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Four Beautiful Words: Crispy Purple Potato Chips

I’ve had a bad cold for the last three weeks, drifting in and out of mild misery. But I’m feeling better every day now, thanks for asking.

Saturday I was feeling particularly low energy as I was walking through Union Square. The Greenmarkets always make me feel better, and so I was strolling along amongst the tents, despite the brisk cold, on my way to the 6 train. And then something bright purple caught my eye. (It has happened before – purple food makes me happy.)

The bright purple this time turned out to be a sample bowl of beautiful and delicious potato chips from Mountain Sweet Berry Farm. The Andean Mix includes the true purple chips made from purple Peruvian potato, mixed with rich yellow chips made from ruby crescent potatoes. This farm has three other flavors of chips made from other potatoes. The Crunchy Indian chips are made from Ozette Indian potatoes. The other two varieties are Brown Butter and Pure Pleasure.

UPDATE: The chips are fried in rice bran oil, which has a mild taste and is good for high heat frying. According to Dr. Andrew Weil, MD., it has additional health benefits as well.

Potato chips are one of my very favorite foods in the whole world. But I’m a purist. No ranch, no BBQ, no salt and vinegar. I like simple potatoes and salt. Each chip from Mountain Sweet Berry Farm has a pure potato taste and yet a wonderfully distinct flavor. The purple ones were my favorite because a) they’re purple, b) they taste rich and wonderful, and c) my mom is from the Andes mountains, and so I feel a personal connection to them. That said, they are all mouthwateringly delicious.

Mountain Sweet Berry Farm comes to the Union Square Greenmarket Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Go try them for yourself and let me know which one you like best! And check out this wonderful video featuring Rick Bishop of Mountain Sweet Berry Farm on Serious Eats.

All Peppers All the Time from Eckerton Hill Farm

Wednesday was a glorious, sunny fall day, a far cry from this past weekend’s insane snowstorm. These wonderful, colorful peppers in the bright sunshine made me very happy. They come from Eckerton Hill Farm in Lobachsville, PA at the Union Square Greenmarket. Their sign said, “All Peppers, All the Time.” They weren’t kidding!

I have no idea how many kinds peppers they have, as the lunchtime crowd was too big for me to chat with the farmers. I’ll find out if you really want to know.

Any idea what to make with these lovely specimens?

Weekend Market Picks, October 15-16, 2011 and Pumpkins!!!

I am very excited about this weekend! There some big events going on in the city’s markets, and it’s Pumpkin Season! Many of our regional farms suffered losses during the hurricane, and we’ve been worried about the pumpkins and squashes. So far, things are looking pretty good in the GrowNYC Greenmarkets! I spotted these plump specimens at the Tribeca Greenmarket last weekend, and we just finished the last bowl of butternut squash soup with toasted chestnuts. (Yes, it tasted just as amazing as it sounds!)

Also this weekend I am taking a wonderful bunch of ladies on a Markets Tour! We have a great agenda and a lot of ground to cover. I cannot wait to see what catches their eye, what peaks their curiosity, and what makes it back home with them. Pictures will definitely be posted.

Saturday and Sunday

Brooklyn Lyceum Fall Market: The Brooklyn Lyceum is a former bath house, and it is now a great performance space and market venue. The semi-annual artisan market takes place this weekend with a diverse collection of artisans selling jewelry, fine art, leather bags, tee-shirts and more. Buy a raffle ticket for a chance to win impressive prizes, including an iPad!

Crafts on Columbus: This is the final weekend of this lovely craft show beneath the beautiful tree canopy alongside the Museum of Natural History. The quality is high, and the designers are as talented as ever. You’ll recognize your favorites, and you will also find some exciting new artisans on Columbus Avenue!

Saturday:

Crafts in Chelsea: One of the most dynamic and exciting craft market events of the year! Over 100 local artisans will be showing their handmade creations along both sides of West 21st Street between 8th and 9th Avenues. Time Out New York has featured Crafts in Chelsea twice this week: Your Perfect Weekend and Sample Sales and Shopping Events!

Super!Market : There’s a new designers market in town! This promising boutique-style market will feature a curated selection of fashion, jewelry, and object designers, as well as snacks to nosh on while you explore. I’ve met the curators themselves, and they are very excited about this new venture at 268 Mulberry Street.

Sunday

Greenflea: If you’re heading uptown to Crafts on Columbus, then definitely cross the street and visit this treasure-filled neighborhood flea market! And the 79th Street Greenmarket is bunking with the Greenflea while Crafts On Columbus is taking place, so you can pick up some apples and kale for the week ahead!

