Thanks Ringling College of Art and Design for this AMAZING video!

The Sarasota-Manatee Originals (SMO) in partnership with the Sarasota Farmers Market (SFM), is proud to present our host restaurant, Ophelia's On The Bay, for a culinary demonstration on Saturday, December 17 at the Downtown Sarasota Farmers Market.  Demonstrations will be held at 10:30 and 11:30am and is free to the public.  The culinary series cooking tent, and seating for up to 50, will be erected on the east side of State Street. Samples of the prepared food will be provided after each demonstration to the first 100 people.

Ophelia's food has evolved over the years into a blend of cuisines and influences mixing new world with old, American with Asian, Italian with Floridian. Their chef is constantly researching and creating new dishes for the menu. They print their menu nightly using the freshest local fish and produce available. Voted number one restaurant in the U.S. for dock and dining by Power and Motoryacht Magazine. 

Ophelia's is also known for its evolving American cuisine style that is creatively combined with other world cuisines. Combining local fresh seafood and fine meats with Florida grown produce, Ophelia's offers a menu with a distinctly New World flare that changes nightly.

 

AWARDS: 

• Sarasota Herald Tribune Reader’s Choice Award as Best Waterfront Restaurant, Most Romantic Restaurant, Best Continental Restaurant, Best Creative Menu Award
• Epicurean Rendezvous Top 100 Restaurants in Florida
• Zagat Guide rated “Extraordinary” 10 years in a row
• Sarasota Magazine “Best of the Best” Multiple Year Winner as Best Waterfront Restaurant, Best Outdoor, Best Romantic and Most Creative Menu
• Featured in Gourmet Magazine as an “Exceptional Restaurant of Florida”
• Featured in Food and Wine Magazine as one of the “Best Sixteen Restaurants in Florida”
• Award recognition from American Express for “Outstanding Customer Service and Dedication to Excellence”
• Chosen by “Candlelight Dining in America” as one of the Most Romantic Restaurants in America
• Chosen by “Beaches Travel Guide” as one of the Outstanding Restaurants in Florida
• Chosen #1 in the nation for dock and dine by Power and Motoryacht  Magazine

This Saturday, November 19th, the Sarasota Manatee Originals Culinary Series will feature Michael's On East.  The demonstration will begin at 10am under the canopy tent located on the east side of State Street.  Some seating is provided as well as samples from the food presentation.

Market Music!

Jimmy Mazz is a full time touring professional singer and entertainer who now calls Venice Florida, home. Born near Boston Mass Jimmy continues to perform in New England often, as well as around the country including Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Branson and aboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Jimmy brings truly professional entertainment to the area by offering several completely different and unique shows. In all of these shows he offers up exciting renditions of great hit songs, amusing parodies, comedy, trivia, history, humor and of course, a ton of great singing. His velvety smooth vocal style is reminiscent of the great crooners, but has the quick wit of an impressionist comedian, and the energy of Elvis Presley and Tom Jones combined. Every show is sure to thoroughly entertain. For more information visit jmazzsings.com.

 

November 5th   -  Dean and the Rumba Band

 

November 12th -  Harry the Sax Master

 

November 19th -   Joe Bracio Steel Drum Sound

 

November 26th -   Jimmy Mazz - Sinatra to Ray Charles

 

 

 

Market Recipe

We hope you enjoy this great Farmers Market Soup; it is so healthy for you that it could almost be called a multivitamin in a bowl. There really isn't a specific recipe to this soup as it is as simple as making a visit to the farmers market and buying as many colorful, fresh vegetables as you can. The soup works best when you mix up different types of vegetables, and think about mixing colors as well. After buying the vegetables,  wash and chop them, and then simply throw them into a big soup pot. You can cover the vegetables with water or vegetable broth, and simply simmer until all of the vegetables are tender. During the last half an hour or so of cooking, season with salt, pepper, dried Italian seasonings, and chopped fresh herbs. Divide the soup into meals, freezing some, but leave a big pot in the refrigerator and enjoy a bowl of the soup over the next few days for lunch. Apart from the vegetables, add white beans. Feel free to throw in any of your favorite vegetables.  Add the beans, fresh herbs, Italian seasonings, and season with salt and pepper. Continue to cook until everything is tender. Top with parmesan or pecorino, olive oil or basil pesto. 

 

 

Eva and Chris Worden Worden Farm has returned !!!!!! One of the area's largest certified organic growers has made their return to the market. Chris, Eva and their staff are committed to supplying the freshest organic produce to market customers once again. Welcome back Team Worden !!!!!! Below are items now available with more coming each week as the season progresses! ...basil, beans, bok choy, broccoli rabe, cilantro, collards, cucumber, dandeloin greens, dill,  eggplant, escarole, green beans, kale, komatsuna, lettuce, okra, peppers, radish, salad greens, scallions, squash, sunflowers, swiss chard, tomatoes, turnips...

Brown's Grove
It is only fitting to highlight a very special vendor and family this time of year. The Brown family has been a ten year tradition at the market for supplying not only produce but local oranges grown from over  1000 trees in their 4 groves. Great Grandpa Brown started the first grove in 1915. Yup 95 years ago when John and Mabel Ringling used to drive their Model A out to Macintosh Road for fresh local oranges (sort of made that up). Now a tradition passed onto Tim, wife Heidi and their three grown children, Travis, Trevor and Tressie. The boys' jobs include harvesting, packing and helping at the stand. Tressie helps with the website and shipping orders from her home in Alabama. Being a 16 year resident of Sarasota visiting their groves and packing house brought memories of living in the foothills of the White Mountains at one time when some of my friends were farmers. The Browns fit the mold, hard working, honest and a passion for tradition. Sometimes I'm questioned on what the market has that's local. Brown's groves are just the tip of the iceberg of what the Sarasota Farmer's Market has to offer locally. So if you come to the market to get their local citrus or visit their website for an order remember this...your fruit will not only be fresh and juicy but more importantly contain the SPIRT and dedication of a Sarasota family for the last 95 years. Visit www.brownsgrove.com  for more information. 

