmers' Markets Growing Like Weeds Around the Country

Its National Farmers' Market Week!

2010-08-04T15:20:00.000-04:00

The USDA has designated August 1st through August 7th as National Farmers' Market Week! Here is a copy of the official release from Thomas J. Vilsack, himself. After reading this rousing endorsement of American Farmers' Markets, even I could forgive him for the sacking of Shirley Sherrod (rim shot). But seriously folks (wakka wakka wakka), this week when you are buying your produce, take the time to thank a farmer for their hard work and dedication in getting you the freshest and most healthy food possible. While you only see your farmer maybe once a week, they are tirelessly (or tiredfully) working the rest of the week harvesting, planting, planning, digging, and generally getting sweaty over what you feed your family (not literally, I hope). Give them a pat on the back!

Some Comings and Goings From the Food Trust

2010-08-04T13:09:00.000-04:00

Tuesday, September 21st will be The Food Trust Night at Citizens Bank Park. The Phightins will be taking on the Atlanta Braves, our current rival in the standings. Tickets are $26 and a portion of the sales before August 21st will go to supporting The Food Trust's programs. Team Up!

North Star Orchard Returns to the Headhouse this upcoming Sunday. They will be located by the Pine Street Entrance.

Tomorrow is the grand opening of the Norris Square Farmers' Market on West Susquehanna and Howard St. The market opens at three.

The Clark Park Revitalization Project begins Monday, but will not get in the way of your Thursday and Saturday shopping. In fact, when all is said and done, the park will be getting a major face-lift!

Old Business and New; Ten Down, Seventeen to Go

2010-08-03T21:01:00.003-04:00

Yes, it was over two weeks ago when I said the Feed would be back in full swing. I am a filthy liar and deserve my donut peach privileges revoked. As most of you know, behind the Food Feed is a family and this family has been going through some changes as of late, changes that actually involve the local food movement - who would have thunk it? More on that later. With change comes transition and we are adjusting accordingly. Oh and that heat wave last week didn't help either. Ethan hates the heat (poor him) and I didn't want him to have to sweat it out while I discussed the virtues of a zucchini with a Mennonite. Worry not though, for Sarah, Ethan, and I have been enjoying the fresh and local bounty of the season and have even made it to a couple more markets for the Farmers' Market Marathon. Although we still have many markets to visit in order to deem the Market Marathon a success, we at the Feed are confident that we can get it done. The journey will leave us well-fed, that's for certain.

Some Old Business

I do have two more markets to add to the list. Both are significant in that I met farmers previously not on my radar. When I visited the market at South and Passyunk (Tuesdays, 2:30 to 7:00 PM), I was introduced to Taproot Farm. These carrots were awesome. We used them in salad where Sarah would shave them in with a peeler. I also purchased some beets that you can also see in the picture. They were sweet and enjoyable. Beechwood Orchards, a familiar stand-out in the Philly market scene, were also at this market. This is where we first found out about Ethan's penchant for blueberries. I bought a pint which became a quarter of a pint by the time I made it home and I think I might have had one.
Ethan and I also visited the Haddington Market (Wednesdays and Fridays, 1:00 to 5:00 PM), located on 52nd and Haverford Ave. in West Philly. This market is convenient for me because it is literally blocks away from Sarah's job. Although modest in size, this market helps to facilitate a West Philly community's access to fresh and local food. Likewise, the participating farmers have an outlet for their produce. One of those participating farmers was Mill
Creek Farm, an urban farm located in the Mill Creek section of West Philadelphia. Mill Creek is an educational farm and is committed to improving the lives of inner-city residents through access to fresh and local produce. Not only do the folks at Mill Creek grow food, they also offer educational experiences through community workshops and summer youth job training program. This was my first experience with Mill Creek, although after exploring their website and dining on some of their heirloom tomatoes, it definitely won't be my last!

Some New Business

Not really new business, but as some of you know I can be found on the weekends working the markets - either on Saturday at Clark Park or Sunday at the Headhouse. As I said before, we are adjusting to no Daddy home during the day on the weekends. Dinnertime is becoming one of the most important times of the day for us because it is one of the only times we are all together. We are happy though because any extra money helps, and on top of that, I'm getting my foot in the door of the local food movement! I'm working for Noelle Margerum at Margerum's Herbs, Etc. I'm really learning a great deal from Noelle and am super excited about the experience of being on the other side of the market table. I'm learning about new fruits and vegetables (not really new, just new to me), and preparing them in ways heretofore unknown to my family. As far as my wife is concerned it has been Hit more than Miss, although I definitely can out-eat her in a Ratatouille contest - hands down (recipe to follow).

I wanted to take this opportunity to congratulate Ben Wenk and the folks over at Three Springs Fruit Farm. for the illustrious distinction of being the first Mid-Atlantic fruit farm designated as a Food Alliance certified grower. What does that mean? Here are the certification standards of the Food Alliance:

Producer certification standards for farms and ranches:

Provide safe and fair working conditions
Ensure the health and humane treatment of animals
No use of hormones or non-therapeutic antibiotics
No genetically modified crops or livestock
Reduce pesticide use and toxicity
Protect soil and water quality
Protect and enhance wildlife habitat
Continuously improve management practices

As you already know, the Philly Food Feed subsists on a steady diet of apples and peaches and other various earthly delights from Three Springs. Not that we needed any more incentive, but the fact that Three Springs engages in these growing practices only makes their food all the more delicious. Great Job!

Ben's First Time Ever Made But Really Good Ratatouille
2 cups Eggplant Diced
1 Green Pepper
1 Large Onion
2 Cups Zucchini
6 Cloves of Garlic Minced
2 Tomatoes, Peeled and Seeded Chopped
1 Tbsp.Dried Parsley
1 Tbsp. Dried Basil
1/2 Tsp. Salt
1/2 Tsp. Pepper
1/8 Tsp. Crushed Red Pepper
2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
1/4 Cup Grated Cheese (I used Locatelli).
1 Cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

Saute' the garlic, onions, and eggplant in a pot on medium high heat until eggplant gets soft, about 8 minutes. Add the rest of the vegetables and seasoning and put a lid on the pot and simmer for like 20 minutes, all the while stirring the concoction. After about 20 minutes, there should be enough liquid in the pot to be boiling. Take off the lid and keep intermittently stirring for about 15 more minutes until liquid just about cooks out. Then spoon out vegetables into a casserole dish. Stir in grated cheese and cover with the mozzarella. Place in a pre-heated oven on 375 degrees until cheese is melted and you can see the casserole boiling. You can skip the cheese if you are vegan and you really don't have to stick to zucchini. I have made this more than once already with various squashes. This is one of those dishes that you end up making to your taste and what you have on hand. Also I choose to strain the liquid because I cook this in the oven and I don't want it to come out a liquid mess. However, you don't have to do that. You can serve it over rice or pasta and it makes a nice sauce. It comes out ridiculously good and there is really nothing in it calorie wise except for the cheese and the olive oil. If you try this, please let me know. I love it.

Check Me Out this Weekend!

2010-07-16T20:36:00.000-04:00

The Philly Food Feed is everywhere you want to be this weekend. Ben(me) will be working Clark Park on Saturday and the Headhouse on Sunday. I work for Noelle at Margerum's Herbs Etc., a stalwart at both of the aforementioned markets. Later on in the season I'm going to do a profile on Noelle I think. Come say hello.

Getting Back on the Organic Horse

2010-07-12T00:25:00.001-04:00

Well, not literally. However, there is a bit of truth in my overly wrought attempt at a humorous title for this entry...the Philly Food Feed Farmers' Market Marathon had been put temporarily on hold until the end of my wisdom teeth convalescence, which has gone on so long that I swear my oral surgeon's initials are BP. They say that its worse when you are older, but it isn't like I'm Andy Rooney. Incidentally, did you ever wonder what the deal is with bloggers who think they are comedians? I digress...
The teeth are better and I anticipate making it out to at least one new market this week, as well as probably to one or two of my old haunts. I know you all are out there waiting with baited breath about where I am getting my next radish, so I will earnestly (try) to stick to this commitment.
You know, I talk to more than a few people who claim that they read the blog, but nobody ever comments. Most of the time you don't even click the "I Like This" button and I KNOW that some of you have to like something here. Its getting so bad that I actually got a like on my last post and then found out that it was from my MOM. That's cool and I am flattered, but it is sort of like her telling me that I am the handsomest kid at school. Whatever, its cool. I'm really just playing. But seriously, if people don't start picking it up around here, I'm going to start keeping prime radish locations to myself.

