From farmer’s markets, to direct-from-the-farmer produce to farm-to-table restaurants, New York City has a wealth of options for individuals wishing to take advantage of locally grown, fresh food choices. The key is knowing where to find these food choices, and how to access them, especially in the winter months. Below are samplings of a few options in and around New York City. Happy Eating!
Inwood Greenmarket: While there are several choices for year-round farmer’s markets, one option that’s in upper Manhattan is Inwood Greenmarket. Located on Isham Street between Seaman Avenue and Cooper Street, it’s open every Saturday from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. The market boasts 15 farmers that attend year round and 5 farmers in attendance during the growing season. Year round farmers include Breezy Hill Orchards which sells pears, apples and baked goods; King Ferry Winery with Wine from Cayuga County, NY and Ronnybrook Farm Diary with yogurt, butter and milk from Columbia County, NY. Growing season farmers include El Mirador Farm with vegetables and other produce. The website has a twitter feed with up-to-date information about on-site events and farmers’ news. .
Just Food: Billed on its website as “a non-profit organization that connects communities and local farms with the resources and support they need to make fresh, locally grown food accessible to all New Yorkers” Just Food is an impressive combination of market, educational initiative, city farm and food justice system. From workshops to seminars to direct purchasing, Just Food is the perfect antidote to the food deserts that plague so much of urban life. Just Food‘s offices are located at 1155 Avenue of the Americas (212-645-9880) but you can find out about upcoming events and projects on their website.
Blue Hill Restaurant: Not to be confused with Blue Hill at Stone Barns or Blue Hill Café, all of the same restaurant/food family, Blue Hill Restaurant is located in Greenwich Village. Opened since 2000, the restaurant entrees are between $32-$36 but well worth the price for a special evening out. Blue Hill delights diners with local food and wine from area farms including Blue Hill Farm in Massachusetts, and Blue Hill at Stone Barns. Guests of the restaurant would do well to try the farmer’s feast five course tasting menu that is a creative combination of the produce from the week. In the restaurant category, honorable mention to Candle 79, Mas and Telepan.