New Amsterdam Market: Get tickets for this weekend’s Hard Cider Revival! Plus the lush fall bounty of regional food purveyors. This regional food market is fantastic year-round, but there is something extra special about it in the fall. Come see what I mean!

What are your market plans for the weekend?

Photo of the Day – October 5, 2011: Hawthorne Valley Organic Yogurt

I really love the taste and texture of Hawthorne Valley Organic Yogurt, which I purchase at the Union Square Greenmarket and take to my office. The yogurt is quite liquid, and it has tiny curds throughout it. The texture and flavors (plain, maple vanilla, strawberry and lemon) are rich yet gentle, perfect for a sensitive palate like mine.

Hawthorne Valley Farm is located in Columbia County, NY, and their vision is to “Nurture the land that nurtures us.” (from HawthorneValleyFarm.org) This farm is quite extraordinary for its commitment to Biodynamic methods, which “recognize the importance of both human and biological community life and strive to bring renewing forces to both.” It feels like a privilege to be able to shop from this farm in the Greenmarket on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Stop by and try this amazing yogurt, as well as their other creamery products, baked goods, and sauerkraut products! They also offer 7 yogurts for the price of 5, which makes them even more irresistible!

Weekend Market Picks – October 1-2, 2011 + Over the Moon Jewel

We are headed into a wonderful weekend full of fantastic market events! Several annual events are going on this weekend and some into next week. Hopefully we’ll get some crisp autumn air this weekend and less hair-frizzing humidity!

I am very happy to feature a wonderful jewelry designer, Barbara Wilkinson of Over the Moon Jewel! Barbara has a true eye for color and composition, and her background in art is evident in her designs. She creates pieces for a diverse array of styles and tastes, using brightly colored semi-precious stones and delicate pearls, happy hoop earrings and yoga-inspired charms, sterling silver and gold tones. She also makes sexy jewelry for men. Barbara will be at the week-long ID Pop Shop III, which runs Monday, October 3 – Sunday, October 10th inside Chelsea Market. Definitely go meet her in person and check out her beautiful designs!

Saturday and Sunday

URGENT – GrowNYC Hurricane Donation Collection: GrowNYC is working in all boroughs with City Harvest, Regional Food Bank, and Move for Hunger this weekend and next to collect basic food and products for communities affected by Hurricane Irene. 10% of the Greenmarket system’s farmers have lost all of their crops for the seasaon, and they and their communities need our help. Go to GrowNYC.org to see which markets have collection sites and the basic food and personal products needed.

Crafts on Columbus: This is the second weekend of Crafts on Columbus, which takes place next to the Natural History Museum. The this semi-annual craft market is a great way to get a jump start on your holiday market shopping because there is such a rich variety of handmade crafts here. The market skips next weekend and then runs for one more weekend on October 15th and 16th. (Columbus Avenue between 77th and 81st Street)

Madison Square Eats: This pop-up food market is filled with delicious local food purveyors and Flatiron neighborhood restaurants serving up pizza, tacos, crepes, chocolate, cupcakes, beers, and more! Madison Square Eats runs through October 21. Bring your friends! (West side of Madison Square Park between Fifth Avenue and Broadway, and 24th and 25th Streets)

Pompeii Flea and Craft Market on Bleecker Street: This market started right after 9/11 as a tribute by local artists and neighbors in the Village to the spirit of New York City. Now it is a staple of Bleecker Street on the weekends. Stop and browse through vintage bakelite jewelry, dichroic glass and crocheted metal jewelry, and much more! (Bleecker Street between Carmine and Leroy next to Our Lady of Pompeii Church).

Sunday:

Atlantic Antic - This New York Street Fair sets the gold standard for New York street fairs. Far from the affairs that block traffic and annoy the natives, the Atlantic Antic incorporates the local businesses in four Brooklyn Neighborhoods and provides literally blocks and blocks of food, music, and shopping from unique local crafters and designers, and lots of things for kids (pony rides!!!). Bring your appetite, your friends, and your walking shoes to this annual event.

Starting Monday through Sunday, October 10:

ID Pop Shop III: This is the third event for this new group of independent designers. This week-long market features some of New York’s most innovative and talented designers in fashion and lingerie, jewelry and accessories, body products, and more. It is located inside Chelsea Market, so go do your shopping at the ID Pop Shop and then grab a delicious bite to eat from the shops throughout the food market. (Chelsea Market on 9th Ave and 15th Street)

YOU ARE INVITED! Please come to Chelsea Market Baskets on Saturday afternoon from 3-7PM! I will be doing a book signing and enjoying the Food Network’s Food and Wine Festival in the neighborhood!