THEN WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO????

How to Pick a Watermelon

2010-07-08T14:24:00.000-04:00

I have (had) no idea how to pick a melon. None. That was until I came across this how-to from Francis Lam at Salon magazine. I wanted to share this because I can't be the only one confused in the art of watermelon picking.

How to choose (and store) a watermelon
Forget hocus-pocus like tapping. Here's how to select and store, with a surprise tip from a pro on how to serve
BY FRANCIS LAM

What's more carefree than watermelon in the summer? Eating a wedge so big you can't see out the side, splashing yourself with juice ... Well, if you're standing outside in 103-degree heat, hoping to buy a watermelon good enough to justify living in whatever hell you do that gets this hot, things suddenly become a lot less carefree. Stakes is high for this watermelon, son!

So, yesterday, when it was in fact 103 degrees in the g*****mned shade, I stood in front of the swimming pool-size bin of watermelons at my supermarket watching people go through their selection rituals. One man insisted that he could tap-and-listen his way to juiciness and, as if to impress the pretty woman next to him, proceeded to refine his technique until it looked like he had to do nothing more than touch the fruit, like a spiritual laying on of hands. It seemed a bit silly, all this hocus-pocus, but I understand the need for belief: What's sadder than cutting into a mealy, bland watermelon?

I took my chances on a 15-pound baby and carried it home on my shoulder. Then, this morning, unwilling to ever leave such a decision to fate again, I called an expert -- Darryl Mosher, a farmer and professor of product knowledge at the Culinary Institute of America, who happens to have grown a watermelon or several thousand. When picking one for himself, this is what Darryl looks for.

Shape: You want a symmetrical shape. If the watermelon is narrower on one end or misshapen, it means it grew in fits and starts, and was probably water-starved at one point. I don't even really know what it means for a melon to be water-starved, but it sounds a little too Gitmo for comfort.

Color and spotting: Color itself isn't a great indicator (some heirloom varieties are particularly gorgeous, and aren't even green). But look for melons with a bright skin; dullness may indicate that it's been sitting around. More important, look for the "field spot," a large-ish splotch of creamy-to-yellow or even orange color. This indicates that the melon was allowed to sit in the field for a good long time, maturing and producing sugar. Avoid melons where the field spot is white, pale green or nonexistent.

Pick it up!: One of the best tests requires a bit of effort -- you want to choose one that is heavy for its size, indicating that it's full of juice. If you don't know how much a watermelon should weigh, pick up a few that are the same size in the bin. Keep the heaviest one.

Red or yellow? Seeded or seedless?: As a man of prejudices, I spit watermelon seeds at seedless watermelons and look at yellow watermelons with a jaundiced eye. But Darryl doesn't think these things matter very much in terms of quality. Until recently he would have preferred seeded over seedless, but new seedless varieties can be plenty delicious. And of course there are wonderful heirloom varieties, but to learn about those you should ask the market or grower directly.

Storage and shelf-life: Watermelons can seem to last for weeks in the fridge, but Darryl recommends you keep them just a bit cooler than room temperature, eat them as soon as possible, and refrigerate them only after they're cut, or only for a few hours before serving if you want to serve them cold. The cold fridge degrades their flavor and texture (even as it keeps them from rot), characteristics that already start to deteriorate the moment they're picked. "Any grower will tell you that the very best watermelon is the one that you break while harvesting and end up eating," Darryl says. So buying local watermelons is ideal if it means they get to your market from the field more quickly.

Serving it ... warm and salty?: Most people, me included, like to refrigerate their watermelons because they're so refreshing cold. So Darryl stunned me when he said, "You know, I like my watermelon heated. I put it out on the blacktop, in the full sun, and cut it hot." It allows its true flavors to come out, he says. "It's like a totally different fruit, aromatic, more along the lines of some tropical fruits. They get almost a mango flavor."

While we're on that subject of odd serving suggestions I am actually fond of lightly salting watermelon for a taste contrast, and just last night, my ladyfriend made a refreshing salad of watermelon, cucumber and Greek tzatziki.

A final word of warning: All the above said, choosing a good watermelon does involve a fair deal of hoping for the best. You can't sniff them very successfully because their skins are so thick, tests like tapping for sound are inconsistent, and the single biggest factor in quality is how long the fruit has stayed in storage, something you can't really tell until tasting it. But if you can trust your market and go through the above steps, you're well on your way to burying your face in sweet fruit.

Farmers' Market Mumbles...and Bad Teeth

2010-07-02T22:13:00.000-04:00

I know, I know. I have not posted anything substantial for a while. I build you all up with the Philly Food Feed Farmers' Market Marathon and then I disappear, like the last piece of grilled summer squash on your plate. I can only apologize and say that wisdom teeth extraction at 32 is a bitch. For real. Here I am, a week later, and my face still looks like Rocky, albeit from about the sixth round as opposed to the 8th. I'm also still in enough pain that I went back to the dentist today to make sure I didn't have "dry sockets" (look it up, you know I did). He said no, and sent me on my way with some more painkillers. Awesome. I know that wisdom teeth shouldn't interfere with writing, but they hurt really bad! Wah! Moving on...
Its July and the weather is heating up, and so is the behind the scenes world of the Philly farmers' market scene evidently. As some of you probably already know, Three Springs Fruit Farm will not be attending Saturday's market at the Piazza at Schmidt's. If you are a regular customer of theirs on Saturday, you will be able to find them at the famed Greensgrow Farms for their Saturday market. This isn't the first defection from the Piazza this season and apparently it isn't without acrimony. Three Springs commented on the move on their Facebook page:

…we feel a lot more comfortable with the folks at Greensgrow - we already have a great relationship with those guys. At the Piazza, it felt like they were more concerned about the Farmers Market getting in the way of whatever else they had planned than they were concerned about providing good food for their residents and the community. e feel a lot more comfortable with the folks at Greensgrow - we already have a great relationship with those guys. At the Piazza, it felt like they were more concerned about the Farmers Market getting in the way of whatever else they had planned than they were concerned about providing good food for their residents and the community…We had started building some great relationships at the Piazza Farmers Market, but we felt like we were going to be limited in our ability to serve those folks - they wouldn't know where we'd set up from week to week, the hours of the market etc. - all things beyond our control. I hope that market becomes successful but I also hope that if you miss us, you'd come visit us just a few blocks north at Greensgrow.

I wanted to get the manager of the Piazza Market, Kyle Perry's perspective on the comments from Three Springs. He had this to say:

We face a unique challenge at the Piazza. Not only are there logistics with the market-setup but also with other events, a wider scope of geography than what other markets have to deal with, a lack of totalitarian oversight, plus all of the other first-year market issues. Contributing to the issues are those farmers/vendors who are not willing to work with me and these issues, and who have visibly not been vested in the market. Facebook is an interesting site, and provides insight into relationships with others not already evident. Three Springs if I'm not mistaken last mentioned they were even attending our market last sometime in May. They consistently mentioned appearances at other markets. Peaches arrived last week at other markets, and in fact a blurb went out on their Facebook page that they would be available at weekend markets.
I posted on our page that information. Lo and behold, no Peaches for the Piazza. In other words it's been evident that we have been treated as a second-tier market by them, and also feel it was a bit influenced by "farmers market politics" in this city. In summary, we're happy with our remaining farmers/vendors who are seemingly committed to the success of the market.

So there you have it. When I first got into the whole "local food scene", I erroneously believed that everything was hearts and flowers and everybody got along with everybody else and everybody was a hippie. After visiting markets and meeting farmers and market managers and the like, I have found that farmers' markets are a business like any other. This doesn't surprise me or disappoint me - it is what it is. As long as I and others have access to fresh, local, nutritious food - fight it out amongst yourselves.

