From Rob at Montalbano (in addition to much of what he’s had the past two weeks):
- Seedlings
- Salad Mix
- Head Lettuce
- Cabbage
June 18, 2008
Our First Bi-Weekly Knitting Circle: Bring Your Knitting To the Market Today
Starting at today’s market (June 18), we will be hosting a bi-weekly knitting circle. We’ll lay out blankets and you can enjoy live music, good company, and shop for fresh produce from our farmers. Knitters at all levels are welcome — even if you’d just like to learn, bring along some needles and yarn and someone will get you going! The knitting will happen from 5 – 7, though you are of course more than welcome to knit as long as you please!
A Rhubarb Tart-let: Recipe
I got this rhubarb from Lyons Fruit Farm at our first market, June 4. Finally, I’ve had time to make something with it and wanted to share the recipe.
Its actually loosely based on this rhubarb and raspberry tartlet recipe from Martha Stewart, but I made a few adjustments. Instead of raspberries, I used some cranberries that I had (an incredibly tart combination, rhubarb and cranberries are, but also delicious). Also, I used a pie crust I had frozen from a pie I made a month ago (also rhubarb, but the frozen kind, so not nearly as good), rather than the Pate Brisee this recipe calls for. And it sure turned out good.
June 11, 2008
June 11 Market: What to look out for this week…
In addition to much of the produce he offered last week, Farmer Rob will also have (all certified organic):
- Leaf lettuce
- Salad mix
- Kale
- Cilantro
- Tomato and pepper seedling
- FREE kelp plant fertilizer
Shady Hill Farm may also have
- Simpson Salad
- Kohlrabi
- Peas (if the weather has been good to them)
And Lyons Farm may also offer:
- Strawberries
- Eggplant
- Fresh Basil
See you there!
June 10, 2008
June 4th’s Musicians: Debi Lewis & Deborah Fausch
Debi and Deborah are a fiddle and banjo duet who play old-time music — midwestern, Kentucky, and some French-Canadian folk and fiddle tunes (much of which is highly toe-tap-able, if not downright danceable). Returning for a second summer at the Ridgeville Market, they’ll be back to play on July 2 and August 6.
The First Market
The market’s opening day — though a bit chilly towards the end — was lovely and laid back. Our three farmers each set up shop with the early summer’s offerings (such as the tiny and sweet strawberries from Shady Hill Farm, above), including:
Lyons Farm:
- asparagus
- rhubarb
- morel mushrooms
- hanging baskets of flower plants (cascading petunia)
- moss rose, morning glory, geranium, rosemary and tomato plants
Shady Hill Farm:
- strawberries
- butter crunch lettuce, spinach and a lettuce mix
- radishes
- turnips
- green onion
Montalbano Farms:
- tomatos
- garlic greens, spinach, and head lettuce
- oregano
- chives
- potted herbs & organic tomato seedlings
- worm castings
*Farmer Rob from Montalbano Farms
*Lyons Farm
One of the great things about having a market set in a park within a residential neighborhood is that the layout allows for kids to play around — or make bubbles — while their parents shop. The farmers set up around a basket ball court, keeping the center space open for people to walk around, set up picnic blankets and lawn chairs, play hopscotch or dance to the live music. Ridgeville Park also has a playground right next to the market space.
More soon about our musicians on June 4, an upcoming special event, and what to expect at the June 11th market…
June 4, 2008
Opening Day!
This summer will see the second run of the Ridgeville Farmers’ Market in south Evanston. Every Wednesday, June 4 through October 1, our farmers will set up market on the ball courts at the southeast corner of Ridgeville Park at 908 Seward, and will be open for business from 4 to 8 PM.
Each week, a variety of locally-grown and organic vegetables and herbs from Montalbano Farms (Marseille, IL) and Shady Hill Farm (Groveland, IL), and fresh fruit from Lyons Fruit Farm (South Haven, MI) will be available at the market. We will also be selling artisan breads – from baguettes and ciabatta to a hearty roasted garlic – from Red Hen Bread in Chicago.
In creating a mid-week market, the Ridgeville Farmers’ Market hopes to make an environmentally sustainable lifestyle and connection to organic and locally-produced foods a realizable possibility for the community in south Evanston – as well as for Chicagoans from all over the city. Ridgeville Park is within walking distance from the South Blvd. stop on the Purple Line CTA, as well as the Main St. Metra station. The Recyclery of Evanston will be at the market on the last Wednesday of each month, offering free tune-ups and minor adjustments to those who travel via bicycle.
Just as it is important to be aware of what we put into our bodies, we believe it is necessary to be connected to the community we exist in. In addition to fresh produce, each market will feature a local musician, and we encourage people to hang out and enjoy a variety of baked goods and cool drinks from a local café as they shop. Evanston’s own up-and-coming organic farm and learning center, The Talking Farm, will be at the market once a month sharing their progress – and ways people can get involved — with the community. Other special events – including a bi-weekly knitting circle and a local non-profit day – will work to create a sense of place and community in this park tucked into a residential neighborhood.
*Our poster was designed by Sarin Seesawat at Metallic Mutt Studio
May 20, 2008
Welcome to the Market Blog!
Here you will find everything you need to know about this summer’s market, from Vendor and Musician profiles to special event information. Check in frequently to know what’s going on in Ridgeville.
