tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16196478254109395042024-03-05T21:35:14.429-08:00South Jersey LocavoreA round-up of sources for local foods and beverages, events that feature local foods, and restaurants that support local agriculture.Robin Shreeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10928183794322441640noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619647825410939504.post-78102462163345101192009-09-09T09:27:00.000-07:002009-09-09T09:29:43.575-07:00South Jersey Locavore has moved - please change your RSS feed<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 17px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; ">I appreciate everyone who follows this blog. If you've got South Jersey Locavore in your RSS feed and you haven't gotten a post in a while, it's because you still have the old RSS feed.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; ">Click <a href="http://www.southjerseylocavore.com/">here</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "> for the new website or subscribe to the new feed below:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><a href="http://www.southjerseylocavore.com/feed">RSS Feed</a><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; ">Thanks!</span></span></div></div></span>Robin Shreeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10928183794322441640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619647825410939504.post-39615729628218595912009-05-07T19:48:00.000-07:002009-05-07T19:52:09.447-07:00We're moving<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVq-xN15_S8qnbEWGiR3yWOQyKe3AU5seRbf529X2UuukRAz5eRbi73qG-whi0jTw9BdXvl6wk68xieQ5a39XI0BUF77UHHX2gzLYApp9uDvTuDl6nEliNYw3CfdrSke3T0UPePiT1so/s1600-h/moving.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 222px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVq-xN15_S8qnbEWGiR3yWOQyKe3AU5seRbf529X2UuukRAz5eRbi73qG-whi0jTw9BdXvl6wk68xieQ5a39XI0BUF77UHHX2gzLYApp9uDvTuDl6nEliNYw3CfdrSke3T0UPePiT1so/s320/moving.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333280398688640162" /></a><br />I'm moving the blog from blogger over to Wordpress. There will be new posts by mid next week. Until then stop by a farmers market, buy a bottle of wine from a local winery or plant something edible in your backyard.Robin Shreeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10928183794322441640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619647825410939504.post-69547523501678974152009-05-07T03:00:00.000-07:002009-05-06T19:32:53.038-07:00The Green Cafe in Edgewater Park is now open<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidehKNZSthNEc5gGVkGQrCYGFFida0ODWdc1O3ZsMQOALk1FzX7NXlO9v1G7tlT69b7h98opDyPVyY2sFO3cN5ngoOjUhqfBn2MLYQr9VUaNwAjDiIpoi5LJsbydvPihLi1u55hKXnzbw/s1600-h/green+cafe.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 143px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidehKNZSthNEc5gGVkGQrCYGFFida0ODWdc1O3ZsMQOALk1FzX7NXlO9v1G7tlT69b7h98opDyPVyY2sFO3cN5ngoOjUhqfBn2MLYQr9VUaNwAjDiIpoi5LJsbydvPihLi1u55hKXnzbw/s400/green+cafe.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332902279648190386" border="0" /></a>Edgewater Park has a new cafe that relies on local and organic foods to make up the bulk of its menu. The Green Cafe @ Whitebriar opened earlier this week. Carole Moore, who owns and runs the place with her husband Bill, answered a few questions for SJ Locavore about this cafe that will use organic produce and eggs from its own gardens and supplement with organics from farms around the country.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">You’ve recently opened The Green Café @ Whitebriar. What makes it green? </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">1st Reason</span>: I've been organic since age 14 when I got my father's Organic Farmer and Gardener, by Rodale Press. (I memorized every article, and lived it since then raising our twin daughters with home made, organic, home cooked, "canned", dried & fresh garden foods)<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">2nd reason</span>: It's at the end of Green Street,<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">3rd Reason</span>: My husband is Irish and likes green, Fourth Reason: We're hoping it will bring in some "green backs" so we can pay the enormous mortgage. We originally named the cafe, THE SOUP BANQUE, a play on the "past life" of the building as the Old Fleet Bank, but friends started "volunteering" to serve the "unemployed, and homeless", thinking it was something that it wasn't, so we had to change the name to The Organic Green Cafe @ Whitebriar. Although we are not "incorporated", our "trade name" for our <a href="http://whitebriarbedandbreakfast.com/">Bed and Breakfasts</a>, Our Childrens and animal Mentoring Program (C.A.M.P. Whitebriar), our Murder Mysteries At the Dunk's Ferry Inn at Whitebriar, always includes "Whitebriar" which is the name of our 300 year old home, next door to the cafe, and we didn't think after three centuries, that we should change it's name. We often answer to Mr. and Mrs. Whitebriar, although we are really, Carole and Bill Moore.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What are the sources of many of the foods you use at The Green Café?</span><br />Albert's Organics in South Jersey specializes in what we need, so he supplements us in winter, and what ever doesn't grow in our organic gardens. Our organic -free ramge- chickens provide the eggs for our quiche, cakes, muffins, etc.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Give us an idea about what’s on the menu. Will items change with the seasons?<br /></span>The organic vegetables in the salad might change, but basically, everything is organic from other parts of the country that have nice weather all year round. Our sandwiches could be either organic beef,pork, or chicken/turkey, which ever one I can find "organic" or "healthy-range fed" or any combination of the above. The sandwich is served on an herbal/oatmeal roll that is about 4" round. We serve it "healthy with a slice of organic tomato and lettuce, but we also have "barbq" sauce, etc. to "doctor it up, if you don't want it sooooo healthy.<br /><br />We pride ourselves on our Cheese quiche or the bacon/ham quiche, which is served on a bed of organic fancy lettuces, with a few other seasonal vegetables. It's great with our own Pear/raspberry vinegrete but you can also choose traditional creamy italian, french or balsamic vinegar dressings. Home made macaroni & cheese, cucumbers vinegrette, fruity waffles, etc. will be added as we go along. Our Pastry area includes different treats each day. Today it is an applesauce walnut/raisin ring cake, chocochoco cake, Our Prize Winning "Cinnamon coffee cake", Blue berry or pumpkin pie, spice cupcakes, to mention a few.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Besides food, what else will visitors to the Green Café find?</span><br />You can find your friends here because we are not trying to be "apple bees". We want to be the "home town cafe", as a matter of fact, that was my second choice, after "Green Cafe". There is a tourism center if you want to travel any place around this state and the 2 or3 states that join us. Everyone brings me back a couple brochures, so we can keep our inventory active. We also have a "welcome center" so if folks would like to leave us with their "new Neighbor's name, address & contact phone or e mail, we will deliver a "welcome basket" from the local business' as well as our cafe.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">When are you open?</span><br />Well, it took God 6 days to make the earth, but after waiting 9 months to jump thru all the hurdles of this buracracy, it's gonna take me 7 days to pay the mortgage. We're open 7 days a week from 7am to 7pm, so you know where to find me, for the rest of my life....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">1101 Cooper Street<br />Edgewater Park, NJ 08010<br />phone: 609-871-9555<br /></div><br />I want to thank Carole for taking the time during her busy opening week to answer questions. When I get a chance to get to The Green Cafe @ Whitebriar, I'll put up another post. Until then, if you're in the Edgewater Park neighborhood, stop by and give it a try. Then let us know how it was.Robin Shreeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10928183794322441640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619647825410939504.post-22094871248165007282009-05-06T07:20:00.001-07:002009-05-06T07:26:59.477-07:00Use the abundant local asparagus to make guacamole<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzT9zqyXRFNd7v3ctRUYAD4GXOG7erzWqaQLi8vA_018YA3mHAnk4jDQIYmgl2348CjbTaEYzyj4aqGINsNnfloU00tYFulIt0p86HwGIS3Am7hhkFlDsMz2xuaTmorZOBpt8In3EHBA/s1600-h/asparagus+guac.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 179px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzT9zqyXRFNd7v3ctRUYAD4GXOG7erzWqaQLi8vA_018YA3mHAnk4jDQIYmgl2348CjbTaEYzyj4aqGINsNnfloU00tYFulIt0p86HwGIS3Am7hhkFlDsMz2xuaTmorZOBpt8In3EHBA/s400/asparagus+guac.