 

Feed the Hungry In an ongoing commitment to help the community, the market is having Feed the Hungry Day on November 19th from 8 am to 12 pm.   www.mayorsfeedthehungry.org booth will be located at Main and Lemon. Mayor Suzanne Atwell and County Commissioner Chair, Nora Patterson, are raffling off a market basket donated by the vendors. Donations are also accepted.

In honor of this ghoulish day and the start of the fall season, The Blue Peony is having a Buy One Get One Free Sale on all of our Halloween merchandise this Saturday (10/29/11). Pick up the perfect hostess gift for your weekend party or something to festive to wear for trick or treaters. Come early for the best selection. The Blue Peony is open at the Sarasota Farmer's Market every Saturday from 7am - 1pm at the intersection of Lemon Avenue and State Street. 

 This offer applies to Halloween items only. 

The Sarasota Farmers Market is now open each Saturday from 7:00am to 1:00pm.   The extra hour gives our customers more time to enjoy the new vendors, music, and the cooler outdoor temperatures. The 1:00 time change will last until June 2, 2012. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow;  the weather looks spectacular.

 

 

We are very exited to share that the Sarasota Farmers Market has re-opened south on Lemon and we are back to Season hours 7am to 1pm

The Sarasota Farmer's Market goes back to Season hours this week. Starting this Saturday we will close at 1pm. We hope to see you there :)

Thanks

SFM

 

Hello Market Friends! Here we grow again! This month's Newsletter is dedicated to our growers that give the true name of what we are...FARMERS MARKET. This time of year I am constantly asked "where is all the produce." There is a good reason - it's too HOT. When you look out your window this time of year (in Florida) tropical plants jump for joy in this  weather...tomatoes, beans, lettuce, potatoes and other produce can't survive.  Now for the good news; we are about 6 weeks away from a  produce lovers heaven. The last 10 days I've visited our growers to give you a firsthand look of what's in store for the upcoming season. The vendor-run market has added even more growers of produce and plants the last 2 years to become one of the largest true agriculture markets in the state. Not only is the City of Sarasota blessed to have such a market, growers and vendors are blessed to have such a great city to supply local agriculture. Enjoy the field trip and look for an update on these growers in the future.    Phil Pagano Operations Manager   manager@sarasotafarmersmarket.org 941-504-1077

 

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Chris and Eva Worden, owners of Worden Farm are dedicated to Certified Organic growing; the largest produce grower at the market at 50 acres...summer squash, tomato, eggplant, cucumber, basil, cilantro, parsley, onion, lettuce, celery, fennel, cabbage, okra, peppers, green beans.

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Natures Partner owner Peter Burkard has supplied local produce and plants for 32 years at the market. Peter has many seperated garden plots on his close to two acre farm along with some citrus and fruit trees. Chickens and Bees round off his farming along with much more... arugula, bok choy, caulifower, kale, kohlrabi, sweet onions spinach, radishes, lettuces of various kinds, cucumbers and zucchini.   The Fall/Winter/Spring selection of plants includes such herbs as parsley, cilantro, chives, dill, sage, thyme, oregano, various basil types, and catnip.

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Crowley's Nursery owned by Charlie and Mrs. Crowley...They have a wide range of trees from around the world including fruit and flowering.

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Carmel Monti, owner of Mother's Organics brings not only plants he starts from seed but also integrates his plants with grow buckets and other growing methods perfect for a home or condo owner.

Dufour Family Farmers provides plants for locals to start their own gardens...   This time of year, we are planting just about everything!  This week is specifically herbs... basil, parsley, dill, cilantro, sage, thyme, mints, tarragon and oregano.  Also, several varieties of vegetables...tomato, hot peppers, green peppers, florida sweet onions, broccoli, collard greens, swiss chard, leaf lettuce, eggplant, cabbage and lots more!

NanDel Plants are owned by none other than Nan and Del Bryant...31 year vendors at the market supplying tropical plants for indoor or outdoor use.

The Floral Exchange owner, Curtis Hunt, has started to grow some of his own flowers at his farm in Venice.

Henry Ford owner of Cherokee Cuttings has many variety of plants he starts in his 1 acre covered greenhouse. All plants come from exactly what his name is company name "Cuttings".

Bayside Farm owner Tiffany Bispham-Bailey is preparing for a strawberry crop that covers 7-8 acres. Also broccoli, squash and other produce can be seen from time to time at her booth. Keep a lookout for our farmers market field trip to pick your own berries at the end of February!

Charming Flower Maid is NEW to the market and is owned by Hiroko, an experienced flower designer. Teaming up with Floral Exchange she is blending her talents with some fresh grown flowers also. Welcome aboard !

Awesome Orchids, owned by Alan and Eve Howes brings a wide variety of Orchids to the market each week including ones started at their greenhouse.

Lulu's Wholesale Flowers, owned by John and Cindy Snyder, brings a new addition to the market including cut flowers and arrangements never seen before.

Louis Rinder owner of Lou's Bonsai has brought a new plant dimension supplying various types of these small trees including offering proper trimming techniques and maintenance. Lou, during season, holds a once a month Bonsai seminar at the market open to all interested.

I Grow My Own Veggies owned by Vincent Dessberg is located  in the City of  Sarasota using a hydroponic system on the roof of his building. Vincent is in the process of replanting and once harvest comes he bicycles crops behind his custom made wagon. Various veggies and spices are available.

My Mother's Garden, is a family-owned certified organic farm in Florida offering a wide variety of culinary herbs, salad greens, edible flowers and native plants.   One Farm-raised item that many customers may not know that comes to the market each week is grain-fed beef. My Mothers garden is not just a garden, it's a 90 acre farm.

