When I first started writing, interviewing, and photographing for What Is Fresh, I had just moved to the New York area.  I was new to the New York food shed and excited to learn more about the many farmers markets in the area and the culture around the local food scene. It wasn’t long before I was interacting with passionate farmers, producers, and food lovers, learning their stories.  Writing for What is Fresh has further solidified how passionate I am about sharing food stories through research, photography and interviews.

Due to various responsibilities with other organizations, I am moving on from writing for What is Fresh.  If anyone would like to follow my other writings about food adventures in New York, please stop by Cheery Observations.

Thank you for your comments, likes, and reblogs—and overall support of What is Fresh.

And, as always…
Happy Marketing!
-Meaghin

Summer has been acting like that house guest who has completely overstayed her welcome: it’s been here for nearly 5 months and, until recently, has shown no signs of leaving!

Today’s chillier, rainy weather may have elicited groans and snooze buttons from some, but I was actually excited to wake up to a dreary Monday. It means that Fall is here—or at least coming our way. I was in New England this weekend and drove past some seriously stunning foliage. We’re probably 1-2 weeks way from our own orange, red, and yellow leaves! There were plenty of signs of Fall at last week’s Tucker Square Greenmarket. I saw and bought pumpkins, pears, and gourds, as well as summer’s last pepper and squash harvest.

This farmers market is a weekday staple for residents and professionals on the Upper West Side. Wedged in between Columbus Avenue and 66^th Street, visitors can see the Lincoln Center when looking one way and the American Folk Art Museum when looking the other. It was easy to become caught up in the hustle and energy. I walked to the market from Midtown, so my stroll took me along Central Park West, past the Time Warner Center, and then right beside the Lincoln Center. Nestled in between these amazing sources of art and culture is a market full of passionate farmers.

Stokes Farm’s stand is located at the top corner of the market. Their flavorful products are accompanied by helpful signs and tips. Last week, they were selling heirloom tomatoes, many varieties of eggplants, cut flowers, mums, and peppers. As you walk further into the market, you’ll pass (and hopefully stop at!) Bobolink and Ashnan Farms. I made a pit stop at Prospect Hill Orchards’ stand, which was like ‘one stop’ Fall shopping: maple syrup, apples, pears, pumpkins and gnarly gourds.

Along with me, shoppers included a variety of retirees, professionals, and students. This market not only provides much of what you need for a complete meal—it energizes you enough to go home and make that meal!

For a more complete list of market vendors, go here. Tucker Square is open year round each Thursday and Saturday from 8-5 pm.

Happy Marketing!

-Meaghin

This article is also published on Cheery Observations.

I stopped by Eat Greenpoint yesterday for lunch.  Run by two brothers (Jordan & Seth Colón), the restaurant sources all of its products from local organic farms.  That means no olive oil, no cane sugar and no coffee.  Instead, they replace those staples with sunflower seed oil, butternut squash seed oil, maple syrup, honey and herbal teas.

The grape sage tea is a heady purple brew of local grapes and pungent sage.  It was perfect. You must try it.

Eat Greenpoint is a communal place where you order with the chef and grab your own silverware and water. The menu changes regularly based on locally available ingredients. I had egg noodles with leeks, tomatoes, garlic and Merlot grapes.  Noodles made in-house, of course.

Seth (one of the Colón brothers) was kind enough to chat with me while he cooked.  He takes some of his culinary inspiration from months spent in Tuscany, eating and cooking in the old Italian tradition. He also learned to make noodles and bake bread in Italy, and he puts those skills to use baking fresh bread for the restaurant as well.

Eat Greenpoint sources some of their produce from farmers who you can find on WhatIsFresh!  They hit the Union Square Greenmarket regularly.  They also source from Garden of Eve, Cayuga Pure Organic and Consider Bardwell.

EAT GREENPOINT
124 Meserole Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11211
http://eatgreenpoint.com

Call ahead for fall hours:
718-389-8083

Eat well,
Mike

“If you can still find heirloom cherry tomatoes, I recommend picking up a pint and baking this galette as soon as you can!”

Read more here