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332717096106404290" border="0" /></a>Yesterday, I told you about my take from the Collingswood Farmers Market on Saturday and that I was going to try turning some of the local asparagus I bought into asparagus guacamole. I made it last night, and guess what. It was good. I was a little skeptical going into it, but I like it. It's great for dipping crunchy veggies in or tortilla chips.<br /><br />Here's the recipe taken from the <a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Asparagus-Guacamole">Taste of Home</a> website:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ingredients</span><br /><ul><li>1 pd fresh asparagus that’s been trimmed and cut into one inch pieces</li><li>1/3 cup chopped onion </li><li>1 garlic clove</li><li>1/3 cup chopped seeded tomato (I didn’t seed)</li><li>2 tbsp reduced-fat mayonnaise</li><li>1 tbsp lemon juice</li><li>½ tsp salt</li><li>3.4 tsp minced fresh cilantro</li><li>¼ tsp chili powder</li><li>6 drops hot pepper sauce</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Directions</span><br /><ol><li>In ½ inch of water, bring trimmed asparagus to a boil then reduce heat and cook until fork tender (about 5-7 minutes).</li><li>Drain asparagus very well and place in food processor or blender with the onion and garlic; blend until smooth.</li><li>In a separate bowl, combine remaining ingredients then add the asparagus mixture and combine. Chill.</li><li>Serve with raw veggies or tortilla chips.</li></ol>Hey, don't forgot that the <a href="http://southjerseylocavore.blogspot.com/2009/05/westmon-has-farmers-market-who-knew.html">Westmont Farmers Market</a> opens today. If you're in the area, stop by on your way home from work and pick up something local for dinner tonight.Robin Shreeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10928183794322441640noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619647825410939504.post-54461110038539709432009-05-05T06:05:00.001-07:002009-05-05T07:16:35.071-07:00Opening day at Collingswood Farmers Market<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNsHrMc-JhO4jBSogKerjtSVLeFWRc3A0s-KwlRq8mFtZI3x9I6DVn9Qj4Bo4cglL-E3zo7XUOKGEY2NB22NmHVBEPAP7rKXU8yM9OHmvq37h9YMiqCvlovU5vtnEiX9Awjhau2f4xE0I/s1600-h/whole+thing.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 179px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNsHrMc-JhO4jBSogKerjtSVLeFWRc3A0s-KwlRq8mFtZI3x9I6DVn9Qj4Bo4cglL-E3zo7XUOKGEY2NB22NmHVBEPAP7rKXU8yM9OHmvq37h9YMiqCvlovU5vtnEiX9Awjhau2f4xE0I/s400/whole+thing.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332343221438250194" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4xkie8EbCIXaXXXAfCXSei7GIwDhscT_HFx6V8DdSoizSuHSrUm1ckjKJPVK-BKn6ZNmCkU01w1x7YGdNcEVFgNFMWcdN5GXrs5-lLMtCwikPccb9jVLwsYVwIO6-YoatIAnTuTHd6k/s1600-h/close+up+veg.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4xkie8EbCIXaXXXAfCXSei7GIwDhscT_HFx6V8DdSoizSuHSrUm1ckjKJPVK-BKn6ZNmCkU01w1x7YGdNcEVFgNFMWcdN5GXrs5-lLMtCwikPccb9jVLwsYVwIO6-YoatIAnTuTHd6k/s400/close+up+veg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332341322894858034" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I wasn't there at exactly 8am - closer to 8:30. By the time I got there the market was already buzzing even with the damp, gray weather. It threatened to rain the entire time I was there, but it didn't. It did begin to rain a little later in the morning, though, so I'm sure the market got some rain.<br /><br />All of the regular vendors that I had missed all winter were there - <a href="http://www.springdalefarms.com/">Springdale Farms</a> with the cider donuts for my boys; <a href="http://www.danlynnfarms.com/">DanLynn Farms</a> had the organic fertilizer for my vegetable garden that worked so well last year, organic scallions, and eggs; <a href="http://www.hillacrespride.com/">Hillacres Pride Farm</a> supplied me with grass fed ground beef from happy cows and a half pound of bacon; <a href="http://buzby.adamswilson.net/">Buzby Farms</a> sold me a couple of eggplant ($1 each!) and pepper plants (50 cents each!) that were leftover from their own planting; <a href="http://sikkingfarms.com/">Sikking Flowers</a> had beautiful fresh cut tulips; and <a href="http://myobeeswaxproducts.stores.yahoo.net/honey.html">Mind Your Own</a> had my favorite wildflower honey.<br /><br />Not everything I bought was local - lemons won't ever be local and the peppers I bought were from Florida<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgAK4MlgPSi1LMQijv9ohMj6fewBL3ae4exc1TsBh2PE2wQUwlwozPbyVY3GKdKvbfUCcQ9WO3m4gncrQf9YDTwXyzXpcusM4Ng-e7x4KrVaS6j279eGPV3eJTCtSVVi51L3MjLvCMZvo/s1600-h/chef+mark.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgAK4MlgPSi1LMQijv9ohMj6fewBL3ae4exc1TsBh2PE2wQUwlwozPbyVY3GKdKvbfUCcQ9WO3m4gncrQf9YDTwXyzXpcusM4Ng-e7x4KrVaS6j279eGPV3eJTCtSVVi51L3MjLvCMZvo/s400/chef+mark.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332340980508101362" border="0" /></a>.<br /><br />My favorite part of the morning was getting breakfast. Chef Mark Smith from the <a href="http://southjerseylocavore.blogspot.com/2009/04/collingswoods-tortilla-press-takes.html">Tortilla Press</a> had set up a booth and gone to the vendors before the market opened to buy produce to make breakfast with local ingredients. He made quesadillas with broccoli or with leaks and spinach. I had a leak and spinach quesadilla for breakfast, and it was delicious. I can't wait to see what he comes up as more and more local produce comes into season.<br /><br />I walked away with three shopping bags full of food including some asparagus that I'm going to try to make asparagus guacomole with. If it's a success, I'll post the recipe here.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1JLJnPOQ-l3bnzLzKE2Acv6nNoeX10lzjX1e-90k9LCTR-iRObAZACEzddNyBe0HOvCvbP21FVQY0mBwb975XxIW4NvgG0OzrDSnP840hWOmuqfAfRtbc1HhpZeNvN_E_mgA3icojzI/s1600-h/jersey+fresh+welcome+sign.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1JLJnPOQ-l3bnzLzKE2Acv6nNoeX10lzjX1e-90k9LCTR-iRObAZACEzddNyBe0HOvCvbP21FVQY0mBwb975XxIW4NvgG0OzrDSnP840hWOmuqfAfRtbc1HhpZeNvN_E_mgA3icojzI/s400/jersey+fresh+welcome+sign.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332339710908406226" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUGcFEMiWVXi6OTsgYtGEQ8f9U9Vo23EDwU8btfQlaWQcxU3xU6DTrqeCUHcE3876_kaWTKkQDceZ1WbhJGrPEzG3Vvo3eZgTPfZUA_rvFguIoQ_R0Zphc1umrKvbwVvVp94zrapgq5rI/s1600-h/flowers+with+cat.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUGcFEMiWVXi6OTsgYtGEQ8f9U9Vo23EDwU8btfQlaWQcxU3xU6DTrqeCUHcE3876_kaWTKkQDceZ1WbhJGrPEzG3Vvo3eZgTPfZUA_rvFguIoQ_R0Zphc1umrKvbwVvVp94zrapgq5rI/s400/flowers+with+cat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332339519162518034" border="0" /></a>Robin Shreeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10928183794322441640noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619647825410939504.post-22991748983755958412009-05-04T03:00:00.000-07:002009-05-04T07:06:26.061-07:00Westmont has a farmers market. Who knew?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEzMxP613_anjCGS0EUwqCBFP2K5U0DZcaDY5BIXFIsS8Jmek6K4OQ1hyIoyZLbgG3vyoIfOS8yaIioj9uQWuKzOO_sqhLkjp561Vg-uAwGAlSF0sLXC0RRWQvik2TIXNGZni9t-JCKZA/s1600-h/westmont+farmers+market.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 130px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEzMxP613_anjCGS0EUwqCBFP2K5U0DZcaDY5BIXFIsS8Jmek6K4OQ1hyIoyZLbgG3vyoIfOS8yaIioj9uQWuKzOO_sqhLkjp561Vg-uAwGAlSF0sLXC0RRWQvik2TIXNGZni9t-JCKZA/s400/westmont+farmers+market.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331723913567105410" border="0" /></a><br />I got waylaid by a million yard sales yesterday on my way home from the first day of the Collingswood Farmers Market (pictures and report to come tomorrow), and as I was hopping from yard sale to yard sale I saw a lawn sign on a corner about The Westmont Farmers Market.<br /><br />Huh? How did this slip past my radar. Don't know, but it did. Their website isn't up and working yet, but I was able to get some information on this mid-week market.<br /><br />The Westmont Farmers Market opens this Wednesday, May 6 on the corner of Haddon and Stratford Avenues from 4-7 in the evening. It will run each Wednesday through October and will be offering fresh, locally grown produce, meats, cheeses, bedding plants, fresh cut flowers and prepared foods direct to Haddon Township and the surrounding community. Started as a one-time event in October of 2008, the market’s popularity led to the opening of a summer mid-week market this year.<br /><br />I am really happy that there is a mid-week market in the area. I love waking up on Saturday mornings and heading to the market, but it's not possible to get there every weekend. This market will give me the opportunity to make it to a farmers market each week, pick up items I run out of mid-week, and become acquainted with more vendors and local foods.