Kinsey Produce owned and operated by the Kinsey family has brought reselling to the market to a new dimension. The family took over for Sunny's produce a few years ago and has not only enhanced their presentation but as we get into growing season they are more and more reaching out to local growers for products. Kinsey's and Brown's groves take a large financial risk in the off season to supply quality produce week after week.  They both are very important for a year 'round market.

Jason Mellica, owner of Advanced Bromeliad Culture  has over 4 thousand at his growing site with over 100 varieties started from small cuttings.

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The Brown family, Tim, Heidi,Travis,Trevor, owners ofBrown's Grove have carried on a Brown tradition of citrus in Sarasota since 1915. Also, at the market they are a year 'round supplier of produce including some grown at their farm in season.

Travis Brown of Brown's Groves prepares the soil for planting at their new growing area dedicated to Heirloom tomato's in Parish.

Up and Coming!   Browns Groves has taken their citrus to the next level. Tim, Heidi and family have planted a new breed of oranges granted by Florida Department of Citrus to be one of a few growers that can grow this new variety of Sugar Bells-Honey Bells-Clementine oranges.  400 trees were planted one year ago and should be ready for 2013.

 

Lauren Dorsett ABC 7 nightly news anchor assisted at the American cancer society booth at the market today to promote Making Strides against Breast cancer  walk October 22 www.putonyourpinkbra.com/sarasotamanatee  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The lucky winner of the Kayak was Susan Matteoli of Sarasota, a regular customer at the market. Thanks to Economy Tackle ( www.floridakayak.com ) for their generous donation to the GAP school raffle.??

 

Hello Market Friends!

 

With summer moving at the speed of light, the market has enjoyed record summer attendance.

A combination of quality vendors, board input, volunteers and a marketing campaign that no doubt places the Sarasota Farmers Market as one of the top markets in the State. The 4th of July weekend Shrimp & Lobster Fest proved to be a good indicator that people are interested in a healthy family-oriented market year 'round. Special thanks to Mayor Suzanne Atwell who spent most of her day at the S&L festival.

 

 

Phil Pagano
Operations Manager
manager@sarasotafarmersmarket.org
941-504-1077

 From NY city Fatum Brother’s 18 piece Orchestra

FREE admission 9am to 12pm. 

Come enjoy the SPIRIT of the downtown Farmer’s market featuring fresh produce, local plants, award winning artisans, unique breakfast and lunch items and much much more.

This is the FBJO coming to the market August 6th.

The Fatum Brothers’ Jazz Orchestra is not your ordinary jazz big band. No sir, no ma’am, we pride ourselves on what makes us unique. Composed of the top college-aged jazz musicians in the country, members of the Fatum Brothers’ Jazz Orchestra study at leading conservatory programs such as the Eastman School of Music, Northwestern University, New York University, the Manhattan School of Music, Juilliard School of Music, University of  illinois, New England Conservatory and more. As college students, our youth and enthusiasm is equalled by our professionalism and experience. After over 35 performances in two years, our own Friday night summer concert series, a three week CD Release tour featuring all original music, our own “Jazz For Young People...By Young People,” curriculum, performances from Chicago to Los Angeles, sharing the stage with artists such as Grammy Award Winner Bob Mintzer, collaborations with Downbeat Award winning composer Levi Saelua, and enough memories to last a lifetime... audiences and critics continue to scream for more and more!

The Sarasota Farmers Market is hosting its first Shrimp and Lobster Fest from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 2, beneath a 100-foot tent on State Street.

Maggie's Seafood will be fixing a low-country shrimp boil...a New Orleans-style dish made with shrimp, potatoes, sausage, corn and seasonings. Boothbay Harbor Lobster Direct is bringing in Maine lobsters and creating New England style lobster dinners in steamer pots. We also have many other food vendors contributing with special summertime dishes.  Sarasota resident and jazz musician, Jake Pinto, will be performing from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. And Economy Tackle will raffle off a kayak during the event, of which a portion of the proceeds benefits the GAP School.
 
Start the weekend off with our first-ever Shrimp and Lobster Fest at the Sarasota Farmers Market!

The boat parade is history and what a time! More than expected crowd of over 20,000 lined Main Street with chants of "best float' as the market entourage passed by. Thanks to all the vendors that were able to make it. A special thanks to Chris Worden of Worden Farm who made the long journey bringing the tractor.

Capt Jeff Karr  (PD Parking Management), Jan Thornburg  (Public Information Officer for the City) Susan Dodd (Parking Management), Marlon Brown  (Deputy City Manager) Seated:  Bob Bartolotta (City Manager) and his dog, Charlie

Market Music 

                                                    

June  4th     Dean and the Rumba Band

 
June  11th   Harry the Sax Master

June  18th   Joe Bracio's  Island Sounds

June 25th    Court Farris  Steel Drums

 

 

And, of course, you will be welcomed every Saturday morning by acoustical guitarist, Jimmy G...a wonderful way to begin the day...his music makes you smile!

Market Recipes

Kinsey's Produce gears up for summer...

 

Looking for a refreshing treat from the market?

Look no further than Kinsey's produce at the north end of the market. The family owned business has made a substantial investment to make a pineapple lovers dream come true.

Also available are ice cold fruit cups.

Way to go Kinsey's !!!!!!!!!

Manager's Field Trip

Recently I had the opportunity to visit Ambo foods, vendors of the market for the last 4 years. Dr. Ann-Marie and husband, Dr. Bo, have developed Omega Cure, a liquid form of Omega-3 and this last year have introduced an Omega-3 cookie that's getting attention around the country. Their large manufacturing facility in Venice is state of the art to say the least. Special quarantined baking areas along with other germ free sections for manufacturing are part of Ambo's commitment to a healthy way of life. Another great slice of the Sarasota Farmers Market.

The Omega Cookie Love Story...

A May-Elise Martinsen and Don Guy Production
 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6nRubJefsQ 

 

The American Heart Association (AHA) just released a breaking news statement about managing high triglyceride levels in the blood. One third of all Americans suffer from elevated triglycerides, making them more vulnerable to cardiovascular diseases.