And to my friends in Washington, DC: Do not miss Crafty Bastards on Saturday! And let me know what treasures you find!

Weekend Market Picks – September 24-25, 2011 + Bar Suzette

Nutella Banana Crepe from Bar Suzette at Madison Square Eats

This weekend is jam-packed with exciting market events! The annual London Terrace Street Fair is on Saturday, and I am positively GIDDY about the 25th Annual Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Flea Market and Grand Auction on Sunday I’ve been waiting an entire year for both events!

The mouthwatering image is a nutella and banana crepe from Bar Suzette at Madison Square Eats. This month-long local food market in the Flatiron District is back today, September 23 with more delicious, local savory and sweet treats. Plus beer!

Saturday and Sunday, September 24-25

Crafts on Columbus: This outdoor craft market features fine local and regional artisans on the sidewalk of Columbus Avenue from 77th to 812st Street along side of the Natural History Museum. It also runs October 1-2, and then again on October 15-16.

Saturday Only, September 24

London Terrace Street Fair: It’s time again for the fabulous, annual London Terrace Street fair on West 24th Street between 9th and 10th Avenues in Chelsea. Imagine hundreds of people in the historic London Terrace building emptying out their closets, and there you have an incredible yard sale. Local artisans and food vendors are in the street as well.

Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket: This large GrowNYC farmers market is holding a Pickle Party with Rick’s Picks on Saturday! Meet pickling master Rick Field in the info tent at 11 am as he shows how how to make his famous Smokra, pickled paprika okra!

Agora LIC Market: This Long Island City market is holding its fourth event of the year, featuring crafts, food, family fun, in St. Mary’s Lot, 10-31 49th Avenue, between Vernon Blvd. and Jackson Avenue. I haven’t been able to make it to this market yet, so I’m aiming to check it out this weekend!

Sunday, September 25

Astoria Market: This indoor craft market in Queens is back on Sunday at Bohemian Hall. Stroll among the tables filled with handmade jewerly, t-shirts, toys, and fine arts, and you’ll definitely find a treasure to take home with you!

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Flea Market and Grand Auction: Hooray!!! Broadway turns out her closets onto the Shubert Alley and West 44th Street! You may find props, costumes, souvenirs, and playbills galore. And bid on once-in-a-lifetime experiences in the live and silent auctions, including a chance to conduct the orchestra for Phantom, an onstage appearance in Mama Mia, and a pre-show “flight call” of Spiderman. Check out all the auction items! Giddy, I tell you! And proceeds go to fight AIDS.

Fairway Market and 92nd Street Y Street Fair: A shout out to my friend Strongman Steve Weiner, who will be doing a strength performance at this family event on Lexington Avenue between 90th and 91st Streets. Steve is seriously strong. He can roll up frying pans, twist horse shoes into hearts, and rip phonebooks vertically with his bare hands. Oh – and combo lift 1000 lbs.

And one more shout out to market veterans Nina Valenti of Nature vs. Future fashion design and Jason Laurits of Paste Graphic T-Shirts, who are hosting an Open Studio sale of their unique, lovely products during the DUMBO Arts Festival on Saturday and Sunday starting at noon at 10 Jay Street, #500 in DUMBO.

Have a great weekend and wish for dry weather! A few clouds are good, but no more rain for a while!

Weekend Market Picks for August 20-21, 2011 And Orange Foods at the Greenmarkets

As I walked through the market this week, I noticed the beautiful, bright variations of the color orange. Here are some of the fresh and delicious products I found at the Union Square Greenmarket during the week to remind us that summer is still with us. Enjoy all of the seasonal wonders of local foods at our farmers markets throughout the city. The photo gallery features these items and farms:

Orange Carrots from Phillips Farms
Orange Tomato Soup from Central Valley Farm
Bright Zinnias from The River Garden
Sun Gold Tomatoes from Race Farm
Translucent Red Pepper Jelly from Berkshire Berries

This weekend, I’m focusing on Food and Farmers Markets! All the best trends come out of the markets, so here’s a little tidbit to think about as you stroll through the markets this weekend, nibbling on a meatball or a cake pop:: Food in the form of a ball is the new Cupcake!