<br /><br />Guess where I'll be late Wednesday afternoon.Robin Shreeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10928183794322441640noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619647825410939504.post-8755468655666701362009-05-01T10:40:00.001-07:002009-05-01T10:51:56.902-07:00Garden State Blues & Wine Festival: May 23 & 24<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJV3ujXv-vsliIV7tNzEDy8K-Bl0-hHK-iw3-fO5v-pc5li1TfVsE-ENn-BNjc7qELAQ3WEUYvbiBIPzCyhmPkBW4jhnClhJg8KWMb15FpQ5-bHh4ER2LbXEs6_c8_GbvIdeIPuM25DaA/s1600-h/blues-wine-09-banner.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 64px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJV3ujXv-vsliIV7tNzEDy8K-Bl0-hHK-iw3-fO5v-pc5li1TfVsE-ENn-BNjc7qELAQ3WEUYvbiBIPzCyhmPkBW4jhnClhJg8KWMb15FpQ5-bHh4ER2LbXEs6_c8_GbvIdeIPuM25DaA/s400/blues-wine-09-banner.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330913925835894690" border="0" /></a><br />From <a href="http://www.newjerseywines.com/blues-wine.html">NewJerseywines</a>.com:<br /><br />The Garden State Wine Growers Association will hold its annual Blues & Wine Weekend Saturday and Sunday, May 23 and 24 at <a href="http://www.somersetcountyparks.org/activities/parks/natirar.htm">Natirar Park</a> -a 411-acre preserve set in the scenic hills of Somerset County.<br /><br />This year's festival brings together a weekend celebration of hundreds of award winning wines, live blues, artisan vendors, gourmet food and kids activities. Special treat will be the appearances of the Craig Thatcher Band Saturday from noon to 4:30 p.m. and the Matt O’Kee Band Sunday from noon to 4:30 p.m.. The Craig Thatcher Band has a well earned reputation for blending classic rock and blues standards with impressive original tunes, all with a joy of playing that's up front and bold. Blues performer, Matt O’Kee, is a Blues guitarist who has performed and shared the stage with such legends as BB King, Buddy Grey, Leslie West and Mountain, the Marshall Tucker Band and The Outlaws.<br /><br />Both bands will be playing against the verdant setting of Natirar, which showcases many aspects of the area’s rich architectural, cultural, historic and archaeological heritage. Festival participants can blend their wine and their blues with a two-mile walk along Natirar’s picturesque loop trail that passes along the scenic North Branch river corridor, through wooded areas and across open fields.<br /><br />Festival hours for both days are noon to 5p.m. Tickets are $20 per person at the gate. Advance tickets can be purchased only at the association web site for $18 a person.<br /><br /><span style=";font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style=";font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ></span></span>Robin Shreeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10928183794322441640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619647825410939504.post-39473659889846742852009-04-30T06:44:00.000-07:002009-04-30T07:03:28.302-07:00Are you ready for a trip to the farmers market?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbHtpAyOkSAP8uNNBWh5iF2F5-CtYowJUsaehyZs9CWpldJtn9pODSafaYMyhlrAOYPz-LSxFqrZEkuGtpeXkxTxIV12OtTJPjX0pZ0lUsPAocgK7geUO6MC2pO2e9MZynziDPikWZD0/s1600-h/colls+market+bag.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 157px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbHtpAyOkSAP8uNNBWh5iF2F5-CtYowJUsaehyZs9CWpldJtn9pODSafaYMyhlrAOYPz-LSxFqrZEkuGtpeXkxTxIV12OtTJPjX0pZ0lUsPAocgK7geUO6MC2pO2e9MZynziDPikWZD0/s200/colls+market+bag.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330482610406461506" border="0" /></a><span style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">If you've been reading this blog, you know I'm excited that some of the local farmers markets will be opening this weekend, and you'll be able to find me at the Collingswood Farmers Market bright and early this Saturday morning. The picture at the left of the bag is one that will be given away this Saturday at the Collingswood market. It's one of a kind, made from last year's market banner. I want it. You can enter to win at the market info tent and the winner will be drawn at noon.<br /><br />I wrote a piece just around this time last year that I thought was worth reprinting (with a few changes) here about planning a trip to the farmers market.<br /></span></span></span><div style=";font-family:times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style=";font-family:times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Finding a Farmers Market</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div><div style=";font-family:times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style=";font-family:times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">If you don't know where your closest market is, there are some websites that will help you locate one. </span></span></div><div style=";font-family:times new roman;"><ul><li><span><a href="http://www.localharvest.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Local Harvest</span></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></li><li><span><a href="http://farmersmarket.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Farmer's Market.com</span></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></li><li><span><a href="http://www.eatwellguide.org/i.php?id=Home"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Eat Well Guide</span></span></a></span></li></ul></div><div style=";font-family:times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Arming Yourself</span></span></span></div><div face="times new roman" style=";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div face="times new roman" style=";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">There are some things that you will need to take with you to make your trip successful.</span></span></div><div><ul face="times new roman" style=";"><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Cash - Most of the vendors at farmers markets work on a cash only basis.<br /></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Reusable bags - Sure the vendors will have plastic bags for you to carry your food, but taking your own bags helps the environment and saves the vendors a little money.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Smaller bags for small produce - Many times if you're buying berries, green beans, mushrooms or some other small produce item, they will be in containers that the farms keep so they dump the items into a smaller plastic bag for you. If you take your own small plastic bags that you've saved from bread or some other sources, you can save new bags from being used.<br /></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Your own coffee mug - Farmers markets usually don't just have produce, meats and flowers. Many of the larger ones have local coffee houses, bakeries, and crafters set up tables, too. When I get to the market at 8am on Saturday morning, I head right for the coffee table first.</span></span></li></ul><div face="times new roman" style=";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Arriving Early</span></span></span></div><div face="times new roman" style=";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div face="times new roman" style=";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Things can sell out quickly at farmers markets, so if you're looking for something specific, get there early. I've seen fresh flowers gone after the first half hour of the market. The first week that corn is in season creates a frenzy that you have to see to believe.</span></span></div><div face="times new roman" style=";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div face="times new roman" style=";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">However, arriving right before closing time may have its advantages, too. Some vendors may cut their prices so they don't have to haul everything home. This doesn't always happen, but if you can't get to the market until later in the day, you may get some bargains.</span></span></div><div face="times new roman" style=";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div face="times new roman" style=";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Making the Rounds</span></span></span></div><div face="times new roman" style=";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div face="times new roman" style=";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Do a quick once around before you begin purchasing. One vendor may have zucchini at 2/$1 another may have them at 3/$1. Or you may spend all your money before arriving at a vendor who has something that no one else had. Doing a quick survey of what is offered and the prices the different vendors have before you begin to purchase is a wise idea.