FDA Acknowledges Antibiotics in Meat are Bad (Wow)

2010-06-29T21:54:00.000-04:00

So the FDA issued a warning today concerning the amount of antibiotics being pumped into the meat supply. Actually it wasn't a warning as much as a "we're getting to it" regarding setting up more specific, if not harsher, guidelines on the use of antibiotics in meat. This article did nothing to curb my addiction to pastured ground beef.

Link

MARY CLARE JALONICK | 06/28/10 04:47 PM |
WASHINGTON — The Food and Drug Administration is urging meat producers to limit the amount of antibiotics they give animals in response to public health concerns about the drugs.

The FDA said antibiotics in meat pose a "serious public health threat" because the drugs create antibiotic-resistant bacteria that can infect humans who eat it. The agency is recommending that producers use the drugs judiciously, limiting their use unless they are medically necessary and only using them with the oversight of a veterinarian.

"Developing strategies for reducing (antibiotic) resistance is critically important for protecting both public and animal health," the agency said in draft guidelines printed in the Federal Register on Monday.

The agency said misuse and overuse of the drugs has led to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Antibiotics have been given to animals to kill pathogens for more than 50 years, and the FDA acknowledged that practice has had "tremendous benefits" to animal and human health.

Of greater concern, the agency said, is when producers use antibiotics on healthy animals to speed growth and reduce feed costs. The agency is also concerned about antibiotics that are given continuously through feed or water to entire herds or flocks of animals.

The agency said it is expecting to issue more specific guidelines soon, but FDA Principal Deputy Commissioner of Food and Drugs Joshua Sharfstein would not say whether the agency eventually plans to issue stricter regulations. He said the guidelines are just a first step and the agency will be watching industry response and also patterns of antibiotic resistance.

Advocates on both sides of the issue criticized the decision.

Sam Carney, a pork producer from Adair, Iowa, and president of the National Pork Producers Council, said reducing the amount of antibiotics given to animals could harm their health.

"As we know, healthy animals produce safe food, and we need every available tool to protect animal health," he said.

But Steven Roach, a public health advocate with the group Keep Antibiotics Working, a coalition dedicated to eliminating the overuse of antibiotics, said the guidelines don't go far enough.

"It shows the FDA still has no plan to take the necessary steps to protect public health by stopping the non-therapeutic use of antibiotics in animal agriculture," he said.

Short Hiatus

2010-06-27T07:42:00.000-04:00

The Philly Food Feed will be on a super-short hiatus due to Ben getting his wisdom teeth pulled at the end of last week. Don't fret though, the Farmers' Market Marathon is still in full swing with Ben visiting the South and Passyunk Market last Tuesday. To satisfy what we know is your insatiable demand for pictures of us enjoying local and delicious produce, here is Ethan enjoying some blueberries from the Tuesday trip.

Market News

2010-06-25T20:45:00.000-04:00

Mark Skinner of Natural Meadows Farm is going to be busy on Saturday. Per his Facebook page:

Natural Meadows Farm I am bringing new chicken white bean chili soup and chicken meat pies to the markets this weekend. The markets are Fitler Square 9-2, Lansdowne 9-1 , the Piazza at Schmidt's 10-3 and Greengrow 10-3 all on Saturday. Please come out and sweat with us.

So if you are pretty much anywhere in the city on Saturday, you are probably a stone's throw from some tastey pastured eggs and meats. I buy my ground beef from Mark and if you want to do some grilling this weekend, you should too.

Market News

2010-06-22T22:13:00.000-04:00

There will be a new vendor at the Piazza at Scmidt's this upcoming Saturday. SeaStainable, a subsidiary of Samuel and Son Seafood Co. will be making their first appearance at the Piazza, bringing with them the following:

Pocono Rainbow Trout
Organic Salmon
Shrimp (Alaskan Spot Prawn)
Squid Rhode Island-Pound Netted
Oysters-Cape May Salts
Virginia Littleneck Clams
Rope Grown Mussels
MSC Certified Alaskan Cod

And More...

As it turns out, all of their items will be sustainable and most of them local to our region. Also, they will tell you where the items were caught, as well as method of catch. Take some time Saturday to check this out.

The Story of the Red Skinned Potatoes

2010-06-18T21:20:00.000-04:00

Before

And After

Potatoes are from Homestead Gardens out of Ephrata, PA via Clark Park's Thursday market.

Eight Down, Nineteen More to Go

2010-06-17T21:00:00.005-04:00

Continuing with the Philly Food Feed Farmers Market Marathon, on Sunday my sister-in-law Emily accompanied Ethan and me to the Reading Terminal Farmers Market, directly across the street from the famous Philadelphia Reading Terminal, a location proving to be both boon and bust for this fledgling market. Because I had heard from a few people that this market had been plagued by drop-outs and light foot traffic, I wanted to take a look for myself as soon as I could.

It wasn't hard to park, at least not as hard as I thought it would be. Center City on a Sunday isn't that difficult to navigate and we only had to walk about 2 blocks to the market. The hot and humid weather already put Ethan in low spirits (thats French for really pissed), so if I wanted to talk to some of the vendors, I would have to make it quick. When we arrived we were pleased to find the offerings were not as barren as I had been lead to believe. I counted six vendors on my visit and the offerings included, but were not limited to local honey, goat cheese, tree fruit, and produce.

I spoke to Steve Bowes of Steve Bowes Organic Family Farm. Steve grows his food organically with no sprays and is a farmers market stalwart throughout the Central Pennsylvania farmers market scene. When I asked Steve about the drop-outs I had heard about (the market originally started with 8 vendors and as of last Sunday, it was down to seven, losing two and adding one - hardly a "plague"), he attributed it to the youth of those who left. He then told me that he has been in the local food business for over 40 years and after I sampled one of his sugar snap peas, it showed. I also purchased some handsome looking kale and Vidalia onions and my sister-in-law chose a nice bunch of his radishes.

I also spoke to Justine from O&F Farms out of Blue Bell, PA. She had some beautiful tomatoes which she allowed us to have gratis with the hopes that we would spread the word of their flavor, which I just did. Ha. I also bought some zucchini and sugar snap peas which were too mature to eat whole, but after shelling them and combining them with the aforementioned zucchini - they became a welcome addition to our dinner table (recipe to follow). That nifty photo at the beginning of this post is of some of the spoils purchased from O&F.

After we were through with the market outside, Emily and I decided to take a sojourn into the Terminal, if not for any other reason than to get out of the humidity and into the cool. As luck would have it, we entered right by the Fair Food Farmstand. For those not familiar with the Farmstand, it is a project of Fair Food, a program sponsored by White Dog Community Enterprises, a Philadelphia non-profit dedicated to supporting local and sustainable agriculture in our region. The Farmstand was hoppin' and from the looks of their produce, I could see why. I picked up a fresh bunch of green chard (we prefer the green) and a huge white onion. Their food was a little more pricey than am used to from the farmers markets, but it looked too good to pass up and cooking it and eating it only confirmed my suspicion. After we were done at Fair Food, Ethan let us know in his usual high-pitched way that it was time to go.

Later on in the week, I spoke with Bob Pierson, founder and director of Farm to City, the local business who, partnered with the Reading Terminal Market Corporation, is managing the outdoor market. Bob was gracious enough to give me some time over the phone and I asked him if the market and the Farmstand are affiliated in any way. He told me they are not but that Farm to City and Fair Food do collaborate on a number of projects. He then elaborated by saying the outdoor market is "growers only", and the Farmstand doesn't fit that model. While I understand the importance of "growers only" mentality, perhaps the outdoor market would have more traffic if there was more of a connection to what is going on inside the market. As it turns out, this upcoming Sunday, they are moving the market form outdoors into the Piano Court in the Terminal. I think this is a good move. If you go down to the Terminal, and don't know that there is a market outside, you aren't going to go. Likewise, the only reason I went to the Terminal was to get out of the heat; I like it but I have been there hundreds of times, and my intention was only to buy food from the farmers' market. I knew about the Farmstand, but I wasn't really thinking about it at the time and was mildly surprised to find myself there. By moving the market inside, hopefully more traffic will be created for the farmers' market AND the Terminal, although at this point I suspect the Terminal will be doing most of the influence. Hey, a rising tide lifts all boats right? So this is what you do - on a Sunday morning after breakfast, hop on the El and go to the Terminal. Walk around the entire place, have lunch, and then stop by the Piano Court for some local food. You will be supporting local agriculture, a local landmark, and will be indulging in a taste of Philadelphia!