Saturday and Sunday, August 20 & 21

Chelsea Market: Chelsea Market is an indoor market filled with foodie pleasures. I often have breakfast meetings here, or I’ll pop in for a cookie or a taste of chocolate. That’s the great thing about this market: you can also have brunch, lunch and dinner here, or pick up fine fresh, local, and imported ingredients for a special meal.

Saturday, August 20

Hester Street Fair: I foresee about 19 courses in a meal at the Hester Street Fair – their food lineup is fantastic, as usual. Go to this market to eat. And eat some more. Not to mention the goods, with some of New York’s most creative designers and makers all under the London plane tree canopy on Hester Street.

Smorgasburg: A frequent Market Pick, Smorgasburg is another market where you’d better be hungry to eat right then and there. Seriously tasty stuff, freshly baked, grilled, sauced, and scooped. And the Williamsburg Waterfront Greenmarket has the season’s best produce and tasty food demos.

Sunday, August 21

New Amsterdam Market: It’s the Second Annual Ice Cream Fest! Try 10 amazing artisanal ice creams! Sad to say that advance tickets are sold out, but there will be plenty to taste! This event is a benefit for the market, so come and show your support!

Fulton Stall Market: Situated across the street from New Amsterdam, the Fulton Stall Market has a much different vibe. They’re there to serve the local neighborhood and tourists with delicious food you can grab on the run, fresh produce, and also handmade crafts from members of the {NewNew} Etsy Artisan Group.

Go forth and build up a big weekend appetite! And if it’s food in the shape of a ball, snap a picture and then eat it. Mark my words – it’s a trend.

Weekend Market Picks for August 13-14, 2011 Featuring ShayaNYC!

Hammered Gold and Rose Gold-filled Rings by ShayaNYC Handmade in Brooklyn

ShayaNYC is one of my very favorite jewelry designers. My husband listened very carefully and got me a Victoria double lariat necklace and matching Delta earrings as a gift for Christmas last year. I just can’t find an outfit that they haven’t been perfect for, and it wouldn’t matter if I did because I can’t stop wearing them anyway.

Designer Shay Mehubad sells most weekends at the Nolita Market, and he just launched his new website – www.ShayaNYC.com. He’s running a giveaway right now – sign up for his mailing list, and you could win a pair of his hand-hammered Isabelle earrings! Can’t pass up a chance like that, can we?

Weekend Market Picks!

This weekend, I’m featuring the wonderful and diverse markets in Williamsburg!

Saturday and Sunday

Artists & Fleas: This market is one of the first of the new breed of markets in New York City. It is a wonderful, indoor collection of artisans and flea market vendors. And I’ll let you in on a secret – they have awesome food vendors too!

Saturday

Smorgasburg: As I’ve said before, I think this market is a wonderful addition to the market and the foodie scene, not to mention the tremendous creative and entrepreneurial spirit that abounds. Go for lunch or dinner, and bring home some tasty ingredients for the rest of the week.

Williamsburg Waterfront Greenmarket: Set in the same waterfront location as Smorgasburg, this weekend farmers market market provides the neighborhood with fresh local produce and artisanal food products.

Moore Street Market / La Marqueta the Williamsburg: I strongly suggest you visit this indoor food market, serving Williamsburg since 1941. The fare is primarily Caribbean and Latin American ingredients, and there are two food counters serving up delicious lunches. Urban Oyster offers a wonderful neighborhood tour that features the history of the Moore Street Market.

Sunday

Brooklyn Flea: On Sundays, the Brooklyn Flea sets up its tents at the Williamsburg Waterfront as well. You know the Flea? The international tourist destination filled with handmade, vintage, home decor, and edible treasures? Yeah, that’s the place.

So hop on the L train and get yourself over to Williamsburg sometime this weekend! Your wallet, walls, wardrobe, and tastebuds will appreciate it!

Weekend Market Picks for July 16-17, 2011

I am thrilled to feature the wonderful array of products from SchoolHouse Kitchen! I first tried their jams, chutneys, mustards and vinaigrettes at the New Amsterdam Market, and I cannot get over the flavors and the combinations they use. My current favorite is Cherry Blackberry Sage & Clove Spreadable Fruit, which is equally delicious on toast as it is as a marinade for chicken. They just brought out two new vinaigrettes that got rave reviews at the Fancy Food Show in DC last weekend: Poppyseed Vinaigrette Revival and the Coconut Citrus Vinaigrette. Yes, you read it right! They give a percentage of their proceeds to education charities, and all the products are made with high quality, natural ingredients. I have taken their motto to heart: Eat well, eat in moderation, and be adventurous.