</span></span></div><div face="times new roman" style=";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div face="times new roman" style=";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Asking Questions</span></span></span></div><div face="times new roman" style=";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div face="times new roman" style=";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">If you're interested in buying only what is in season, buying only organic, or buying only locally, you'll have to question the vendors about their products. Just because something is at the farmers market does not mean its in season, organic or local. I know that the bananas, lemons, limes and grapes sold at my farmer's markets are definitely not local and never will be. </span></span></div><div face="times new roman" style=";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div face="times new roman" style=";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Don't be afraid to ask questions about the items being sold. If a vendor doesn't want to answer your questions, move on to the next one. </span></span></div><div face="times new roman" style=";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div face="times new roman" style=";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Some questions to ask:</span></span></div><div face="times new roman" style=";"><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Where was this grown?<br /></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">How was it grown?<br /></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">When was this picked?<br /></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">How far did this item travel from where it was grown to this market?<br /></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">What conditions did the hens live in who grew these eggs?</span></span></li></ul></div><div face="times new roman" style=";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Many vendors are also more than happy to give you advice as long as they don't have a long line of customers to attend to. This past Saturday, I had a couple who run an organic farm happily answer my questions I had for my personal garden. People who are passionate about what they do are usually passionate about talking about it. </span></span></div><div face="times new roman" style=";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div face="times new roman" style=";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Taking the Kids</span></span></span></div><div face="times new roman" style=";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">It's a great idea to take your kids. My kids will often eat vegetables or fruits they helped pick out at the farmers market that they would never eat if I just brought it home from the grocery store. Give them a dollar or two and tell them that they can spend it on whatever type of produce they want as long as they promise to eat it in the next couple of days.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Sorry about the font of this piece not matching the rest of the blog - for some reason it's all funky and I can't seem to fix it.</span></span></span></div></div>Robin Shreeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10928183794322441640noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619647825410939504.post-10804437650150382742009-04-29T12:44:00.001-07:002009-04-29T12:49:57.200-07:00Visit an SJ winery for Mother's Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LSSHWIoyG19An5JTCv8d-Ac5LpeDty0Nhph3Vkruho4miY7kBR9fgvDHyUi1m10Fgtmy0puIVg-g0ijKYUdyaiH5eHkflyFOzWlkUU8F3KxYs5UHcMQv5mfgPxs-wsyn5T_o7WZmj50/s1600-h/glass+red+wine.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LSSHWIoyG19An5JTCv8d-Ac5LpeDty0Nhph3Vkruho4miY7kBR9fgvDHyUi1m10Fgtmy0puIVg-g0ijKYUdyaiH5eHkflyFOzWlkUU8F3KxYs5UHcMQv5mfgPxs-wsyn5T_o7WZmj50/s200/glass+red+wine.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330202972482747986" /></a>John and Lisa did a great job on their blog <a href="http://johnandlisaareeatinginsj.blogspot.com/">John and Lisa are Eating in South Jersey</a> putting together all the info on what local wineries are doing for Mother's Day. I won't reprint it here - I'll just send you over to their blog and their post<a href="http://johnandlisaareeatinginsj.blogspot.com/2009/04/do-something-different-for-moms-day.html"> Do Something Different for Mother's Day - Explore our Wineries</a>.<div><br /></div><div>If I wasn't planning on going to NYC for Mother's Day weekend, I would really love visiting a few of our fine wineries.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Robin Shreeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10928183794322441640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619647825410939504.post-56224586937234163092009-04-29T08:33:00.001-07:002009-04-29T08:56:29.177-07:00Book Review: Food Lovers' Guide to New Jersey<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB22hVxe3JHfuai9fKMxp-ow3ZoY-0CgWeqFFwIryZsqz4eOZ5zoeEVTYAMOIEvn-fu3A5x7WPWcDrj_CcHMX-7cBjLZmYt9Or4AASKbf-RXCBFLYtFKBDfUx66WmdW3F2Xa_UzEg4QsA/s1600-h/organic+blueberries.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 129px; height: 81px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB22hVxe3JHfuai9fKMxp-ow3ZoY-0CgWeqFFwIryZsqz4eOZ5zoeEVTYAMOIEvn-fu3A5x7WPWcDrj_CcHMX-7cBjLZmYt9Or4AASKbf-RXCBFLYtFKBDfUx66WmdW3F2Xa_UzEg4QsA/s320/organic+blueberries.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330142782475413890" border="0" /></a>I asked last week if anyone had read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Food-Lovers-Guide-Jersey-Second/dp/0762747757/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1241020236&sr=1-4">Food Lovers' Guide to New Jersey</a> by Peter Genovese, and I did end up picking it up. There's a specific section about South Jersey, and I got some great information about resources of local foods that I didn't know about.<br /><br />There's a list of farmers markets in the region and farms & farm stands. There's also a list of food happenings like the <a href="http://www.vinelandchamber.org/events/details.php?idEvent=379">Vineland Dandelion Festival</a> that occurred a month ago or some of the many strawberry, blueberry and peach festivals that celebrate some of our state's finest produce. Chapters on food made here, specialty stores & markets, places to learn to cook, places to learn about wine, brewpubs & microbreweries, and the wine trail round out the SJ section.<br /><br />This is the second edition of the book published in 2008, and as will happen with any book about local businesses a few of the places will inevitably be gone - like Olga's Diner in the Landmark Eateries section.<br /><br />Not every item in the book has to do with food produced locally, but there is quite a bit here for locavores to eat up. It's going to be a great source of information as I work on adding content to this blog. It will also be a great resource for planning weekend food themed excursions.<br /><br />The other sections in this book are North Jersey, Central Jersey and the Jersey Shore.Robin Shreeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10928183794322441640noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619647825410939504.post-84869514705462388392009-04-28T09:59:00.000-07:002009-04-28T10:08:47.225-07:00An interview with me on Glue and GlitterBecky Striepe from the <a href="http://www.glueandglitter.com/main/2009/04/28/1678/">Glue and Glitter</a> blog interviewed me, and she asked about SJ Locavore in the interview. In the <a href="http://www.glueandglitter.com/main/2009/04/28/1678/">interview</a> I explain why I started South Jersey Locavore.<br /><br />Becky has a really cool <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=426&section_id=5684083">Etsy shop</a> where she sells hip reusable lunch bags that can be an eco-friendly companion for lunch made from local foods (or non-local foods - it's not like the lunch bag will eject your lunch if the ingredients aren't local).Robin Shreeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10928183794322441640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619647825410939504.post-74072367268093979692009-04-28T03:22:00.000-07:002009-04-28T03:56:16.845-07:00Westmont's The Pour House pours local brews<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38bdYOkXZ6d56eKgsGkcc9K2gLd3IayFGy06P_T5XC0YKdIjhowBba0l9lYdsVRzuorfjvWBpYq-Z1FrpO8r5hnWU-IKSr1GEs6tQFrYZuIlfB-HsLbaZZWO0XjAXVLZU8BKilvqeZtg/s1600-h/the+pour+house.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 179px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38bdYOkXZ6d56eKgsGkcc9K2gLd3IayFGy06P_T5XC0YKdIjhowBba0l9lYdsVRzuorfjvWBpYq-Z1FrpO8r5hnWU-IKSr1GEs6tQFrYZuIlfB-HsLbaZZWO0XjAXVLZU8BKilvqeZtg/s200/the+pour+house.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329693478057701026" border="0" /></a>In the space that used to be Dockhoppers on Haddon Ave. in Westmont, the P.J.W. Restaurant Group has opened <a href="http://www.pjspourhouse.com/">The Pour House</a> - A Better Beer Bar. (Anyone think that "beer bar" is redundant?)<br /><br />My husband and I had lunch there are Friday and I was pleased to see a large selection, both on tap and in bottles, of beers from local breweries.