South Florida Farmers' Market

So news has been spreading through the local blogasphere that there's a new farmers/ market in town. Well, sort of anyways. The Pinecrest Farmers' Market has moved locations from Gardeners to the Pinecrest Gardens.

Now, I never visited the original market, and I was in the mood to make some pasta primavera, complete with fresh veggies, so el hombre and I made our way over to check it out. This farmers market is nowhere near as large as the one in the Redlands, but I really liked that it was all local growers with their own produce. Additionally, even though Pinecrest is a higher income area, the prices on everything were very reasonable. And there was plenty to see. Multiple farmers were there, including Bee Heaven Farm, who runs a local CSA. Because of the season, there was plenty of squash, zucchini and eggplant, alongside avocados, tomatoes and mangos. All of which were freshly picked, brightly colored and extremely appetizing!

We also stumbled across other vendors, like one table that makes fresh pasta (didn't buy any because they didn't have the flavor I wanted), flowers, fudge and jewelry.

All in all, it's a stop for a Sunday afternoon. And you can go check out the gardens while you are there!




(tea)

(spices)

Robert is Here

Ever since I discovered the Homestead Farmer's Market I have wanted to go a little further south to hit up Robert is Here. I had been hearing about this fruit stand for a bit, and then when a few other local bloggers hit up the area, I decided to do the same.

Robert is Here is a fruit stand located down in the Redlands and it's been around since 1959. If you go now, it's much more than a fruit stand. They have canned jams, honeys and sauces, much like a shop you would find in the Carolinas, and in the back they have several types of animals.

When you arrive on the weekend, like we did, you will see vintage tractors and cars:



and depending on the time, you may be greeted by live music. As you walk into the stand, you are hit with the scent of fresh citrus fruits, slightly sticky and sweet, yet refreshing at the same time. As you walk further in, you discover a medley of local veggies and crafts:




They also are known for their shakes. If you are there on a weekend, it's best to order your shake, and then wander outside to see the animals:



(cutest things ever!)






You can also scope out the fields, in case you had doubts that their produce is locally grown:



All in all, it was a fun experience. Much better than fighting traffic to the boat show or the Coconut Grove Arts Fest. It's especially fun if you have kids, because they get a kick out of the animals and the shakes. We ordered our (extremely tasty) Key Lime shake, and while we waited, we devoured a mango from Peru. Because on a warm 80 degree day there's nothing better than sweet fresh mangos and shakes. mmmmm

Upper East Side Farmer's Market

So, as referenced in a previous entry, farmer's markets are popping up all over South Florida. In the MiMo area there are two, one in the old Vagabond Hotel, and one seven blocks south in Lummus Park. We went Saturday afternoon to see what they are all about. I like the Mimo area because there are some interesting little shops and restaurants, and so far it seems most of them are locally-owned (except for Starbucks.)

We stopped at the Vagabond Market first. There were many fruit, craft and food venders set up.



While these juices were expensive - $5 per cup, they were made fresh in front of us, with no added sugar. El Hombre got a watermelon juice and it was actually pretty good. Normally I don't like watermelon juice because people pour extra sugar.


We ended up getting a sample of one of these cakes, yummalicious but very rich.


I wish I had been hungry, because I LOVE Indian food and this looked incredibly fresh and smelled fantastic. This was Raja's Indian food.







Mishi's cupcakes. I first had these a few weeks ago at Iron Fork. I still like Buttercream better.

Farmer's Market

I love produce and I love shopping. And I am constantly lamenting the poor produce sections in the grocery store near my house. So this story in the Herald makes me happy. I haven't been to the surrounding farmer's markets, but I used to go to the one on Lincoln Road all the time when I lived on the beach.

When I was little my mother would take us to the farmer's markets and we would run up and down the isles, picking at crafts and having a blast. I definitely want to check out the Homestead and Upper East Side markets. If so, expect to see pics soon!