According to the AHA, prevention or treatment should include using two to four grams of a marine-based omega-3. This amount equals the oil found in a full salmon dinner or swallowing seven to 14 capsules of fish oil every day. In addition, AHA recommends increasing intake of fibers, reducing fructose, trans fats and saturated fats. With this approach, patients can expect to lower triglyceride levels by 20 to 50 percent.

Physician-directed Ambo Foods, based in Venice, FL, has succeeded in manufacturing an award-winning, tasty breakfast or travel cookie that contains the AHA-recommended amount of two grams of EPA/ DHA (equivalent to seven capsules of omega-3 from fish), five grams of whole fibers from oats, 800 IU of vitamin D and no added sugar or preservatives.

"The Omega Cookie is the healthiest little meal you can eat. Regular consumption can literally change the health of millions of Americans," says CEO Bo Martinsen, MD, of Ambo Foods. "Our preliminary clinical test results support the AHA statement and show that most people can now cover their omega-3 needs by just eating one Omega Cookie per day. The combination of fiber and fish oil seems to make Omega Cookie more potent than taking omega-3 supplements alone."

What is not in the cookie is equally important to the physician founders, Drs. Martinsen, and Chalmers. Ambo Foods eliminated all processed ingredients, such as trans fats, high-fructose corn syrup and preservatives from the baking process. Moreover, the Omega Cookie comes in four delicious flavors: chocolate chip, cranberry, ginger raisin and tropical fruits. For more information, please contact: Bo Martinsen, MD

bmartinsen@omegacookie.com or visit www.omegacookie.com  1 866 414 0188

AMBO Foods of Venice, Florida is a physician-directed company and the maker and distributor of the Omega Cookie. AMBO Foods, LLC was founded in 2008 by Bo Martinsen, MD, and Anne-Marie Chalmers, MD. Drs. Martinsen and Chalmers have extensive clinical and research backgrounds.

June 2011                        DOWNTOWN SARASOTA AT MAIN AND LEMON OPEN 52 WEEKS A YEAR RAIN OR SHINE! SATURDAYS FROM 7AM to NOON www.sarasotafarmersmarket.org                   Serving the City of Sarasota & Surrounding Counties since 1979

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Greetings from Phil! Hello Market Friends! With summer upon us, local residents and Sarasota visitors seem to be still enjoying the Spirit of the downtown Farmers Market every week. From the in-season local tropical fruits to the newly shaded seating areas, complete with smooth jazz sounds...this is the only way start your weekend off...with a smile. So sit back and enjoy our monthly newsletter.   Phil Pagano Operations Manager manager@sarasotafarmersmarket.org 941-504-1077

The Sarasota-Manatee Originals Culinary Series cooking demonstrations will be held on Saturday May 21, featuring Executive Chef/Owner, David Arnold from the First Street Chop House. Chef Arnold has been classically trained in culinary by the Le Cordon Bleu School and is accredited by the American Culinary Federation (ACF) as a Certified Executive Chef and Accredited Culinary Examiner. Two cooking demonstrations (10 am and 10:45am) will be held with a focus on cooking, teaching and tasting. The tasting will showcase how, when handled and prepared properly or with a little imagination, common or uncommon, ingredients sold at the market can taste fabulous. The demonstration tent is located on the east side of State Street just south of Main. Free to the general public and self seating is available.

Get your copy of the Cookbook, a Sarasota treasure,  at the Market every Saturday...find them at the Wet Noses booth. Great gift idea, great recipes and great cause...Thank You so very much for supporting our Local Animal Groups!

Tizz the Season for Royal weddings...Owners of the Blue Peony, Mat and Jennifer, (State St. Vendors) were wed on Saturday April 23rd at the residence of Jennifer's mom and dad, Ray and Barbra. The house was designed and engineered by dad Ray after hurricane Charlie had taken their original home. Buckingham Palace does could not come close to the wedding site that many Floridian families enjoyed on such a special day.  Best man, Mayor Kelly Kirschner,  (foreground) gave a great toast prior to the cake cutting. For the mayor, his words were unusually short, but had great meaning for his two great friends.  Congratulations from the Market family!

 

Featured Non-Profit Guest

from left to right are: April Glasco, Founder and CEO, Amy Lovejoy, David Goldman, President of the SCLO Board, Lyla Mitchell, Local Artist and Volunteer

Market Music                                                     

 

May 7th     East State Street Joe Braccio's steel drum island sounds.

May 14th   East State Street Fogt's Junior  Allstars with Leader Jimmy G 

 

 

May  21st  East State Street  Dean'o and the Rumba band

 

May 28th  East State Street    Marco and June pop sounds

 

And, of course, you will be welcomed every Saturday morning by acoustical guitarist, Jimmy G...a wonderful way to begin the day...his music makes you smile!

MAY 2011                        DOWNTOWN SARASOTA AT MAIN AND LEMON OPEN 52 WEEKS A YEAR RAIN OR SHINE! SATURDAYS FROM 7AM to 1PM www.sarasotafarmersmarket.org                   Serving the City of Sarasota & Surrounding Counties since 1979

Greetings from Phil! Hello Market Friends! With some of our regular customers leaving for the summer, this newsletter will keep them, and local customers, up to date on what may prove to be the greatest summer ever. Lots of summer activities are in the works including a Shrimp and Lobster Festival 4th of July weekend. Whether  you're downtown or at your summer camp in Michigan you can get a peek at what's happening at the market first hand on our live webcam every Saturday morning.  www.sarasotafarmersmarket.org    A little market humor for you... Easter Blessing...Most of the time I'm fairly modest about being your manager. This story takes the cake. Last Saturday (day before Easter) the good Father came to me about 9:30 during the market and asked to set up in a space. N ow over the years I've had to remove out of our footprint of the market people with cuddly little puppies for sale, troops of belly dancers and even groups of kung fu masters. But a PRIEST!! Holy Ship.. I thought to myself. Quickly, I remembered the old back up...Main Street. I told him "Father,  unfortunately with our permit I can't let you set up in a space but you are more than welcome to go out to the corner of Main Street." The Father was a good sport and even knew the rules about being stationary in the market. It all turned out well and hopefully I'll still get through the pearly gates.    Phil Pagano SFMV Operations Manager manager@sarasotafarmersmarket.org  www.sarasotafarmersmarket.org