<br /><br />On tap there are beers from<br /><br /><a href="http://www.dogfish.com/">Dogfish</a> in Lewes, DE<br /><a href="http://www.flyingfish.com/">Flying Fish</a> in Cherry Hill, NJ<br /><a href="http://philadelphiabrewing.com/">Philadelphia Brewing</a> Co in Philadelphia<br /><a href="http://www.slyfoxbeer.com/">Sly Fox in Phoenixville</a>, PA<br /><a href="http://www.stoudtsbeer.com/">Stoudts</a> in Adamstown, PA<br /><a href="http://www.troegs.com/">Troegs</a> in Harrisburg, PA<br /><a href="http://www.victorybeer.com/">Victory</a> in Downingtown, PA<br /><br />Several of those breweries are also represented in their selection of 69 bottles plus one additional local brewery<br /><br /><a href="http://www.yardsbrewing.com/">Yards</a> in Philadelphia<br /><br />That's a pretty impressive showing form local breweries. They've also got a selection of beers from around the country and around the world.<br /><br />On May 28th, The Pour House will have a <a href="http://www.pjspourhouse.com/victorybeerdinner/">4 course meal</a> paired with beers from Victory in Downingtown. The cost is $40/person.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">124 Haddon Ave<br />Westmont, NJ<br />856-869-4600<br /></div>Robin Shreeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10928183794322441640noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619647825410939504.post-77319085193473482472009-04-27T03:00:00.000-07:002009-04-27T03:00:00.949-07:00South Jersey Farmers Markets opening dates in May<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEaXnFIz1r0rqlmFS9jm2f25kpCFgwOsiu2rB4137kwZ4sv9GOHesI4bZ1Bv6RosrT6xGXy9pyp6x4ihKc-94nMnJ5ZH6BeW1KauF7_glsbvn55RMTA019xwW8Rl-XLxUpTOT3TZ95XEU/s1600-h/Jersey_Fresh_Horizontal.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 152px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEaXnFIz1r0rqlmFS9jm2f25kpCFgwOsiu2rB4137kwZ4sv9GOHesI4bZ1Bv6RosrT6xGXy9pyp6x4ihKc-94nMnJ5ZH6BeW1KauF7_glsbvn55RMTA019xwW8Rl-XLxUpTOT3TZ95XEU/s400/Jersey_Fresh_Horizontal.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329175569422955842" border="0" /></a><br />In the next few weeks, many of the local farmers markets will be opening - others won't open until June.<br /><br />Here is a list of the opening dates in May that I could find. If you know of anything I've missed, please leave a comment.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Camden County</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.collingswoodmarket.com/">Collingswood Farmers Market</a> - Opening Saturday, <span style="font-weight: bold;">May 2</span>, 2009 and open every Saturday through the weekend before Thanksgiving. 8am - noon.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.cityofgloucester.org/events.php">Gloucester City Farmers Market</a> - Opening Mother's Day, Sunday, May 10, 2009, this new market will be open every Sunday until November 22 at the Marina in Proprietor’s Park. 10am - 2pm.<br /><a href="http://www.haddonfieldfarmersmarket.org/"><br />Haddonfield Farmers Market</a> - Opening Saturday, May 2, 2009 and open every Saturday through the fall (unsure of exact last date). 8am - noon.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Salem County</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.woodstownfarmersmarket.com/">Woodstown Farmers Market</a> - The 2009 Woodstown Farmers' Market begins <span style="font-weight: bold;">May 8th</span>,<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>2009 and will be held every Friday from 9am-2pm through October. Located along the railroad tracks in historic Woodstown, New Jersey, the 1st Annual Woodstown Farmers' Market will feature Jersey Fresh produce grown by local farmers in the Salem County area.<br /><br />I'll do another post in a couple of weeks with all of the markets that will be opening in June.Robin Shreeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10928183794322441640noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619647825410939504.post-7341862870858732422009-04-24T11:12:00.000-07:002009-04-24T11:19:01.771-07:00East Coast Slow Food and Wine Festival will be here in NJ!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7GAh8ASIwU4Go2arOAiA7iKiuadEpK1hMQD6q0c6uSDN88wF_5Fm5U_Q3bV62ZLajhPX__7mliIYXGAfjug0_0HFGGx3Rd4LaPOgtA62_2BgpsQbsmJPY4hgU_vO41WEDIvMOHU0YfQ/s1600-h/slow+food+fest.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 121px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7GAh8ASIwU4Go2arOAiA7iKiuadEpK1hMQD6q0c6uSDN88wF_5Fm5U_Q3bV62ZLajhPX__7mliIYXGAfjug0_0HFGGx3Rd4LaPOgtA62_2BgpsQbsmJPY4hgU_vO41WEDIvMOHU0YfQ/s400/slow+food+fest.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328324021086016690" border="0" /></a><br />Formerly just a New Jersey event, the Slow Food and Wine Festival has been expanded to the <a href="http://www.slowfoodandwinefestival.com/festival-info.html">East Coast Slow Food and Wine Festival</a>. It will be held at<a href="http://www.hopewellvalleyvineyards.com/"> Hopewell Valley Vineyards</a> in Pennington on June 27 &28. They'll be local foods, wines, seminars, demonstrations from chefs and wine experts, a farmers market and more.<br /><br />I will definitely be attending this festival. Anyone else?Robin Shreeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10928183794322441640noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619647825410939504.post-20269720636459327732009-04-22T08:00:00.000-07:002009-04-22T08:26:14.526-07:00Our visit to Cream Ridge Winery<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOQLrsgIrK7jk9rLEKXvesrO0lK5qq8RFopuTehjtFbqF9gtVUsXbyLksGnvtNgicKORmZbhe3i3DUC4k0jojN62LQkBPiL-VEM5ZZyh_OST1P6Vg5mLjp34Xy1zNy8USwfGyvlE1kaI/s1600-h/cream+ridge+sign.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOQLrsgIrK7jk9rLEKXvesrO0lK5qq8RFopuTehjtFbqF9gtVUsXbyLksGnvtNgicKORmZbhe3i3DUC4k0jojN62LQkBPiL-VEM5ZZyh_OST1P6Vg5mLjp34Xy1zNy8USwfGyvlE1kaI/s200/cream+ridge+sign.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327536638954312834" border="0" /></a>On Sunday, my family and I drove to <a href="http://southjerseylocavore.blogspot.com/2009/04/cream-ridge-winery-anniversary.html">Cream Rid</a><a href="http://southjerseylocavore.blogspot.com/2009/04/cream-ridge-winery-anniversary.html">ge Winery</a> for their anniversary celebration. They were quite busy and we had the boys with us, so I didn't take the time to really speak with anyone who worked at the winery.<br /><br />The parking lot is right next to the vineyard so when we got out of the car my husband and I took the boys to check out the still barren grape vines. I'm always amazed at what will interest my boys. It didn't hold their <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-OCzdSUvMUVyLGBxwlQ1LvCmnugtbS3baVzKhiBLRRihDCpBNr92E-pcKzcheMYMmdIVN_NjH7uE5OdgnMwv4Y49BCvhh5ekXNX-NMSxWwEFf8w9gbVUBPG-6ZzsAAd7CGk7KZeAli4/s1600-h/cream+ridge+wines.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-OCzdSUvMUVyLGBxwlQ1LvCmnugtbS3baVzKhiBLRRihDCpBNr92E-pcKzcheMYMmdIVN_NjH7uE5OdgnMwv4Y49BCvhh5ekXNX-NMSxWwEFf8w9gbVUBPG-6ZzsAAd7CGk7KZeAli4/s200/cream+ridge+wines.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327536364779301890" border="0" /></a>interest for very long, but for a few minutes they asked some questions and really looked at the vines - until they saw a stack of wine barrels they could climb on.<br /><br />I tasted several of their wines and walked away with two bottles of their Pinot Gris. It was crisp and refreshing with just a tad bit of spice. From their specialty store I walked away with a bottle of Mediterranean Dipping oil that my older son enjoyed a tasting of. I had to let him know that it was a tasting - not a buffet or he would dipped all the bread there was in it.<br /><br />I'm on a mission to try several of the wineries in the region. Someone let me know which one I should try next.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHPOyEfebl15Vv_qD4CfrCwMwj-d-PWEYmH61XTzJeFImdd7-9dZ89VBZRA0UxZcfylNS6hQLCp_eGK38I5GWy6vnBs_0rgfDqlXZiFPQv2mMDP6WXkx9Cqqt-D_ZqVHWVrrMsQHCPbv0/s1600-h/cream+ridge+vineyard.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHPOyEfebl15Vv_qD4CfrCwMwj-d-PWEYmH61XTzJeFImdd7-9dZ89VBZRA0UxZcfylNS6hQLCp_eGK38I5GWy6vnBs_0rgfDqlXZiFPQv2mMDP6WXkx9Cqqt-D_ZqVHWVrrMsQHCPbv0/s200/cream+ridge+vineyard.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327536182856534722" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgfxzv1oCvdnte64za_DVfWGAhX-eKy1ujGSbknEJ7HpehtFEqRJOLTFbfOPv30u_VSkC2OKr1mgUEd69Rcslo9Nu4uWoGHgumVBMDGF52iyR-9qOdEieMv0S24DLu2UKn0bT8QAx21V0/s1600-h/winery+of+year.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgfxzv1oCvdnte64za_DVfWGAhX-eKy1ujGSbknEJ7HpehtFEqRJOLTFbfOPv30u_VSkC2OKr1mgUEd69Rcslo9Nu4uWoGHgumVBMDGF52iyR-9qOdEieMv0S24DLu2UKn0bT8QAx21V0/s200/winery+of+year.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327535987102883570" border="0" /></a>Robin Shreeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10928183794322441640noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619647825410939504.post-5606576630104507792009-04-20T11:51:00.000-07:002009-04-20T12:19:10.340-07:00Has anyone read 'A Food Lovers's Guide to New Jersey?'