And now the zucchini recipe I promised. I found this recipe at the Real Simple site on the web. I tweaked it a bit to suit our needs and this new version is what I will give to you now.

1 Medium Zucchini
1 Cup Fresh Peas
2 Tbls. Olive Oil
3 Garlic Cloves Minced (man, we love garlic here)
1/2 Tsp. Kosher Salt
Ground Black Pepper (to taste)
1/2 Tsp. Dried Thyme

Chop zucchini into slices or however you like.
In a large skillet over medium heat, combine olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally until zucchini is soft, about 5-7 minutes.
Add peas and thyme and cook until peas are tender, about two minutes.

If you try this, leave a comment and let us know. We are novice chefs over here at the feed and are always looking for feedback and suggestions.

Welcome Philly Homegrown!!!

2010-06-14T19:08:00.001-04:00

Let us all give a hearty thanks to the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) for launching Philly Home Grown, a project devoted to highlighting the local food movement in Philadelphia. From their site:

Philly Homegrown is an initiative of the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC). The goals of the project are:

to inspire consumers to shop from within the 100-mile foodshed
to broaden the market for local food
amplify the work of the local food movement of Greater Philadelphia.

The project is funded by grants from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) and the William Penn Foundation.

Locals and visitors agree that the food produced in our region is authentic, delicious and is part of our cultural heritage. It is already an important, ongoing theme of GPTMC’s marketing and a reason people come to our region. We have always promoted Philadelphia as a “food lovers” kind of town. Local food has been a piece of the food story in our region that we have long wanted to highlight.

The comprehensive plan that we are currently implementing includes strategies that shine a light on the accessibility, the flavors, the menus, the neighborhood gems, the nutrition, the experience, the places and the local personalities of the movement. Our overall strategy remains based upon the premise that as more people discover the benefits and virtues of local food, they will develop a greater appreciation of its value.

The local food movement in Philadelphia can never have "too much promotion". This is definitely a good thing.

Seven Down, Twenty More to Go

2010-06-13T21:16:00.001-04:00

This past Thursday, the Philly Food Feed continued on with our Farmers' Market Marathon with a stop at the Oxford Circle Farmers' Market on the corner of Oxford and Summerdale Avenues in Northeast Philadelphia.

This is what we at the Feed consider "our old stomping ground", since this area is where Ben grew up. Another point of significance for this market is that it is the ONLY growers farmers' market on Northeast Philadelphia. This point is a bone of contention for us here at the feed, considering that the Northeast is where we currently reside and while we do love exploring all areas in the city (we are doing this Farmers' Market Marathon after all), we still would love to have a place we can get fruit within a few miles of our house...other than Pathmark.

Now that the rant is out of the way, on to the market! Stationed in front of Dough Boys Pizza, this market consisted of one vendor, an Amish family from Lancaster County. I wish I could tell you more about them but I am going to describe them as...cagey. When I asked them the name of their farm the one gentleman said they did not have a name. Ok. I put in an e-mail to market manager Rachel for some more info, but as of this writing, I have not heard back. Thursday was her first day and I know she also works at the Saturday market at Head House, so we will cut her a break.
I was able to purchase a pint of cherries, a pint of strawberries, and a bunch of radishes for a little over six dollars, which I found to be a good deal. As did Ethan, who insisted on eating one of the strawberries then and there. I enjoyed them later, as well as the cherries, which are probably one of my favorite fruits. Their growing season is short so I take advantage of the opportunity to buy them whenever I can. These had an equal amount of tart and sweet, which equaled delicious.
So there you have it. Seven down, twenty more to go! Coming up next - the Saturday Farmers' Market at the Reading Terminal.

Savoie Farm Leaving the Piazza

2010-06-10T09:17:00.001-04:00

Savoie Organic Farm will no longer be at the Piazza at Schmidt's Saturday market. Instead, on Saturdays they will be at the Headhouse market. From their facebook page:

Well, it is official. We are moving. We will no longer be attending the Piazza at Schmidt's farmers Market on Saturdays. We will instead be at a smaller, grower only market, the Saturday Headhouse Market at 2nd and Lombard from 10-2p.m.
We would like to thank Kyle for all his dedicated efforts making the Piazza a fine farmers market, unfortunately it just isn't the right fit for our small farm.

Shout Out from The Food Trust

2010-06-09T11:52:00.004-04:00

Those of you who receive "Fresh Times, the weekly newsletter from the Food Trust, will notice a blurb about the Philly Food Feed Farmers' Market Marathon. A big thanks to the Food Trust for the mention and for the added pressure (lol!). For those of you unaware of our quest, here is a repost with all of the juicy details -

Hello out there in Philly Food Feed land! It’s the beginning of June and markets are beginning to sprout up (ha ha, that was good) all over Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. By now I’m sure most of you have been attacking asparagus, snacking on strawberries, and relishing rhubarb, as have I. With the season just about in full swing, I have an awesome announcement to make – I have decided not to write in alliteration anymore – except there. Only kidding…about the alliteration, not the announcement… here it goes –

Over the past few weeks, I have been brainstorming ideas about what the Philly Food Feed can do this farmers’ market season to really spice things up. Then it came to me – This season, the Philly Food Feed will visit EVERY SINGLE FARMERS’ MARKET IN PHILADELPHIA!!! That’s right folks, you read it correctly – EVERY SINGLE MARKET. I’m calling it: The Philly Food Feed Farmers’ Market Marathon. It will be sort of like Where’s Waldo of the farmers’ market scene, but instead looking for a bespectacled Waldo, donning a red and white winter hat hiding in the crowds, you will have to keep your eye out for a bald Ben with a Phillies hat somewhere in Overbrook with some peaches or maybe in Northern Liberties with a fennel. Out of sight, right?

According to Grid Magazine (link forthcoming), there are 27 farmers’ markets either already going on or slated to start this season in Philadelphia proper. The Philly Food Feed will be attending all of them. Between now and the end of November, we will be present at each of those markets and I will be reporting on all of them, introducing you readers to the food, farmers, and fun that make the local food scene in Philadelphia the specialist in the nation. A copious amount of excitement takes me over when I think about all of the various farmers, growers, and artisans we are going to have the pleasure of meeting and interacting with. These folks are the life’s blood of the markets and they need to be acknowledged.

Of course, we will be following the food too – from the market to our table, sharing our edible experiences along the way through new and exciting recipes that I will be trying out on my family, turning them into a gaggle of guinea pigs.

Now since we have already been to the markets at Clark Park, The Piazza at Schmidt’s, Headhouse, Schuylkill River Park, Filter Square, and Fairmount, that leaves us with 21 markets by the end of the season. Can we do it? Will we be able to accomplish this ambitious feat? You will have to read the Philly Food Feed to find out. And if you see me at one of the markets, leave a comment here and let us know. C-ya at the markets!

-----------------------------------------------------------

By the way, if you don't receive "Fresh Times", sign up. Its a great newsletter full of market openings, recipes, links to articles regarding nutrition and the local food scene, and a weekly column by Lindsay Lidge, wife of Phillies closer Brad Lidge

From the Mayor's Office of Sustainability

2010-06-09T11:14:00.005-04:00

In support of the Greenworks Philadelphia initiatives to expand the number of farmers markets, publicize local food sources, and connect farmers to customers, the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability is hosting the 3rd Annual Mayor’s Farmers Market.

In 2010 the Mayor’s Market will be located at the southeastern corner of Love Park (at 15th St and JFK Blvd) on Wednesdays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The market will run from June through October.

Fresh, local produce will be available, and Penn State Extension will provide nutrition and cooking information.

Check back weekly for a list of produce available at the market and for recipes using seasonal produce.

Available this week -

The McCanns Farm -
Strawberries, Asparagus, Butter Crunch Lettuce, Cucumbers, Zucchini, Yellow Squash, and Potted Herbs.

Teens4Good: Collard Greens, Kale, Swiss Chard, Beets with Greens, Turnips with Greens, Bok Choi and Mint.

