Return to Clark Park

On Saturday afternoon, Sarah, Ethan, and I returned to Clark Park for our upcoming week’s fruit and vegetable haul. And quite a haul it was! We came home with Strawberries, Lettuce, Radishes, Potatoes, Sugar Snap Peas, Tomatoes, Red Onions, and Asparagus. As usual, the vendors were friendly and informative and we left with smiles on our faces, especially Ethan who was unabashedly flirting with an Amish woman selling us our Asparagus. Not bad for an 8 month old, I must say.

We finally had the pleasure of meeting in person Clark Park Manager Jon Glyn from the Food Trust. What an awesome person. He and I have kept in touch throughout this season thus far, but this was actually our first face-to-face encounter. He actually recognized me as I was walking by. Put your face on a blog and what do you expect? We chatted about the market and such and he introduced me to Keystone Farm’s Phylann Russell. It turns out that Keystone Farm travels the longest distance to the park at 180 miles one way. We purchased our potatoes from their stand; while 180 miles is a long trip, it still beats getting your potatoes from Idaho. This wasn't our first time purchasing from Keystone either. Last time we were at the market, we purchased some grass-fed ground beef and for some Feta Burgers. Dee-lish! Come check out their wide selection of meats and vegetables next time you come to the market. You will not be disappointed!

While last week was the record week for Lem Christophel’s strawberries, we couldn't’t get to the market to partake in that sweet red bounty. We decided to make up for that this week with the purchase of two pints. It was nice to meet Lem in person and it turns out his brother (who Lem made sure to note is 6 years his senior) has a stand at the Overbrook Farmers’ Market on Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., with the same strawberries. So if you can’t make to Clark Park, the Overbrook Market is right off of City Ave and 63rd Street. I highly recommend you try these strawberries before the season is over. Sarah and I just finished off the first pint. They adorned our ice cream and my helping is the picture you are seeing up top. And for all of you strict locavores - the ice cream is Vanilla Bean from Turkey Hill - right out of Lancaster County!