<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfMKgMEJl3GcQn0Ptw6V96NSHzS6fDWk8IgJSgzPAbt7nlJYVNOfNvKCxX432LWFYcsoVGPgh_-PTC0zebb6Vc8htsqjKZb2W-vtqut8FZ6qj1X4UphDZMEjyHv_noBO_IdDVjY3-iH0/s1600-h/food+lovers+nj.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfMKgMEJl3GcQn0Ptw6V96NSHzS6fDWk8IgJSgzPAbt7nlJYVNOfNvKCxX432LWFYcsoVGPgh_-PTC0zebb6Vc8htsqjKZb2W-vtqut8FZ6qj1X4UphDZMEjyHv_noBO_IdDVjY3-iH0/s200/food+lovers+nj.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326855083510933906" border="0" /></a>I found out about this book today, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Food-Lovers-Guide-Jersey-Second/dp/0762747757">A Food Lover's Guide to New Jersey</a>, by Peter Genovese. I was wondering if anyone has read it. Would it be worth someone interested in South Jersey local foods to pick up?<br /><br />I'm still searching for sources to draw from for this blog, and if this book is worth it, I'll pick it up. Thought I'd ask for opinions first, though.<br /><br />On another note, my family and I drove to <a href="http://southjerseylocavore.blogspot.com/2009/04/cream-ridge-winery-anniversary.html">Cream Ridge Winery</a> yesterday for their anniversary celebration. Pictures and my thoughts will be up tomorrow.Robin Shreeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10928183794322441640noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619647825410939504.post-51066596654342869622009-04-17T11:45:00.000-07:002009-04-17T12:02:53.599-07:00Free composting seminar in Haddon Township<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nMoISoaowK81d_LGeXsZH0r87qPcKCNpGHYlPSRYQoiWjdFaSNlqy8OfL1DbPp3qrhDOz8kgoQikYyqWPh5jJWdUxdrtu49KfV-feDFOvCOhj0bHT8ENfIfhN_H0-htZSggTG6ihEac/s1600-h/compost+hands.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 135px; height: 90px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nMoISoaowK81d_LGeXsZH0r87qPcKCNpGHYlPSRYQoiWjdFaSNlqy8OfL1DbPp3qrhDOz8kgoQikYyqWPh5jJWdUxdrtu49KfV-feDFOvCOhj0bHT8ENfIfhN_H0-htZSggTG6ihEac/s400/compost+hands.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325737742188913826" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.haddontwp.com/">Haddon Township</a> will be holding it's Green Event on the same day that <a href="http://southjerseylocavore.blogspot.com/2009/04/collingswood-green-festival.html">Collingswood</a> will be holding theirs down the street - April 25th. The Green Event will take place in the Westmont Theater Parking Lot, 49 Haddon Avenue, from 9am - 3pm.<br /><br />Locavores who grow their own vegetables will be interested in knowing that among the activities planned for the day is a <span style="font-weight: bold;">composting seminar</span>. Seminars will be held throughout the day. They will also have composting receptacles available for $25, but the announcement I read in the paper doesn't say if you have to be a resident of the town or not to purchase one.<br /><br />And if you have a pile of papers waiting to be shredded, there will be a shredding truck available for you to dump them all into from 9am - 1pm.<br /><br />Other things going at the event - electronic equipment collection, donations to GoodWill and a raffle.Robin Shreeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10928183794322441640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619647825410939504.post-91835088048253786012009-04-17T05:20:00.000-07:002009-04-17T05:50:40.047-07:00Cream Ridge Winery anniversary celebration<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABWnixVjFUtmHbehpogaU6TqwF7uwKFf8dvQLmI9Q_CUmnA-224awtXDEzbNQjeWqKv0j9dchYaeHH7mvsXy_YhGIQv2cTVqlVB3sSHvGOmVn5Zwl8NrlUyaS2XTndzagH6Y6Hp9cwLk/s1600-h/creamridge.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 103px; height: 208px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABWnixVjFUtmHbehpogaU6TqwF7uwKFf8dvQLmI9Q_CUmnA-224awtXDEzbNQjeWqKv0j9dchYaeHH7mvsXy_YhGIQv2cTVqlVB3sSHvGOmVn5Zwl8NrlUyaS2XTndzagH6Y6Hp9cwLk/s400/creamridge.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325641206181227506" border="0" /></a>Locavorism isn't all about fruits and vegetables. Local wines are included in the fun. New Jersey has over 30 wineries, and supporting these wineries helps to support local agriculture and helps to reduce your food (or wine) miles. This weekend, one of our wineries is hosting a celebration.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.creamridgewinery.com/home.html">Cream Ridge Winery</a> will be celebrating its 21st anniversary with an open house this weekend - Saturday, April 18 & Sunday, April 19 from 11am - 5pm. Admission is $5. There will be live music, food samples, tours throughout the day and a chance to talk with the winemaker. The winery will also be releasing their Riesling and Zinfandel at the celebration.<br /><br />In 2008, Cream Ridge received 14 awards at the <a href="http://www.newjerseywines.com/awards.html">NJ wine competition</a> including five gold medals for their Cherry, Walnford White, May, Almondberry and Plum wines. In 2005 Cream Ridge was awarded NJ Winery of the Year at the competition.<br /><br />This will be an indoor event so any April showers shouldn't keep you away from the festivities.<br /><br />Cream Ridge Winery is located at 145 Route 539, Cream Ridge, NJ. Click <a href="http://www.creamridgewinery.com/storelocation.html">here</a> for directions on their website.Robin Shreeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10928183794322441640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619647825410939504.post-15646124235586332702009-04-16T03:00:00.000-07:002009-04-16T03:00:00.762-07:00Collingswood Green Festival<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkv7WGWlRdnVvrWFqFGoDc3WF_1Powhyphenhyphen73d07y1UAO-OKWHKLYT31DULlg7mG9ztfewRbbKwzu1FJeqIbPFaCSEXRs4dt3K46FI-ApQD528f7XiDHy0g54W33soMzyGK_pBCLkhaYUf7E/s1600-h/colls+green-festival-v2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 110px; height: 147px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkv7WGWlRdnVvrWFqFGoDc3WF_1Powhyphenhyphen73d07y1UAO-OKWHKLYT31DULlg7mG9ztfewRbbKwzu1FJeqIbPFaCSEXRs4dt3K46FI-ApQD528f7XiDHy0g54W33soMzyGK_pBCLkhaYUf7E/s320/colls+green-festival-v2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325066319144689970" border="0" /></a>From the <a href="http://www.collingswood.com/node/4567">Collingswood.com</a> website - Collingswood's Green Festival will incorporate gardening and food.<br /><br /><strong></strong><blockquote><strong>Green Festival!</strong><br /><em>April 25, 2009 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. along Irivn Ave. </em><p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:autohyphenation/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} span.EmailStyle15 {mso-style-type:personal; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial; mso-ascii-font-family:Arial; mso-hansi-font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; color:navy;} /* Page Definitions */ @page {mso-footnote-numbering-restart:each-section;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> </p><p class="MsoNormal">With a bike share, farmers’ market, composting programs and hundreds of tree plantings yearly, a green festival was a long time coming in Collingswood. The Borough that has been initiating green ideas for years will bring together the work and ideas of like-minded businesses, residents, officials and guests on April 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. along Irvin Avenue in Collingswood. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> “It’s a natural fit for this town,” said Commissioner Joan Leonard. “We’ve been implementing green ideas for years now and this event will really bring it all together and showcase what we can do for everyone to take part.”</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 12pt;" class="MsoNormal">The event will showcase environmental products, services, programs and more on both a local and larger scale. Visitors can take a close look at hybrid cars, tree planting (Collingswood Shade Tree Board will feature huge discounts on trees for home planting), composting, gardening, energy conservation, reserving water, solar power, recycling and even a kids’ section where little ones can play and learn about the environment. Learn more about green architecture and get involved with Collingswood’s bike share and get a free bike tune up from volunteer mechanics. Get to know local businesses that sell sustainable and eco-friendly products. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">There will also be giveaways, prizes, food, music and much more to celebrate making the world a greener place. Listen to Earth friendly rock and folk group Mamapalooza and pick up reusable grocery bags. Bring old ink cartridges and cell phones to recycle and help raise funds for Collingswood grade schools. Collingswood will also continue its composting and rain barrel seminars. It takes only minutes to learn the basics of using a composter or rain barrel from professional workshops on site at the festival. There's something for beginning environmentalists and even the most dedicated to green causes.