Boothbay Maine Harbor LOBSTER Direct Seafood Market

Live Maine Lobster

 

Jeffrey's Apple Sundaes Booth

On Saturday, April 16, the Sarasota-Manatee Originals Culinary Series at the Sarasota Farmer's Market, will be presented by The Drunken Poet  Thai Bistro & Sushi Bar. The culinary series focuses on cooking,  teaching and tasting of common and uncommon local, seasonal ingredients found at the market.

There will be three demonstrations:    10:00 am, 10:45 am and 11:30 am.

The culinary tent is located on the  west side of State Street, just south of Main.  The event is free to  the public, reservations are not necessary and seating for up to 50 is  provided.

About The Drunken Poet Cafe...
Located on Main Street in downtown Sarasota, the Drunken Poet Cafe is  reinventing Japanese and Thai cuisine.  With dishes to suit all  tastes, sophisitcated dining has never been so much fun! Try the Poet's famous "Sexy Man Roll" to explore new flavors, or order the Pad  Thai for a traditional dish with an awesome presentation.

Saturdays at the Market!

Market Assistants, Coy Carter and Jose Perez, have proven to be one of the best market finds of the year. With months of searching for part time help at the market it was under our noses the whole time. Colonel Kennedy of Sarasota Military Academy provided both Coy and Jose. Both have been timely, polite and willing to take on any task asked of them. Thanks to Crazy Crepes, Official Hotdog Cart, Sarasota Sorbet for  sponsoring weekly food and drinks to these young men who some day may be protecting our freedom!!!!!!!! 

Photo by Connie Summers Featured New Sponsor & Non-Profit Guest The market is proud to announce Sarasota Pet as our newest sponsor. Candace Botha, owner and publisher, has included The Farmers Market in her 2011 cookbook sales, featuring none other than market chairman, Terry Hart and his two Portuguese Water Dogs. Sarasota Pet has committed 75% of the proceeds from the sale of the cookbook to local rescue groups.  Candace has also written a three page overview of the Market in the April/May edition of Sarasota Pet. Thanks Sarasota Pet for continued community support! Welcome aboard. www.sarasotapet.com     Candace Botha and Phil Pagano Cookbooks will be on sale at the Market during the month of April!

Market Recipes

This month, we are featuring one of our newest vendors, Full Belly Meats!  For a taste adventure, try one of Shane's flavorful Gourmet Burgers.  Shane has been a chef for many years, cooking all over the country.  His burgers are out of this world and he is living his dream of growing his own business along with his brother, Matt and Mom, Pinki!  A wonderful family business...nice people and Black Angus Beef burgers....stop by and say hello and enjoy Gourmet Burgers! "It ain't a party until someone has a Full Belly!"

 

From Full Belly Meats... 

Here is a recipe for Garlic Parmesan Burgers!  

 

Ingredients:
 

Shane, Matt and Pinki Founders and Owners Gourmet Burgers, Fully Belly Meats

- 5 lbs ground beef

- 4 tsp worchestershire sauce
- 1 cup roasted garlic cloves
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp pepper
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 3/4 cup sauteed chopped garlic
Weigh and shape into individual patties. This recipe will produce 10-11 half pound patties or 20-22 quarter pound patties.

Refrigerate for 30 minutes and cook to your preference.   ...mmm

Events Calendar

 

April 2                 Dr. Lou Bonsai's Seminar

                               Learn to trim and maintain your Bonsai.

 

April 9^th              Child Protection Awareness Day

                               Great children's entertainment!

 

                               Easter Dog Photo Shoot with Connie Summers

                               (see flyer below for details!)

 

April 16^th            Originals Cooking Demo

                               (see left column for details!)

 

April 23^rd             Eco Shindig

                                Local builders showcasing sustainable living.

 

Market Music                        

 

Manager's Field Trip

Pasta you say? World class pizza crust? Marinara sauce?  Yep! Peperonata  Pasta company. On many occasions I've visited Adrian and Marina's pasta kitchen at 4463 Ashton Road and no doubt they have pride in what they do. Always neat, clean and smelling like you're back in the old country. Marina is always working while Adrian tells you a good story and has helpful advice. Their quality of food not only brings customers to the market but is also available in stores like Whole Foods, Mortons and directly purchased at their shop. I could go on and on about how they came to this country from Argentina, how they have two great kids and that they are always are willing to help someone. But what is most impressive to me is Fochi's determination. When they first started at the market they were restricted to selling their pasta in someone else's booth. For quite a while they came every Saturday with one or two coolers and never gave up on their dream. Three years ago an organization was being formed that was very concerned about vendors of this quality that needed a chance. The rest is history as Peperonata Pasta is known not only in the Sarasota area but around the state as fresh pastas favorite maker. Good things come to good people. Oh, by the way...the organization I spoke of...SFMV  Sarasota Farmer's Market Vendors INC.   Congratulazioni  Fochi!        www.peperonatapasta.com
  

DOWNTOWN SARASOTA AT MAIN AND LEMON           APRIL 2011 OPEN 52 WEEKS A YEAR RAIN OR SHINE!  SATURDAYS FROM 7AM to 1PM www.sarasotafarmersmarket.org Serving the City of Sarasota & Surrounding Counties since 1979

Greetings from Phil!

 

Hello Farmers Market Friends!

Lots of market activity last month and more in store for you this month. With the addition of more tables, chairs and umbrellas to the market, customers seem to be staying to enjoy a great lunch at the market after strolling, what is becoming the largest year 'round market in the State of Florida.