La Baguette: Fresh Baked Goods, Breads, and Quiches

Ben Wenk Explains IPM at Three Springs Fruit Farm

2010-06-08T22:37:00.002-04:00

I wanted to pass this video along to our readers. If any of you don't know how Integrated Pest Management works, this video is a great way to get your feet wet. Look for Three Springs Fruit Farm at the Piazza at Schmidt's on Saturdays and at the Headhouse on Sunday (where you can meet the man himself). Chat him up and you will learn a thing or two.

New E-Mail Address For the Feed

2010-06-08T18:47:00.000-04:00

We have a new e-mail address for the Philly Food Feed. If you ever feel the need, you can contact us at phillyfoodfeed@gmail.com or, click the envelope icon to the right. Take care!

Big Announcement!

2010-06-07T11:59:00.009-04:00

We Are On Twitter

2010-06-04T15:55:00.001-04:00

The Philly Food Feed has gone all Twitter on you. Now if you like an article you see here on the Feed, you can just click the blue Twitter button at the bottom and share your literary bliss with all of your Twitter followers. Help spread the word!

From the Huffington Post - Top 10 Mistakes Made by Farmers Market Noobz

2010-06-04T15:44:00.001-04:00

Great piece from Darya Pino on the Huffington Post. To those who aren't farmers' market vets, this article can give you a few pointers on how to navigate through the wonderful world of local wares. I don't necessarily agree with all of them...well I do except number 9 (I have on a couple of occasions made my last three dollars turn into at least two bushels of something), but for the most part this article is spot on!
Top 10 Mistakes

"Simple Minds Will Look at the Label and Nothing Else"

2010-06-02T20:51:00.002-04:00

Image via Wikipedia

I wanted to share with you an article I read from the recent issue of Mother Jones magazine. The article concerns organic sugar and the overall lax enforcement of the USDA guidelines for Organic foods. I have included a link to the article, however, for purposes of this blog I will sum it up as follows:

The standards for Organic certification are broad enough that if a grower wants to cheat, they can. Furthermore, while what you are buying at the grocery store may be Organic, that doesn't mean that what you are buying is organic. To clarify, you may be buying a box of Organic cereal from Cascadian Farms that did not have any synthetic fertilizers added to its ingredients, but an Old World forest could easily have been cleared to grow the "Organic" sugar that makes the cereal oh so sugary sweet. Now granted, it still may be Organic in that again, there are no synthetic fertilizers added and weeds are pulled by hand, but as far as the true nature of the organic movement, the guidelines just don't cut it.

I only mention this article because people ask me (mostly family) why I am so hung up on local foods and the farmers' markets. Besides the freshness and the taste, there is something else. Most of the farmers I buy from are not certified organic (although some are). Some practice IPM (integrated pest management), or just don't use chemicals and only use natural fertilizer. Just because they don't have a government certification doesn't mean their food is any less safe. On the contrary, I feel more comfortable with the farmer who can explain to me the merits of IPM as I am buying an apple from his stand than with an Organic label on a box of cereal shipped from California. There is more to organic to me than a label; organic is a movement. Its knowing that the primary source of energy in my Bok Choy is the sun and not the oil expended shipping it from China. The same oil that is currently spilling into the ocean, by the way. Its a movement that involves me meeting and knowing the person who grows my food. The same person who knows my wife and my son. Its a movement that gives me a choice between big agribusiness that, due to current marketing trends, buys an Organic label for their box, regardless of how much forest was cut in order to provide organic farmland.

There are three things vital to survival: Water, Air, and Food. People need to know what they are eating, how its grown, how it gets here...all of it. Don't just be bought off by a label people. Know where your food is coming from. Don't let Organic be the next "fat free", "low-carb" trend with nothing to back it up but empty promises.

From the Food Trust - Markets Opening this Week

2010-06-02T13:30:00.001-04:00

More Market Openings

Opening this week:

Clark Park Thursday Farmers' Market
43rd Street and Baltimore Avenue
Thursday, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Featuring:

Big Sky Bakery
Homestead Garden produce
Quaff Meadows produce, lamb and flowers
Country Meadows Farm barbecued chicken

Palmer Park Farmers' Market
Frankford Avenue and East Palmer Street
Thursday, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Featuring:

Penn Hill Produce Farm produce and Amish groceries

The Radian Farmers' Market
3925 Walnut Street
Friday, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Featuring:

Seeds for Learning produce
Visalli's Orchards produce and flowers
Greenwood Kitchen gluten-free baked goods

A Word (or two) From the Feed

2010-05-29T00:06:00.001-04:00

I have definitely been lax about posting here which isn't fair to the three of you that read this blog. I complain about not having enough readership, but I never post - at least not consistently. You all know what happens (especially those of you with children). You mean to do something and life gets in the way. Its Friday now and Sarah is putting Ethan down and I am listening to the Beatles so I'm going to try to make up for a little lost time.

For the past two Saturdays, I have been helping Mark Skinner from Natural Meadows Farm at a couple of markets around the city. Last week I worked Fitler Square and the prior week I was at the Piazza at Schmidt's. I also have been trying to expand my area a little and visit markets not in my normal rotation (Clark Park, Headhouse). With those experiences in mind, I have amassed some observations that I will now share with you.

1. Highland Orchards - They are every where you want to be. - I first discovered Highland Orchards in March when the Piazza opened. Sarah is hooked on their Apple Cider Donuts and I eat pretty much everything else. The prices are reasonable and the food is always good. They have these dried strawberries that taste like they have to have sugar added but upon further investigation, do not. So far this season I have seen them at the Piazza, Fitler Square, and Schuylkill River Park.

2. Savoie Farms - I have always seen Savoie Organic Farm at the Headhouse but for some reason I never bought anything. It wasn't conscious, it just never happened. Then I saw him at the Piazza the day I worked and after we chatted for a bit I made a mental note to make sure I get something from them. On Sunday I was at the Headhouse and low and behold, there was Barry Savoie with greens galore talking to every customer about his bounty. I had to buy a couple of heads of lettuce, one red one green which Barry identified as New Red Fire and Black Seeded Simpson respectively. Sarah and I ate 3 huge salads with a mixture of these two lettuces as the base and we were certainly not disappointed. It also didn't hurt that Barry told me that each head had been picked the morning off the market. Doesn't get any fresher than that. Then last week Barry turned me onto some really spicy radishes which my wife practically eats like grapes. Savoie is CERTIFIED ORGANIC. From the Savoie Organics Website:

Produce that has been "certified organic" often bears the familiar USDA organic symbol (at right). When you see this sign, you know that the farmer has been held to the strictest national guidelines for the production of food without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, antibiotics, hormones, and genetically-modified seed stocks...We are a small farm that is proud of its certification, because it means our customers can be confident in the quality and integrity of our produce.

This is definitely good news, especially in light of the recent study by the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics concerning the correlation between ADHD and Organophosphate Pesticides. If you have the chance, stop by and say hello to Barry and ask him about his produce. You'll get a lesson in farming, organic food...the works.

From the Food Trust - Markets Opening this Week

2010-05-26T11:37:00.005-04:00

Opening this week:

Germantown Farmers' Market
Germantown Avenue and Walnut Lane
Friday, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Featuring seasonal produce from the Wyck House and Buckview Produce.
Plus: New vendor 4-Carat Cakes by Philly Kitchen Share with carrot cake cupcakes and carrot bread.

Overbrook Farms
63rd Street between
Sherwood Road and Overbrook Avenue
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Featuring Eden Garden Farm spring produce and Forest View Bakery Amish baked goods

Lansdowne Farmers' Market
Lansdowne Avenue Parking Lot
between Baltimore Pike and Stewart Avenue
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Link Between ADHD and Organophosphates

2010-05-20T18:51:00.018-04:00

A recent study by the American Academy of Pediatrics links Organophosphate Insecticide exposure to ADHD in children between 8 and 15. From the medical journal Pediatrics -

Cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2000–2004) were available for 1139 children, who were representative of the general US population...One hundred nineteen children met the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. Children with higher urinary dialkyl phosphate concentrations, especially dimethyl alkylphosphate (DMAP) concentrations, were more likely to be diagnosed as having ADHD... For the most-commonly detected DMAP metabolite, dimethyl thiophosphate, children with levels higher than the median of detectable concentrations had twice the odds of ADHD.