And now for this weekend’s Market Picks for everyone who is staying in town this weekend of visiting New York City from far and wide:

Saturday & Sunday

Antiques Garage and the Annex: These two markets are located across 6th Avenue from each other, and it’s worth it to stroll through both locations. The Garage has two floors of diverse vintage and antique items, from books and prints to clothing and ship memborabilia, and everything in between. You know you love digging for treasures, and you should spend some time at the Annex – clothing, jewelry, records, and vintage everything. Manhattan

Essex Street Market: If you haven’t gone shopping at the Essex Street Market, go this weekend. And bring a tote bag! This market opened in 1940 when Mayor LaGuardia got all the street vendors off the street and into new market buildings. Today, you can find cheese, fish, meats, coffee, pastries, bread, handmade chocolates, and much more! Manhattan

Park Slope Flea Market: Have you been walking past this market for years, take the time to go inside and see all the wonderful things there. The Park Slope Flea is a classic flea market, with vintage clothing, homewares, furniture, and even artwork and sweet bonsai trees. Brooklyn

Saturday

Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket: The Grand Army Plaza Market is the largest one in Brooklyn, akin to the Union Square Greenmarket in size and variety of foods sold. But it’s a lot more laid back, with families, joggers from the park, and people strolling with their dogs, all browsing through the produce, bread, fish, and more. GrowNYC has textile recycling and compost collection every weekend too! It’s also a short walk from the Park Slope Flea! Brooklyn

Sunday

Greenflea: The Greenflea is back on the Picks List because it’s just so great. There are some amazing vendors there, including vintage, fleas, jewelry of all kinds, delicious market food, furniture, and this guy (Scott Jordan). Wander around the outdoor market, and then visit the vintage vendors inside the school cafeteria. Manhattan

It’s going to be a wonderful weekend, so head out to the markets and let us know what you bought and what you ate! And don’t forget to pick up something delicious from SchoolHouse Kitchen on Saturday at Smorgasburg and Sunday at the New Amsterdam Market!

Weekend Market Picks: July 9-10, 2011 + Cherries!!!

It is going to be a fantastic weekend to spend outdoors in New York City. If you are second homeless and therefore staying in town all summer, then come hang out with me at the markets. And if you are visiting New York City, definitely check out the fantastic food and buy all your souvenirs directly from New York’s finest artisans!

And stop by any Greenmarket to pick up plump, juicy cherries, like the ones in the photo from the Cheerful Cherry Farm!

Saturday & Sunday

Brooklyn Flea: I’m definitely feeling the need to visit the Brooklyn Flea, as it’s been a few weeks. Looking forward to seeing my usual favorites and checking out what’s new in food, artisans, and fleas! Saturday in the Ft. Green location and Sunday in Williamsburg.

Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market and Sunday Gourmet Food Truck Bazaar: The Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market is one of the largest and best traditional fleas in the city, and they have invited members of the {NewNew} Etsy Artisan Group to add to the variety. The first Sunday of every month, they also host the Food Truck Bazaar, featuring some of the city’s fabulous food on wheels!

Saturday

Hester Street Fair: Gotta send you to the Hester Street Fair this Saturday! In addition to the well-selected vintage, flea, and handmade sellers there, they sent out the list of featured food vendors. Appetizers, main course, main course, dessert, dessert, dessert. Take notes and let me know what you ate!

St. George Greenmarket: This is a good weekend to hop on the Staten Island Ferry and visit the St. George Greenmarket. It overlooks the harbor and the New York City skyline, and it features premier Greenmarket sellers of fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, seafood, and more. This borough features amazing vistas, architecture, and even wildlife – more than 117 species of birds!

Sunday

Astoria Market: Yes! The Astoria Market is back this weekend. Handmade and vintage goods at this artisan market in the Main Hall of the Bohemian Hall — you know, the one with the Beer Garden! Check out some of the very cool products you’ll find there this weekend on the Astoria Market Blog!

New Amsterdam Market: The New Amsterdam Market is back this Sunday after a July 4th hiatus. This weekend’s food market lineup includes breads, meats, mead, lobster rolls, artisanal sodas, sweets, imported tea, and many more edible luxuries.

Take pictures and let us know your favorite finds and tastiest treats! Someone is making me a cherry pie on Sunday! If you have a great recipe, please share!