 

The market vendors, board and volunteers put many hours in welcoming everyone to the SPIRT of downtown every Saturday 52 weeks a year. Enjoy!

 

Phil Pagano

SFMV Operations Manager

manager@sarasotafarmersmarket.org

.

The Sarasota Manatee Originals Culinary Series at the Sarasota Farmer's Market is tomorrow, March 19 and our host restaurant is Michael's on East.

Chef Al will prepare a sauteed gulf shrimp with organic tomatoes, fennel, olives, basil, lemon zest, local bottarga (you'll need to attend to find out what this local delicacy is) over creste di gallo pasta.

Chef will use ingredients from the SFM vendors at the three demonstrations; 10am, 10:45am and 11:30am. 

Demonstration tent is located on the west side of State Street at Pineapple.

Upcoming Events

 

Saturdays at the Market!  Our Volunteers!

James Audibert

 

Since the vendors acquired the usage permit for the Market over a year ago customers have stepped up to lend a hand volunteering in the continuing success of the SPIRIT of Downtown every Saturday morning. These are a few of many. Thanks from the market board for all you do!  

Dale and Barbara White

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"We enjoyed meeting so many nice people and your staff was wonderful. We hope the weather remains perfect."

 

 

Dale & Barbara

 

 

 

Market Recipes

Another great recipe by Chef Doug of Maggie's Seafood!   Thanks to Chef Doug this month!!

 

 Ahi Tuna Poke

 

 

Featured Non-Profit Guest 

Manager's Field Trip

Cherokee Cuttings...take 75 north to Ellenton exit (rt 301) go east a few miles to Erie rd (left 2.5 miles).  Henry has been asking me for years to visit his nursery. When I took the sharp corner that leads to the nursery I was amazed  at the size of the green houses located on Henry's 10 acres. Mr. Ford (as I call him) showed me around and I'll tell ya impressive aint the word. His staff was busy watering, planting and getting a delivery ready for tomorrow morning.
Mr. Ford ships plants all over the country grown from small cuttings.  He told me he could fill the street on Lemon all the way to the JavaDawg and more, I tend to agree. The market should be honored to have such a grower for over 10 years.  Mr. Ford puts the G in grower.   (941) 776-2220

Welcome Obvita Natural Health & Zitouna Foods Hummus

Obvita Organic Locally Handmade Natural Care Products. Learn more at www.obvita.com

 

Zitouna Foods Hummus

DOWNTOWN SARASOTA AT MAIN AND LEMON           MARCH 2011 OPEN 52 WEEKS A YEAR RAIN OR SHINE!  SATURDAYS FROM 7AM to 1PM www.sarasotafarmersmarket.org Serving the City of Sarasota & Surrounding Counties since 1979

Greetings from Phil!

 

Many thanks to Bryson Sanders and Fifth Third Bank for becoming one of the Market's newest music sponsors. Welcome aboard Fifth Third ! 

https://www.53.com

 

 

  

 

Market Music                        

Joe Braccio

March 5th:     Fogt's Jr. All Stars conducted by the famous Jimmy G

March 12th:   Marco, Island sounds at it's best

March 19th:   Harry, the Sax master

March 26th:   Joe Braccio, Steel drum Legend of the Suncoast

 And, of course, you will be welcomed every Saturday morning by classical guitarist, Jimmy G...a wonderful way to begin the day...his music makes you smile!

Big Cheese Event is here! The third annual cheese event will be held this Saturday Feb 26 at the Sarasota Farmers Market 8am to 1 pm. Our farmers market vendor Greenleaf Cheese (www.greenleafcheese.com) is presenting The Big Cheese Event at the Sarasota Farmers Market. This is the largest cheese event in the area.

There will be 50 cheeses to sample and there will be cooking demonstrations by top local restaurants like our very own vendor Starkeeper Cafe. Listen and dance to the live Polka Band!

 

This event is a charitable event so monetary donations are appreciated. All proceeds go to SMART (Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy), learn more about SMART at www.smartriders.org

 

 

 

Vendor,  Karl Nelson, (Greenleaf Cheese) has even more tricks up his sleeve to make this year the best one ever. World acclaimed cheesemakers and local chefs demonstrating their personal cheeses recipes.  FREE samples and great music to boot.

An event you don't want to miss

 

Saturday at the Market!
Saxson and Mikey paused at the Market to visit

Non Profit of the month…Healthy Start of Sarasota attended the market last month to hold a fundraiser and awareness day.

Kristine and Dad, Sal, have shared a delicious soup recipe with us along with homemade Rosemary Crostini…enjoy!This soup is a tradition that Kristine's family enjoys.

 

The Big Cheese Event: February 26th will be the date for the third annual cheese event held at the Sarasota Farmers Market 7am to 1pm

 

Market Music
February 5: Joe Braccio
February 12: Harry Fager
February 19: Jose on the Congas!
February 26: Big Cheese Surprise Band!

Manager's Field Trip: Greenleaf Cheese

Greetings from Phil!
Many thanks to Rachel O'Hara of the Observer for capturing the true SPIRIT of the market.

Phil Pagano
SFMV Operations Manager  

Today we have great music from DUENDE Flamenco Fusion (www.reverbnation.com/duendeduo) and a great BONSAI event from www.lousbonsai.net

FLAMENCO DUO PLAYING AT THE FARMERS MARKET:

 

 

BONSAI EVENT PICTURES:

In celebration of Valentine's Day, a special event will be held for dog lovers at the Sarasota Farmers Market on Saturday, February 5th, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  Connie Summers, Sarasota's own award-winning professional pet photographer, will be at the Market taking photographs of Farmers Market visitors and their pets!  Each participant will receive a 5x7 inch portrait of their pet at Wet Noses' special discounted price of 19.97.  Space is limited...please sign up in advance at the Wet Noses booth or send an email to christinebaer@wetnosessarasota.com
All pet portraits will be available for pickup at the Market on Saturday, February 12...just in time for Valentine's Day! Join us!  Woof !