While correlation is not causation and more studies need to be done in order to prove causation, it is worth noting that these Organophosphates work by disrupting the central nervous system of insects by affecting the chemicals in their brains. I am in no way a scientist but to me, this study compounded with how these chemicals actually work do much to reinforce my buying practices of organic fruit and vegetables. Just ask Ethan.

New Markets Opening Today

2010-05-19T10:30:00.000-04:00

Broad and South Farmers' Market
Broad and South Streets
Wednesdays, 2 P.M. to 7 P.M.

Schuykill River Park Farmers' Market
25th and Spruce Streets
Wednesdays, 3 P.M. to 7 P.M.

On Saturday I WORKED at the Farmers' Market

2010-05-16T15:43:00.003-04:00

Those of you who read this blog (yes, all three of you) usually find me basking in the glory of one farmers' market or another, venerating those who bring us the bounty that is local, healthy food. Saturday was different though, for on Saturday I became what I most admire; the purchaser became the purveyor! Well not really. I just worked the Piazza at Schmidts for Mark Skinner of Natural Meadows Farm. Mark is my "meat and eggs guy" and he found himself short-handed for the Piazza market on Saturday. As a budding blogger, I could not pass up the opportunity to participate in immersion journalism. So there I was, and the first thing I have to relay to you about the experience is the wind. It was way windy. Like, I was doing a one man show of The Wizard of Oz and although I have a heart and a brain (some might debate), my courage was being blown around all day as well as some of the products on the table. Nothing fell or broke but by the end of the day I did feel like I went 10 rounds with an industrial fan. Due to those circumstances, I consider my bout with nature a draw.
On Saturday there was a fashion show going on in the middle of the Piazza with the Farmers' Market vendors operating on the peripheral. On occasion, a few of the fashion show denizens would meander by the stand and I would dutifully hand them a price list and try to explain the health benefits of pastured meats and eggs. One gentleman bought some soup and told me he loved me as he left. Quite a rousing endorsement.
Eggs and honey sold like hotcakes and plenty of people bought plenty of meat. Although the market was quiet compared to other times I have seen it, I still had a chance to interact with plenty of foodies and locavores and I definitely had fun. I also ran into some familiar vendors also working the market like Three Springs Fruit Farm and Savoie Organic Farm. I felt my "market cred" increase with each vendor I said hello to. Speaking of Three Springs, I want to give a special thanks to them for letting me use their scale when ours went on the fritz. Famers helping farmers...what a concept!
I'm looking forward to the next time I can work a market. The experience left me tired but definitely eager to they my hand at it again. If anybody out there needs an extra hand, you know where to find me!

New Farmers' Market Opening at the Reading Terminal

2010-05-14T22:27:00.005-04:00

Beginning this Sunday, May 16th, and running every Sunday until Mid-November, The Reading Terminal (in conjunction with Farm to City) will be operating a Farmers' Market. It will operate from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is directly across the street from the Terminal on 12th. According to the Reading Terminal website, there will be 14 local growers participating including:

Steve Bowes Family Farm – vegetables, berries, tree fruit, eggs, cut flowers, seedlings, plants
Derick’s Orchard – tree fruit, berries, melons, vegetables, baked goods, preserves
Two Gander Farm – produce, eggs, honey

It seems that everybody is getting into the Farmers' Market act and Sunday is the day du jour. The Piazza at Schmidt's in Northern Liberties and now this market in Center City. Plus we have the Headhouse on the boarder of Queen's Village. I thought Sunday was supposed to be a day of rest! So much for sleeping in. I just wish they would open up one for us Locavores in the Northeast. There are plenty of places up here that could handle 10-15 growers on a Sunday morning. Some of us up here wouldn't mind being able to take a bus to get our greens or better yet...walk there. PERISH THE THOUGHT!!!

From the Food Trust

2010-05-12T18:48:00.002-04:00

This Week's Markets

Fairmount Farmers' Market
22nd Street and Fairmount Avenue
Thursday, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Fitler Square Farmers' Market
23rd and Pine streets
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Open year-round.

Clark Park Farmers' Market
43rd Street and Baltimore Avenue
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Open year-round.

Headhouse Farmers' Market
2nd and Lombard streets
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Opening Day!
Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Philly Food Feed in Fairmount

2010-05-06T23:22:00.004-04:00

Today Ethan and I ventured to the Fairmount Farmers' Market, directly across the street from Eastern State Penitentiary. We saw some old friends, met some new ones, and left with fresh string beans, fresh beets, and a quart of strawberries for the family to share. If you live in the area or need something to do on a Thursday afternoon, check out this quaint market. The market is located on 22nd St. and Fairmount Ave. from 3 to 7 P.M. on thursdays.

Welcome Back Headhouse Market!

2010-05-04T19:53:00.015-04:00

This past Sunday marked the opening day for the Headhouse Farmers Market on 2nd and Lombard in Philadelphia. For those of you who are frequent followers of the Philly Food Feed, you know that out of all the markets that we love, we love this one the most. It isn't that the other markets in the area don't have a cornucopia of fresh, natural foods to enjoy or that they don't each have their own distinctive charm...it's just, the Headhouse has a feel to it like no other. It reminds me of a Bazaar where people of different backgrounds and various walks of life congregate to share their love of all things natural. And there are a lot of people too. The place was packed with vendors, customers, the mayor, Brad Lidge, police officers...my head was spinning. I'm telling you, it was enough that I was able to make it out of there with a few pictures and some asparagus (and some strawberries, and pastured eggs, and oyster mushrooms, and fresh spinach...you get the point).
There is so much to relay about this past Sunday, I don't know where to start. I arrived at about 10:15 and the place was already hoppin'. Considering that the market opened at 10, that isn't bad. I guess it didn't hurt that Phillies closer Brad Lidge and Mayor Michael Nutter were at the entrance along with Brad's wife Lindsay and Yael Lehmann, the Executive Director of the Food Trust. Imagine my surprise...I came for some spinach and I ended up rubbing elbows with some pretty important people. Hey, its the Food Feed - we are everywhere you want to be.

Lindsay Lidge, Brad Lidge, Mayor Michael Nutter, Yael Lehman

During their guided tour of the market (dutifully lead by market manager Katy Wich), I actually had a chance to speak with the mayor and he informed me that over the next two years, even more markets will be opening up in Philadelphia. Katy later explained to me that the Food Trust is one of the agencies helping the city open up to 10 new markets in low income areas thanks to 15 million of a 25.4 million dollar grant via the economic stimulus.

Lindsay and Brad Lidge have joined the Food Trust in promoting healthy eating as a lifestyle. In the Food Trust's weekly newsletter, Fresh Picks, Lindsay will be offering tips on healthy eating as well as a glimpse of the eating habits of a Major League Family. If you don't receive the newsletter already, sign up! Besides tips from the Lidges, the newsletter is full of helpful information such as what's in season, Food Trust news and links to relevant articles highlighting topics concerning recipes, nutrition, and healthy living.

So now, on to the market! As I mentioned before, the place was bustling. Nice to see some things don't change! With that being said, I definitely needed to visit some of my old friends at the market like Ben Wenk over at Three Springs Fruit Farm. Even though it is early in the season, the Three Springs stand still held a garden of earthly delights. A variety of apples, asparagus, rhubarb, homemade applesauce...and of course, the man himself...Ben Wenk, gentleman farmer. Ben has been busy over the winter as the Three Springs newsletter can attest (I'm on a newsletter kick, evidently). Sign up for it and you will be up to date on the Three Springs market schedule as well as what Ben is bringing to market. You can find recipes there as well.

I also wanted to take the time to spotlight a vendor I have visited and purchased from frequently but have heretofore not written about. Queen's Farm out of West Chester PA always has a distinctive selection of mushrooms, of which I purchased a quarter pound of the Oyster variety this trip. Ed Yin and the Yin family grow their food in traditional Chinese fashion and according to the Food Trust website, they grow over 100 varieties of Asian vegetables each year. WOW. Up until now I have only had the pleasure of buying mushrooms from them, but I will be sure to expand my selections in the future. So far these Oysters I bought have made their way into a stir fry and eggs and its only Tuesday.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the succulent strawberries I purchased from A.T. Buzby farm. Nothing tastes like spring like the taste of fresh strawberries and these did not disappoint. I bought two pints but they were gone by today. A pint a day...not bad. I can't take all the credit for eating them though, I had a little help!

