Food Events: New Pinecrest Gardens Green Market Opened Sunday

* * * Radishes and herbs from Redland Organics. * * *

Sunday was the first day of the new farmers market at Pinecrest Gardens. The market will be held each Sunday from 9 am to 2 pm until April.

This market is a larger version of the South Florida Farmers Market formerly held at Gardner’s Market.  It will now be operated by The Market Company, which organizes many of the farmers markets in Miami.  I’m happy about the market starting earlier, since I used to have to wait until January for the one at Gardner’s.

Sunday was my first time visiting Pinecrest Gardens.  It’s a verdant backdrop for a farmers market.  In addition to the gardens, there is a public library (although it’s closed on Sunday), community center and large athletic field.  It’s a relaxing place to spend a Sunday morning.

I saw several of the regular vendors from the old location at Gardner’s, including Redland Organics.  However, there are many new vendors to choose from and it looks like several more homegrown food businesses are getting in to the action.  I would still love to see more vendors of locally grown produce (besides the wholesale re-sellers we see at many of our local markets).  However, Redland Organics’ offerings seem to grow exponentially and their area at market grows larger with each passing year.

Another local grower at the market is Hani Khouri, selling his Redland Mediterranean Organics products: goat cheese, hummus, baba ganouj and goat milk ice cream.

The market seems to be a success as far as foot traffic.  Emily, who works at Bee Heaven Farm, said that there were “tons of people here in the morning.  The move was a good idea.”  She said they sold a variety of produce.

You can enjoy a special Slow Food breakfast to celebrate the new market this coming Sunday, December 13.  It will be from 9:30 am to 11:00 am.  The menu will include ingredients from the market.  RSVP is necessary.  The cost is $8 for Slow Food members and $10 for non-members.  Click here for details and RSVP info.

Here is some of what I saw at the Green Market.  There were many vendors I didn’t get to photograph.

Lamoy sells raw vegan foods made from unprocessed ingredients. Here are plantains, cabbage, curry cashew and mock picadillo made with cashew.

Delicious tropical ice creams and sorbets from Gaby’s Farm. You can also find these at local markets such as Whole Foods, Milam’s and Gardner’s. However, it’s always fun to try the special flavors these ladies bring to local markets and festivals. On Sunday, they were selling jackfruit ice cream.

Organic flowers from Bee Heaven Farm

The Redland Organics food miles map

Handmade mozarella by Vito Volpe‘s Mozzarita.  Volpe is a  South Florida cheesemaker.

Walnut and poppy seed rolls from Hollywood’s Gerbaud Bakery.

Chocolate pasta from Pappardelle. Not sure how I feel about chocolate pasta, but I’ll try anything twice. The pasta is made in Denver.

Java Coco Vino sells mixes for making iced  wine slushies (like granitas) and warm mulled wine. Maria Mogyorossy, a transplant from San Francisco by way of Tampa, is the woman behind Java Coco Vino.  She also sells organic coffee from around the world.

Harmony Kettle corn is addictive. I am partial to kettle corn. It’s so crunchy and satisfying served warm.

When: Market is every Sunday from 9 am to 2 pm until April

Where: Pinecrest Gardens (the former Parrot Jungle), on the corner of Red Road (SW 57 Avenue) and Killian Drive (SW 112 Street)

How much: Admission to Pinecrest Gardens is free.