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The first Collingswood Green Festival will also be held on the same day as the Camden County Hazardous Waste Collection event in Collingswood at the Public Works garage on N. Atlantic Ave. This way, green-minded residents can drop off hazardous waste safely and then check out the fair to learn what else businesses, organizations and other residents are doing to be green.</p></blockquote>Robin Shreeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10928183794322441640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619647825410939504.post-65168616866895789252009-04-15T14:31:00.000-07:002009-04-15T14:40:23.075-07:00New Jersey restaurant week<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSF14dXI6VVcdymkQ1hMfw438ND6Efkd-hyLuPm-EgvMNFliwDp2I4FxPJVpsJX9gNaAsM_43mRXJBIHVf-nhY_qmftk0cQ451ntyhgs9w6RRGS2ycPOh3O3CNzaRuOnbhGa0YKHj6BgE/s1600-h/NJ+rest+week.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 238px; height: 248px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSF14dXI6VVcdymkQ1hMfw438ND6Efkd-hyLuPm-EgvMNFliwDp2I4FxPJVpsJX9gNaAsM_43mRXJBIHVf-nhY_qmftk0cQ451ntyhgs9w6RRGS2ycPOh3O3CNzaRuOnbhGa0YKHj6BgE/s320/NJ+rest+week.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325036200306412706" border="0" /></a>Governor Corzine has proclaimed <span class="pagetext">April 20-27, 2009 <a href="http://www.njra.org/singlenews.asp?item_ID=2573">New Jersey Restaurant Week</a>.<br /><br /></span><span class="pagetext"><blockquote>Not only can New Jersey residents take advantage of Restaurant Week to help the state’s economy, they will also have an opportunity to take full advantage of the culinary riches New Jersey has to offer. During New Jersey’s Restaurant Week, restaurants will feature varying dining values to suite every budget. </blockquote><br />There's a list of participating restaurants in pdf form on the website.<br /><br />I'm wondering if anyone happens to know if any of the participating restaurants use sustainable practices or source local foods. If they do, I'd love to put a list up here so others can make choose to go to those particular restaurants if they do want to help stimulate NJ's economy by eating out.<br /><br />I'm not suggesting that anyone go out to eat if they can't afford it, but if you do want to participate in this event, wouldn't it be great to make your efforts count double by supporting NJ and a restaurant that has some of the same values you have.<br /></span>Robin Shreeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10928183794322441640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619647825410939504.post-44825623465869878572009-04-13T03:00:00.001-07:002009-04-14T05:21:01.420-07:00Slow Food has a South Jersey chapter<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSb-Ner0sJMTs-LLmo_Sppw6u5RrnhKOTNA63qcerMVr_g10qe7WFEhb9yDFOBPlcAOqSftthYLsrFhyc5U3hRqjWbn5jvHmgEf5FWB1chWzfLS5ijM56bVCDRxpOeToT919_3Mls0MWU/s1600-h/slow+food.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSb-Ner0sJMTs-LLmo_Sppw6u5RrnhKOTNA63qcerMVr_g10qe7WFEhb9yDFOBPlcAOqSftthYLsrFhyc5U3hRqjWbn5jvHmgEf5FWB1chWzfLS5ijM56bVCDRxpOeToT919_3Mls0MWU/s200/slow+food.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324520879690111938" border="0" /></a>I recently found out that South Jersey has a <a href="http://www.slowfoodusa.org/">Slow Food</a> chapter. What is slow food?<br /><br /><blockquote>Slow Food is an idea, a way of living and a way of eating. It is a global, grassroots movement with thousands of members around the world that links the pleasure of food with a commitment to community and the environment.</blockquote><br /><br />The Slow Food movement holds that food should be <a href="http://www.slowfoodusa.org/index.php/slow_food/good_clean_fair/">good, clean and fair</a>.<br /><br /><blockquote>Good - For Slow Food, the idea of good means enjoying delicious food created with care from healthy plants and animals. The pleasures of good food can also help to build community and celebrate culture and regional diversity.<br /><br />Clean - When we talk about clean food, we are talking about nutritious food that is as good for the planet as it is for our bodies. It is grown and harvested with methods that have a positive impact on our local ecosystems and promotes biodiversity.<br /><br />Fair - We believe that food is a universal right. Food that is fair should be accessible to all, regardless of income, and produced by people who are treated with dignity and justly compensated for their labor.</blockquote><br /><a href="http://slowfood.cape-may.net/"><br />Slow Food of South Jersey</a> is based out of Cape May. Here are some of the events and projects that the group has planned.<br /><ul type="disc"><li>Connecting area school cafeterias to local farms</li><li>Sharing skills, tips and equipment for canning, dehydrating, and preserving</li><li>Extending the season for the West Cape May Farmer’s Market</li><li>Connecting artisan food producers from inside and outside the South Jersey area with local restaurants</li><li>Taking field trips to wineries and other artisan producers</li><li>Collaborating with other Slow Food Conviviums (e.g., attending events in Princeton, Philadelphia, North Jersey or New York City)</li><li>Hosting local, slow food “pot lucks” in members homes, places of worship, and/or public venues</li><li>Having our meetings at restaurants that feature local and/or seasonal foods</li><li>Creating an advocacy group to support all of the above, including perhaps “Victory Gardens” in people’s backyards or community gardens or Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms</li><li>Sponsoring the Northwest Earth Institute’s “Menu for the Future” 6-session study series </li></ul>For more information on Slow Food of South Jersey, visit their <a href="http://slowfood.cape-may.net/index.html">website</a> and sign up for their <a href="http://slowfood.cape-may.net/Participate/Join/join.html">newsletter</a>.Robin Shreeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10928183794322441640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619647825410939504.post-21392592047301744072009-04-13T03:00:00.000-07:002009-04-13T04:30:48.295-07:00New farmers market will open in Gloucester City<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgffu0WTJw1AbiuLMwYf7UZAS59sYfp2SN8hWQ0rzGb_2NiGDaFnIgPVVS7AsuTy86AqUNgVsAbFT-mz3Q_JM9WEa-MN4QckgA5aGOu2Ts4HEKiMQ9h1kt14kIiIsuI1Wf-6SMrJ1rWcBI/s1600-h/GloucesterNJ4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 162px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgffu0WTJw1AbiuLMwYf7UZAS59sYfp2SN8hWQ0rzGb_2NiGDaFnIgPVVS7AsuTy86AqUNgVsAbFT-mz3Q_JM9WEa-MN4QckgA5aGOu2Ts4HEKiMQ9h1kt14kIiIsuI1Wf-6SMrJ1rWcBI/s200/GloucesterNJ4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323992129571402546" border="0" /></a>According to <a href="http://www.gloucestercitynews.net/clearysnotebook/2009/04/gloucester-city-farmers-market-to-open-sunday-may-10th.html">Cleary's Notebook</a>, beginning Sunday, May 10, Gloucester City will have its own farmers market. It will be open every Sunday until November 22 at the Marina in Proprietor’s Park. Additionally, on the second Sunday of each month there will be crafts people and artisans selling original works.<br /><br /><blockquote>There will be a wide range of produce available, including Jersey Fresh vegetables from several farms, Jersey Fresh fruits from local orchards, certified organic produce, fresh herbs, fresh honey, fruit preserves, jams and butters, sweet bakery treat, authentic French-style baked breads, Jersey Grown cut flowers, gourmet coffees and breakfast treats.<br /><br />Also, there will be a Gloucester City table, giving out info about the town and local businesses, and fundraising tables available for local organizations.<br /><br />To buy a space, or for information, call Kelly at 1-888-202-2155, or email gcfarmersmarket@-gmail.com. </blockquote>Robin Shreeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10928183794322441640noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619647825410939504.post-78431043929767834162009-04-10T03:00:00.000-07:002009-04-10T08:00:40.368-07:00Interesting stuff you want to know<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjUM7Ql8XAIZEkzLU_38I161qDnauhx2L8VhxFgnB366V_3htiMRmoKL7EYBuhuQgt2aQqDXP7mIYEbhNDP9Uq00Z-YX9aXmXxNCG_CbdyqO-zsyakkn8JAijUQ7HsK0vlCQYQQbbGgFA/s1600-h/locavore.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjUM7Ql8XAIZEkzLU_38I161qDnauhx2L8VhxFgnB366V_3htiMRmoKL7EYBuhuQgt2aQqDXP7mIYEbhNDP9Uq00Z-YX9aXmXxNCG_CbdyqO-zsyakkn8JAijUQ7HsK0vlCQYQQbbGgFA/s320/locavore.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323077463795553362" border="0" /></a>It's been a big week for the South Jersey Locavore blog. I started a Twitter account (<a href="http://twitter.com/SJLocavore">@SJLocavore</a>), contacted several restaurants that support local foods that are interested in being featured here, and saw the readership increase <span style="font-weight: bold;">10x</span> over the week. Thank you to everyone who has read, made comments, and re-tweeted the posts on Twitter. I feel like I made the right decision in starting this blog, and because of the positive response it's gotten so far, I'm dreaming big for its future.