So there you have it. It was an awesome time as usual and I can't wait to get back there again. Before I sign off I also want to give a shout out to all of the volunteers at this, and all of the Food Trust markets. Without their help, all of this access to healthy eating wouldn't be possible. Next time you are at the market and you see one, tell them thanks. See you at the market!

Sprouting in the City - From the Philadelphia Inquirer

2010-04-26T21:09:00.001-04:00

Great article in the Philadelphia Inquirer highlighting the Piazza at Schmidt's and also a comprehensive list of this season's farmers' markets throughout the Delaware Valley!

Link

Sprouting in the City
Besides good fresh food and Sunday hours, area farmers markets offer a chance to meet the folks who grow the eats.
By Dianna Marder
Inquirer Staff Writer

From inside a large gray trailer marked "M&B Fairview Farm," Bart Hill greets a stream of customers who line up for bacon from his heritage pigs and big brown eggs from his Barred Rock chickens.

Just outside the trailer, seated at her own small table, Hill's daughter, Heather, tends to a line of customers, too.

"Do you have cats?" Heather asks a woman considering the goat-milk soaps on display. "Because if you do, you need catnip, and we have it."

She is 8 years old, this small blonde in pigtails, clutching what appear to be the remains of a much-loved baby blanket. And she is the littlest farmer at the Piazza at Schmidt's in Northern Liberties.

On the farm in Hamburg, Berks County, where the Hill family raises pastured cattle, goats, and guinea hens, Heather feeds the barnyard cats and dogs. But on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (and Sundays too, in May) she works here at the farmers market.

The Piazza is among the newbies in this year's roundup of area farmers markets that we are listing today in honor of Earth Day. Aside from an expanding array of growers, the big news this year is the Sunday option.

In addition to the Piazza, and the Head House farmers market, which both offer Sunday hours, this year the Reading Terminal Market will feature actual farmers selling outdoors on 12th Street on Sundays. And Creekside, the yet-to-open food co-op in Elkins Park, is operating a Sunday-only farmers market.

Most of those markets will feature different growers.

Whimsical Farms in Delaware and Three Springs Farm in Wenksville, Pa., are at the Piazza, while the Reading Terminal lineup includes Cherry Grove Farm in Lawrenceville, N.J., and Steve Bowes Family Farm in Northumberland County, Pa. Creekside will sell hydroponic produce grown by students at Cedarbrook Middle School in Cheltenham Township.

Bob Pierson of Farm to City, which is working with Kyle Perry at the Reading Terminal, says there are no studies or surveys to back up the Sunday project, "but we can see the popularity of Sunday shopping growing."

The terminal's inside stalls are already open on Sunday, and Pierson hopes the outdoor venue will draw even more people.

"People love meeting the farmers - they love meeting the people who grow their food," says Paul Steinke, the Reading Terminal manager.

Sure, shoppers like knowing they're getting fresh-picked produce that has traveled the shortest possible distance. But there's something else that distinguishes a farmers market experience from an Acme or even Whole Foods.

"It's the social networking," Pierson says. "People don't talk in supermarkets. But farmers markets are like community centers. It's a democratic space - anybody can go into it and anybody can meet anybody else."

The Piazza at Schmidt's started its year-round open-air market in January. And as Bart Hill can attest, it has operated every snowy Saturday except on Feb. 6, when that big one shut down even the Schuylkill Expressway.

With nearly 20 vendors, the Piazza doesn't yet fill the 80,000-square-foot space that developer Bart Blatstein designed with classic Italian piazzas in mind.

But at this Piazza, which is surrounded by artists studios, boutiques, eateries, and apartments, the farmers market is more than the sum of its parts.

In addition to finding fresh asparagus and fingerling potatoes, this is where hip young couples with babes in backpacks come to entertain the grandparents visiting from suburbia. Here, singles of every sort linger over charcuterie and craft beer, and Swift Half Pub chef Jessica O'Donnell develops a different menu item every Saturday based on the produce sold outside her door.

It is perhaps the most relaxed meet-the-farmer experience you'll find.

Unlike Ninth Street's Italian Market, where some merchants have been known to growl if you seem poised to touch the tomatoes or burden them with a $20 bill, merchants at the Piazza act as if they came here to chat with you - and many accept Visa and MasterCard.

Last Saturday, the Food Network channel played (with the volume way down for ambience) on the huge, high-definition LED television screen mounted on the Piazza's brick wall. And Chad Allen, who lives in the neighborhood, picked up his usual order from Bart Hill: eggs, bacon, and sharp provolone.

"I love the bacon, in particular," Allen said, "It's thick and robust - not your average brand."

"I guess I should be a vegetarian. But I only eat bacon once a week. And you get what you pay for, so let it be the best."

Joel Zuercher and Jill Bazelon, his wife, bought asparagus, leeks, and cheese from Birchrun Hills Farm and discussed making an omelet for lunch. The family lives in Logan Square, and, since they get in the car every Saturday morning to drive their 5-year-old, Harper, to dance class at Fourth and Locust, they just keep driving and come to the Piazza, where the parking is free and plentiful.

Kale seemed to be the biggest seller Saturday. Bazelon bought some for Harper because it's her fave. Moira Rosenberger of Chestnut Hill planned to make kale chips.

And Christine Eriksen, who started the food blog BigScaryKitchen.com this year in the hope it would inspire her to attain some cooking skills, bought kale from the Weaver's Way farm stand and planned to search for a recipe.

John Doyle was at the Piazza selling the artisan chocolates he makes with his wife, Kira. Because John & Kira's Chocolates are otherwise sold only online, farmers markets are a way to connect with customers and try new concoctions, Doyle said.

This week he was sampling a heavenly batch of Pistachio Toffee, and squares of Root Chocolate, which put the flavor of a chocolate root beer float in the palm of your hand.

"Farmers markets are really successful for us," Doyle said, "so much so that we're doing 11 [different markets each weekend] this year."

Farmers Markets in the Region

Key. FTC: Farm to City www.farmtocity.org

FT: The Food Trust www.thefoodtrust.org

BCFA: Bucks County Foodshed Alliance www.buckscountyfoodshedalliance.org.

For information on Pennsylvania farmers markets, visit www.pda.state.pa.us/farmmarkets. For information on New Jersey farmers markets, visit www.state.nj.us/jerseyfresh.

Philadelphia

Center City and South Philadelphia

Fitler Square (FT), 23d and Pine Streets, Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. year-round.

Head House (FT), Second and Lombard Streets, Sat.-Sun., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. starting May 2 for Sundays and May 15 for Saturdays.

Jefferson (FTC), Chestnut Street east of 10th Street, Thu. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. until end of October.

Italian Market, South Ninth Street, between Fitzwater and Wharton Streets, Tue.-Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. to 2 p.m. www.phillyitalianmarket.com.

Love Park Farmers' Market (FTC), 15th Street and JFK Boulevard, Wed. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. until end of October.

Reading Terminal Market, 51 N. 12th St., 215-922-2317. Mon.-Sat. 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed holidays. Pennsylvania Dutch stands are open Wed. 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Thu.-Sat. to 5 p.m. The Fair Food Farmstand in the market sells humanely raised meat, eggs, dairy, produce, and more, Mon.-Sat. 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Farmers Market at Reading Terminal (FTC): Outdoors at 12th and Arch Sts, Suns 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Rittenhouse (FTC), Walnut and 18th Streets, Tue. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. until Thanksgiving, Sat. 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. May-Nov.

Schuylkill River Park (FT), 25th and Spruce Streets, Wed. 3-7 p.m. starting May 19.

South & Passyunk (FTC), east of 5th Street, Tue. 2:30-7 p.m. until Thanksgiving.

South Street (FT), Broad and South Streets, Wed. 2-6 p.m. starting May 26.

Suburban Station Farmers Market (FTC), 16th Street concourse near elevator between Market Street and JFK Boulevard, Thur. 2:30-6:30 p.m. year-round.