 

The Sarasota-Manatee Originals Culinary Series of Cooking Demonstration will be held on Saturday, January 15. Cafe Venice Restaurant & Wine Bar, located in historic downtown Venice, will be the host.  Cafe Venice is a small, intimate, bistro-style restaurant with a menu featuring contemporary options with Asian and Mediterranean influences.Chef Eric will demonstrate one of their most popular menu items; Grilled Romaine Salad.  The first of three sessions on Saturday will be at 10:00, 10:45 and 11:30. The Originals Culinary Series focuses on three key components: cooking, teaching and tasting. The tasting will showcase how, when handled and prepared properly, market ingredients can be used in unusual ways bringing additonal vitamins and minerals into our diets. The demonstration tent is set up on the east side of State Street just so. of Main and is free to the public.

	The market is proud to announce Vincent Dessberg as a new local produce grower vendor at the market. Vincent is as local as it gets as his hydroponic goodies come from his roof garden located in the city of Sarasota.   Igrowmyownveggies.com   Welcome aboard! Starts: 1/15/2011
	Tiffany Bispham Bailey of Bayside Farms has joined in at the market to bring her local strawberries she grows at her family farm east of 75 in Sarasota.  Tiffany has other produce in the coming months including lettuce, tomatos and more. Starts: 1/8/2011
	Barbie Lus Sassy Salsa is owned and operated by Abby Bieker a long time cook and restaurant consultant . Abby's salsas are all made mainly from local produce purchased at the market.    abbyinmtlaurel@yahoo.com   Starts: 1/8/2011
	Old Heidelberg Pastry Shop, one of our market neighbors is a newcomer to the market. Owner, Karl Schoenberger, is from many generations of bakers in his family. Karl's items will no doubt bring an added feature to the market with cakes, pies and other bakery items. www.oldheidelberg.net Starts 1/15/2011

Did you miss it? WOW... Today we had a spontaneous Cinderella Flash Performance at the Sarasota Farmers Market. IT WAS AMAZING! It was broadcasted live on the website and now you can see it again here.

 

(Performance starts at 0:58min on the video)

Presented by: Sarasota Visual Performing Arts Center at Booker High School (December 8-11)

The Farmer's market would like to dedicate this holiday video to Nan Bryant of Nandel Plants who has been absent recovering from surgery.  Del has been holding down the fort and awaits her return for their 31st year. Get well soon from your market family.

Special thanks to vendor Shawn Looney for technical support.

 

This Saturday November 20, the SFM will host the first  "Sarasota -Manatee Original's Culinary Series" cooking demonstrations featuring Libby's Cafe & Bar. Each month a different "Originals" restaurant will be featured at the SFM. The series will have three key components; cooking, teaching and tasting. The tasting will showcase how, when handled and prepared properly or with a little imagination, common ingredients sold at the market can taste fabulous. Demonstrations will take place at 10:00 am and 11:30 am with a limited amount of samples offered to the public. The culinary series demonstration booth will be located on State Street just east of Lemon.

 

 

 

 

 

Chef Fran from Libby's Cafe + Bar will be preparing fresh mozzarella from curds at the Originals booth on Saturday.  Two cooking demonstrations one at 10am and the second at 11:30am. The cooking demonstration tent will be located on the east side of State Street.  There will be a limited amount of samples of the mozzarella with fresh organic tomatoes and basil from Worden Farm and olive oil from Sapore della Vita

The "Work in Progress" that many of you have been watching Lyla paint is now a "Work Complete".  She has named it Siesta South as it represents the south end of Siesta Key.  You'll recognize Crescent Beach Grocery as well as our favorite restaurants and pubs along Midnight Pass Road.  The original work is 18 X 24 and has been sold - in fact, it was sold before it was completed.  I have had a giclee' made of the painting and you can see that at the Sarasota Farmer's Market Saturday morning.

Kinsley produce... formally Sonny's located at the north end of the market has been working the last few months on their display and presentation. Jesse (former owner of Sonny's) for 20 plus years did a great job but the Kinsley family has brought that business to a new level. Some of their new presentation include earthy green table cloths, separated citrus and produce sections, signage and some background music to serenade their customers.

 

 

 

 

Thank you very much Erin Leigh Buchanan for these beautiful pictures of the market!

Onions, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Beets & Garlic

Peppers

Herbs & Flowers

Local Fresh Seafood

Fruit

Sarasota Salvage Reuse & Recycle

Argentinian Empanadas: Beef, Corn, Chicken, Lamb, Spinach. Ham & Cheese and more.

 

Pictures by Erin Leigh Buchanan
www.memoriesbyerinleigh.com

Enjoy this great recipe using ingredients that can be found at our Sarasota Farmers Market, Such as fresh shrimp from Maggie's Seafood, fresh produce from My Mothers Garden and Sonny's produce, finished with herbs from the Dufour Family Farm. Sign up for our newsletter to get more great recipes like this one!  Thank you Alan Toy, of Imagine glass for such a wonderful culinary treat!

Winter Park Honey:    www.winterparkhoney.com

In addition to our seasonal honey, we also sell Tupelo, Sourwood, Buckwheat, Palmetto, Orange Blossom, Blackberry, Blueberry, Avocado, Key Lime, Gallberry, Lavender, Orange Cinnamon & many others.

Transatlantic Sausage Company:   www.transatlanticsausage.com

Smoked Sausages, Fresh Sausages, Bacon, Barbecue, Specialty Meats.

 

Sapore della Vita:  www.saporedellavita.com

At Sapore della Vita, we offer only the finest in quality which is 100% first cold pressed, pure extra virgin olive oils. We pride ourselves in the attention to detail, and deep commitment in offering the best quality product to you.