<br /><br />Over on A Little Greener Every Day, one of my other blogs, there's a list today of 10 outdoor places to take the kids that Tina Yerkes, whose job it is to promote the SJ region, kindly put together. If you're trying to figure out what to do with your kids next week when they are off school, <a href="http://robinshreeves.blogspot.com/2009/04/schools-out-play-outdoors-with-your.html">check it out</a>.<br /><br />I thought I'd leave you with a few links to things on the web that I ran across this week that are of interest to locavores. Happy weekend reading.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.foodrenegade.com/guest-post-joel-salatin-on-why-local-food-is-more-expensive/">Food Renegade</a> blog has a guest post by farmer Joel Stalin on why local food is more expensive.<br /><a href="http://food.theatlantic.com/sustainability/love-local-food-and-canned-peaches.php">The Atlantic</a> has a piece on Love, Local Food, and Canned Peaches. Did you know that Yale supports local, sustainable food?<br />On <a href="http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/04/07/5-myths-about-food-safety-act-hr-875-debunked/">Eat.Drink.Better</a> my friend <a href="http://naturalpapa.com/">Derek Markheim</a> debunks 5 myths about the food safety act (hr 875) that has everyone concerned about the future of small and organic farmers.<br /><br />Enjoy your weekend, don't eat too much candy, and I'll see you Monday!Robin Shreeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10928183794322441640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619647825410939504.post-73660429733074717782009-04-09T06:33:00.000-07:002009-04-09T07:14:52.023-07:0010 reasons why you want to buy local foods<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5Kmzg13in5ldO6Fg8hj2nt2rGpRfQJR1BHZzJIo-Vr0ImlTbnSMRER4r2ix6tiZTGgpmQHX_I_lwrAEdrXSSRYj8R5TbAJQ3I1nVv5XDgxspyCVXn_oUTdcRbw6IbLf_azBDEw2M_Ks/s1600-h/carrots+and+radishes.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5Kmzg13in5ldO6Fg8hj2nt2rGpRfQJR1BHZzJIo-Vr0ImlTbnSMRER4r2ix6tiZTGgpmQHX_I_lwrAEdrXSSRYj8R5TbAJQ3I1nVv5XDgxspyCVXn_oUTdcRbw6IbLf_azBDEw2M_Ks/s200/carrots+and+radishes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322694748272073458" border="0" /></a>Buying local food benefits both you and your community. When you buy local food you<br /><ol><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reduce your food miles</span>. The fewer miles your food has to travel, the less environmental damage occurs.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Eat fresher food</span>. When you buy at farmers markets and farm stands, the food is usually picked that day or the day before. When you buy local food at the grocery store, it's still fresher than the food that's been shipped hundreds of miles.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Eat better tasting food</span>. Ever wonder why the strawberries you get from the local farm taste so much sweeter than the ones you buy in the middle of winter at the grocery store? To get strawberries to your store in the middle of winter (unless you live in a climate where they grow all year long), they are picked before they are ripe and force ripened along the trip to your store. It makes a big difference in the taste.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Eat more nutritious food</span>. Food loses its nutrients as it sits around waiting to be shipped and then on the long trip to your store. Fresher food not only tastes better, it is better.<br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Financially support local farmers</span>. According to <a href="http://www.sustainabletable.org/issues/buylocal/">sustainabletable.org</a>, when you buy food in a grocery store, about 3.5 cents of each dollar you spend makes it to the farmer. When you buy directly from the farmer, 80-90 cents of each dollar you spend makes it in the farmers pocket.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Preserve open spaces</span>. In the South Jersey region, when a farm closes and the land is sold, it invariably becomes a cookie cutter development or worse, the parking lot for a big box store. I can imagine that's the same all over the place. By putting money into the farmers' pockets, you're helping to keep the farm running.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Help the environment</span>. When farmland is turned into a suburban development or a parking lot, lots pollution occurs, lots of critters lose their homes and lots of traffic starts pouring in. Open farmland is good for the environment.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Preserve genetic diversity</span>. There are hundreds of tomato varieties out there, but you're grocery store only carries a handful of them. Go to the local farmers market, and you'll find dozens of varieties. Why? Some tomatoes "travel" better than others. Some varieties of tomatoes just can't survive the difficult trip over hundreds of miles. Because of this, large scale farms only grow a few varieties. Local farms can grow the less hardy varieties because they don't have to travel far to get to you. If the local farms go away, we could lose genetic diversity in crops.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Give animals a better life</span>. Local food isn't limited to fruits and vegetables. Most small farms that raise animals for meat treat their animals more humanely. They feed them the food that is natural for them to eat and give them room to roam around. When you buy locally raised meat, you help to support this type of meat production instead of the cruel factory farms.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Get inspired</span>. Once you get a taste for local foods, chances are you'll want to grow a little of your own in a container garden or a full fledged garden. Or, you'll look at that butternut squash on the table at the farmers market and say, "hmmmm. I've never made butternut squash before, but I think I'll give it a try." You'll try things you've never tried before.<br /></li></ol>Robin Shreeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10928183794322441640noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619647825410939504.post-30147247294504941502009-04-07T13:13:00.001-07:002009-04-08T06:03:20.952-07:00Collingswood's Tortilla Press takes the green lead<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rL7-_8JCZkk1oVA6R2LIRx5nZeCuD_Xr6A3-kKp4vNAaNHZ9jmEF0Ttx3May92bi4ttgY05YMXfQquK1UYQ-jifG6jY0Fpe9Gh015QAHqjPd2noZequ3qHmbsUHYPiOCBn8jQrDlNpA/s1600-h/tp-logo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 144px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rL7-_8JCZkk1oVA6R2LIRx5nZeCuD_Xr6A3-kKp4vNAaNHZ9jmEF0Ttx3May92bi4ttgY05YMXfQquK1UYQ-jifG6jY0Fpe9Gh015QAHqjPd2noZequ3qHmbsUHYPiOCBn8jQrDlNpA/s400/tp-logo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322305349824321314" border="0" /></a>As I reported on <a href="http://www.mnn.com/food/dining-out/blogs/new-jersey-restaurant-goes-green">MNN</a> yesterday, <a href="http://www.thetortillapress.com/">The Tortilla Press</a> in Collingswood is going green. In chef Mark Smith's newsletter e-mail, he announced that he was going at it from many angles.<br /><br /><blockquote> <div style=""><span style="color:#000000;">Spring is here and with it – new growth, new life and new ideas at The Tortilla Press.</span></div> <div style=""><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></div> <div><span style="color:#000000;">First, after much thought and consideration, The Tortilla Press is going green. I’ve examined every single aspect of our restaurant and we are making changes everywhere in lighting, heating, take out containers, fair trade products – well, many things – and I am making a pledge to dedicate this restaurant in as many ways as possible to using eco friendly materials. We’ll join other chefs in this effort as part of the SJ Green Dining Association.</span></div> </blockquote> <span style="color:#000000;"><br />Chef Smith is already a supporter of local food. He shops the <a href="http://southjerseylocavore.blogspot.com/2009/04/collingswood-farmers-market-opens-may-2.html">Collingswood Farmers' Market</a> during the season and takes part in Farm to Fork week.<br /><br />The Tortilla Press is located at 703 Haddon Avenue in Collingswood. It's a block from the Patco High Speedline, making it easy for Philadalphians to get to, too. If you've never been to the Tortilla Press, you can bring your own wine, beer or even tequilla (to put in their awesome margharittas), the restaurant does not serve alcohol.<br /></span>Robin Shreeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10928183794322441640noreply@blogger.com1