North Philadelphia

Cecil B. Moore (FT), Cecil B. Moore Avenue between Broad Street & Park Walk, Thu. 2-6 p.m. starting Mid-June.

Fairmount (FT), 22d Street and Fairmount Avenue, Thu. 3-7 p.m. starting May 6.

Northeast Philadelphia

Greensgrow Farm Stand, 2501 E. Cumberland St., Tue.-Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; check web site for starting date. www.greensgrow.org.

Oxford Circle (FT), Oxford Street and Summerdale Avenue, Thu. 2-6 p.m. starting June 10.

Palmer Park (FT), Frankford Avenue and Palmer Street, Thu. 2-6 p.m. starting June 3.

Northwest Philadelphia

Chestnut Hill, 8229 Germantown Ave. (behind Chestnut Hill Hotel), Thu.-Fri. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat 8 a.m.-5 p.m., year-round.

Chestnut Hill Growers Market (FTC), Winston Road at Germantown Avenue, Sat. 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. until Thanksgiving.

Cliveden Park (FT), Chew and Johnson Streets, Wed. 2-6 p.m. starting June 23.

Germantown (FT), Germantown Avenue and Walnut Lane, Fri. 2-6 p.m. starting May 26.

Manayunk (FTC), Canal View Park on Main Street near Gay Street, Sat. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Mount Airy (FTC), Lutheran Theological Seminary plaza, Germantown Avenue at Allen Lane, Tues. 3-7 p.m. through Thanksgiving.

West Oak Lane (FT), Ogontz Avenue and 72d Street, Tue. 2-6 p.m. starting June 1.

West Philadelphia

Clark Park (FT), 43d Street and Baltimore Avenue, Thu. 3-7 p.m., starting June 3; Sat. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., year-round.

Girard Farm Stand (FTC), 27th Street and Girard Avenue, Wed. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. through end of October.

Haddington (FT), 52d Street and Haverford Avenue, Wed. and Fri. 1-5 p.m. starting July 7.

Overbrook Farms (FT), 63d Street between Sherwood Avenue and Overbrook Avenue, Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. starting May 29.

University City District Farmers Market, in front of the Radian, 3925 Walnut Street, Fri. Noon-2 p.m. June-July.

University Square (FTC), 36th Street at Walnut Street, Wed. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. until Thanksgiving.

Bucks County

Delaware Valley College, 2100 Lower State Rd. (at New Britain), Doylestown, 215-230-7170, Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. year-round.

Doylestown (BCFA), W. State Street and Hamilton Avenue, Sat. 7 a.m.-noon, through Nov. 20.

Langhorne Farmers Market (BCFA), Jesse Soby American Legion Post, 115 W. Richardson Avenue, Tue 3:30-6:30 p.m. June 1-Sept. 28.

Lower Makefield (BCFA), Edgewood and Heacock Roads, Thu. 3:30-6:30 p.m., May 20-Oct. 14.

New Hope (BCFA), Solebury High School, 180 W. Bridge St, Thu. 3:30-7 p.m., May 6-Nov. 18.

Newtown, 2150 S. Eagle Rd., Thu. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Fri. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

None Such Farm, 4458 York Rd. (south of Rte. 413), Buckingham, 215-794-5201. Market and working farm. Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Sat.-Sun. to 6 p.m. year-round.

Ottsville Farmers Market at Linden Hill Gardens (BCFA), 8230 Easton Road (Rte. 611 between Rtes. 113 & 412), Fri. 3-7 p.m. May 28-Oct. 29.

Plumsteadville Grange (BCFA), Rte. 611 North, opposite Kellers Church Road, Sat. 9 a.m.-noon, May 29-Oct. 30.

Rice's Market, 6326 Greenhill Rd., New Hope, Tue. 7 a.m.-1 p.m., year-round, and Sat. March-December, 215-297-5993, www.ricesmarket.com.

Shady Brook Farm Market, 931 Stony Hill Rd., (Rte. 332 at I-95), Yardley, Mon.-Sat. 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., www.ShadyBrookFarm.com.

Springtown (BCFA), Springtown Firehouse, 3010 Main Street (Rtes. 412 & 212), Thur. 4-7 p.m., May 20-Sept. 30.

Warrington Farmers Market at Valley Square (BCFA), Rte. 611 and Street Road, Fri. 3-6 p.m. beginning May 14.

Wrightstown (FT & BCFA), 2203 2d Street Pike (Rte. 232), Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m., May 1-Nov. 20.

Chester County

Kennett Square, 100 block East State Street, Fri. 2-6 p.m. through October, www.historickennettsquare.com/farmers.html.

Pete's Produce Farm, 1225 Street Road, Westtown, Mon-Sat 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Suns 9 a.m.-6 p.m., www.petesproducefarm.com.

Phoenixville (FT), Bridge Street and Taylor Alley, Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. year-round.

West Chester, North Church and West Chestnut Streets, Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m., through November, www.westchestergrowersmarket.com.

West Grove, Harmony near Guernsey, 610-869-2792, Thu. 2-6 p.m.

Delaware County

Ardmore, Suburban Square, Coulter and St. James Place (off Montgomery), 610-896-7560, Wed. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Thu.-Fri. 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., www.suburbansquare.com.

Lancaster County, 389 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, 610-688-9856, Wed., Fri.-Sat. 6 a.m.-4 p.m., year-round.

Lansdowne (FT), Lansdowne Avenue parking lot between Baltimore and Stewart, Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. starting May 29.

Linvilla Orchards, 137 W. Knowlton Rd., Media, 610-876-7116, daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m., to 8 p.m. Sept. 20-Nov. 2, www.linvilla.com.

Oakmont (FTC), Darby Road west of Eagle Road, Havertown, Wed. 3-7 p.m.

Swarthmore (FTC) Town center parking lot across from Swarthmore Co-op, Sat. 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. until Thanksgiving.

Montgomery County

Bala Cynwyd Farmers Market (FTC), GSB lot, City and Belmont Avenues, Thur. 3-7 p.m.

Bryn Mawr (FTC), Municipal Lot 7 on Lancaster Avenue by Bryn Mawr train station, Sat. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. May 8 through Thanksgiving.

Conshohocken (FT), Fayette and West Hector, Fri. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. starting mid-May.

Creekside Farmers Market, High School Park at the intersection of Montgomery Avenue and High School Road, Elkins Park, Sun. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., April 11-Oct., www.creekside.coop.

Lansdale (FT), Railroad Plaza at Main and Green, Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. starting May 29.

Norristown (FT), Swede & Main, Thu. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. starting June 3.

New Jersey

Berlin Farmers Market, Route 541 At Clementon Road, Thur.-Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., year-round, www.berlinmarket.com.

Bordentown City Community Farmers Market, city parking lot on Farnsworth Avenue next to Farnsworth House Restaurant, Wed. 4 p.m.-dusk, June 9-Oct. 27, www.cityofbordentown.com.

Burlington County Farmers Market, 500 Centerton Road, Moorestown, Sat. 8:30-1 p.m., May 15-Oct. 30.

Camden Area Health Education Center Farmers Market, check www.camden-ahec.org; locations, dates and hours to be posted on Web site in May.

Collingswood, High-Speed Line, Irvin to Collings, Sat. 8 a.m.-noon, May through Thanksgiving, www.collingswoodmarket.com.

Duffield's Farm Market, 280 Chapel Heights Road, Sewell; spring hours are Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., www.duffieldsfarm.com.

Haddonfield, First Presbyterian Church parking lot, off Kings Highway, Sat. 8 a.m.-noon May 1 through Oct. 23, www.haddonfieldfarmersmarket.org.

Mood's Farm Market, 901 Bridgeton Pike Mullica Hill, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon-Sat. June-Labor Day,, after Labor Day to 6 p.m.; closes after Thanksgiving; 856-478-2500; www.moodsfarmmarket.com.

Our Lady of Lourdes, 1600 Haddon Ave., Camden, Wed. 2-5 p.m., July 8-Nov. 4.

Springdale Farms, 1638 South Springdale Road, Cherry Hill, Mon.-Sat. 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. year-round, www.springdalefarms.com.

Westmont Farmers Market, Haddon and Stratford Avenues, Haddon Township, Wed. 4-7 p.m., May-Oct., www.westmontfarmersmarket.com.