Dear Local Gourmands,
Forget holiday shopping, there’s a dinner to prepare! I was so excited about getting to the market on Saturday that I woke up at 4am! A little overzealous? Yes, definitely. By 8am I was at my trusty Greenmarket where the first true cold of winter had transformed our once-sweltering summer vegetable scene into a coalition of tightly bundled local produce die hards. As I filled my market basket with feast day staples (cream, squash, potatoes) and strung the handles of my bike with unwieldy bags of near-frozen celery and parsley, I couldn’t help my nostalgia for the first day the seasonal farmstands made their reappearance, back in early April. I remember customers rejoicing at Maxwell Farmstand, so glad to see the return of their favorite farmer.
Now, on the last day of the season, even in the November chill, a heaping pile of broccoli, a full color spectrum of squash, and the little paper notes demarcating different varieties of potatoes continued to inspire a swell of happiness in the crowd of shoppers. This Saturday Bill Maxwell was the only person I saw at the market who didn’t have his gloves on. His face was bright pink, eyes glowing, as he clapped his hands together to stay warm. Next week he’ll start his four-month vacation, and he looked gleeful at the prospect of taking some time off. Those vendors who will be here through the winter had set up their heaters and were prepared for the long haul ahead.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Jeanne
Monday, November 24, 6:30pm
Thanksgiving Pie
The Brooklyn Kitchen
with co-owner Harry Rosenblum
Harry will take the class through what it takes to make some killer pie. The crust is the key and this hands on class will cover how to make a foolproof fresh crust for Sweet and Savory pies. The filling will depend on what is fresh at the farmer’s market (probably Apples this time of year). Every participant will receive a small pie to take home.
Friday, November 28, 3pm-5:30pm
Buy Nothing Day 2008: Dance Your Debt Away!
The Reverend Billy and the Church of Stop Shopping
Union Square
_______________________________
Of note a few weeks down the road…
Friday, December 5, 2008
The Moth presents:
Uncorked: Stories About Wine
at The Players Club
16 Gramercy Park South
(between Irving Place and Park Avenue South)
6:30pm: Doors
7:30pm: Stories on Stage
Friday, December 5, 6:30pm-8:30pm
Gastropolis
The Astor Center
An evening of New York City food history, delicious savories, and good wine. Contributors of the newly published Gastropolis, a deliciously fun sampling of New York City’s rich food heritage, will read from their varied chapters and some will prepare food inspired by their essays. Co-editor Annie Hauck-Lawson on “food voice” narrative; Mark Russ Federman, 3rd generation owner of Russ and Daughters, on the soul of a store; Ramona Lee Perez and Babette Audant savor Latino NY; Andrew Smith gives a brief history of food and drink in New York City; Suzanne Wasserman presents a history of pushcart cuisine and markets; Harley Spiller weighs in on Chinese cuisine and prepares Garlic Steamed Shrimp; Performance artist Annie Lanzillotto prepares Rachele’s Pocketbook Frittata.
Tuesday, December 9, noon-2pm
Second Annual FSNYC Holiday Networking Gathering & Member Gift Fair
Join us in supporting alternative gift-giving…
Cornell Cooperative Extension
16 E 34th Street, 8th floor
Support the work and innovation of Network members this Holiday season by purchasing unique, mission and values-centered gifts and contributing to seasonal drives. Last year fourteen FSNYC Member organizations displayed and sold their wares and causes at our Fair over warm soup, breads, cheese and apples. Mark your calendar and join us for another successful event. Interested in helping out? Email info@foodsystemsnyc.org!
To Participate as a vendor in the Fair:
If you would like to participate as a vendor at the 2008 Fair, please email info@foodsystemsnyc.org to request a set of guidelines and registration instructions.
Tuesday, December 9, 7pm
Spread the Cheer With Beer (and wine and cheese)
529 Waverly Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11238
ph: 718-398-2731
info@kelsoofbrooklyn.com
What better way to enjoy the festivities of the holiday season than exploring fine local beers, wine and cheese while doing good at the same time? Join a Brewmaster (Kelly from Kelso), a Cheesemonger (Ben from Bierkraft), and a Vinter (Alie from Brooklyn Oenology)as they lead you through a tasting of five beers and five wines paired with five cheeses. Tasting will be held at Kelso Brewery. Purchase tickets here.
Wednesday, December 10, 7pm-10pm
Small Planet Fund Annual Benefit
Colors Restaurant 417 Lafayette St.
Tickets: here
December 13, 6pm
Announcing a new Meetup for The New York City Beekeeping Meetup Group!
Holiday Honey Potluck Supper
Bring something special with honey as a component– a main course, appetizer, side dish or dessert– drink provided, mead and hot spiced cider with or without alcohol. Enjoy the buzz of holiday bee cheer! Join the cluster. Learn more here:
http://www.meetup.com/beekeeping-128/calendar/9218111/