 

We are happy to announce the return of Worden Farm! Stop by this Saturday to get great organic produce and lots more!

http://www.wordenfarm.com

 

Please stop by Lyla's booth at the Sarasota Farmers Market on Saturday mornings and enter the drawing to win a copy of her book entitled "Today I Dance - A Personal Journey Through Breast Cancer".  The drawing will be held at 12:00 pm the last Saturday in October.  Please introduce yourself.  She havs a FREE bandana for all survivors.  Looking forward to seeing you! 

Brian Glassmoyer long time vendor and board member spear headed the market first News letter email collection. His niece Justine assisted him in the booth. Anyone interested in signing up can do so by emailing the market at admin@sarasotafarmersmarket.org

A WORK IN PROGRESS:  Lyla Mitchell's new work will bring a smile to your face.  It represents the personality and flavor of the south end of Siesta Key from Crescent Beach Grocery with it's funky, painted van to Ophelias on the Bay, including the restaurants and bars in between.
 
The original painting is acrylic on an 18" X 24" canvas and will be available for sale once it's completed.  Giclees will be available as well as prints, cards and of course the image can be put on a "Where the Art" tee.  Stop by the Sarasota Farmers market to view the progress.  Because it's a complex painting with loads of detail it will take several weeks to complete.

 
NEW, FUN ITEM!  While at Lyla's booth at the Sarasota Farmer's Market check out the "Wear the Art" section.  She now makes fanciful, fun head bands that coordinate with the tees. 

 

Please join us as local artist Karen Naismith of Vidrio Arts demonstrates paper making with recycled paper and tea.

 
She will be at the Local Coffe + Tea tent
at the Sarasota Farmer’s Market creating gorgeous one-of-a-kind sheets of handmade paper.

Enjoy this fascinating live demo on Sat. 9/25 from 9am to noon.
Greetings cards and note cards will be available for purchase or can be found at www.giftlocally.com or the Carriage House at Selby Gardens.

PURE SARASOTA

September 18 2010:  PURE Sarasota Procession
PURE Sarasota is taking to the streets of our beautiful coastal community to spread dance and music! On Saturday September 18, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., the dancers and drummers will invade downtown Sarasota. Look for us first at the Sarasota Library, and then follow us as we process through the Farmer's Market, Whole Foods, and Main Street. We'll be stopping to dance at Five Points Park and several other areas too in order to share the PURE love!

Our message this year is "Your Neighbors are Beautiful: Creating a Sense of Community." Come dance, laugh, and play with us as we share the beauty of Sarasota and her people.

www.puresarasota.moonfruit.com

 

Harry Fager will be playing at the Farmers Market downtown Sarasota.

Music starts at 9:00 a.m. and runs until noon.

For more information about Harry Fager, go to his website: http://www.reverbnation.com/harryfagersaxophonist

Pasta you say? World class pizza crust? Marinara sauce?  Yep! Peperonata  Pasta company. On many occasions I've visited Adrian and Marina's pasta kitchen at 4463 Ashton rd and no doubt they have pride in what they do. Always neat, clean and smelling like your back in the old country. Marina is always working while Adrian tells you a good story and has helpful advice.

 

Their quality of food not only brings customers to the market but is also available in stores like WholeFoods, Morton's and directly purchased at their shop. I could go on and on about how they came to this country from Argentina. How they have two great kids. That they are always are willing to help someone. But what is most impressive to me is Fochi determination. When they first started at the market they were restricted to selling their pasta in someone else's booth. For quite a while they came every Saturday with one or two coolers and never gave up on their dream.

Three years ago an organization was being formed that was very concerned about vendors of this quality that needed a chance. The rest is history as Peperonata Pasta is known not only in Sarasota area but around the state as fresh pasta's favorite maker. Good things come to good people.

Oh by the way the organization I spoke of is SFMV  Sarasota Farmer's Market Vendors INC.  

Congratulazioni  Fochi!

www.peperonatapasta.com

A seasoned, professional vocalist with a broad range and unique interpretive style, Melanie Massell will touch your heart with her renderings of jazz standards, bluesy ballads and torch songs.

http://www.melaniemassell.com/

???Oh Boy! Crowley's Nursery!  Ready for directions? Go east on Fruitville to the end, take a right. After a sharp corner take a left at dirt road ( look for Crowley signs) when you think your lost you're almost there. As I started down the nursery driveway I first ran into Warner (family worker and all around good guy) driving a old golf cart loaded with ancient tools that looked they could have been used to take out a tooth of a dinosaur.  So Kool!  Warner directed me to the parking area and he went to find Mr. Crowley.  As I got out of my van it seemed like I made a wrong turn and ended up on the set of a Tarzan movie. Giant bamboo trees, tropical plants and fruit trees all neatly organized around a number of green houses. Charlie marched around his nursery showing me the meditation area by the creek, the wild hog trap, solar power set ups and his irrigation pond. Being the smart Yankee I am I made sure to stay about five steps behind in case a teradaxel  or something like that was hungry. Moving through the green houses Charlie pointed out plants he has picked up around the world with names only my interpreter Mr. Toy could pronounce. Instead of taking the family to Disney for the day I highly recommend you save $200 and head to Crowley's to see Florida as it was a few hundred years ago. Buy a $50 plant that may have been grown on the side of a mountain in Pango  Pango and call it one heck of a interesting day. Thanks for the tour Charlie-I'll be back!!!

 

 

Today I visited three agriculture vendors very close together north of Sarasota. Cherokee Cuttings(Terra Ceia),BrownsGroves(Parish) and Maybry's ( My mothers Garden- Wimauma).With limited space on the update I'm going to highlight one a week.
Cherokee Cuttings- take 75 north to Ellenton exit (rt301) go east a few miles to Earie rd (left 2.5 miles).Henry has been asking me for years to visit his nursery. When I took the sharp corner that leads to the nursery I was amazed the size of the green houses located on Henry's 10 acres. Mr. Ford ( as I call him) showed me around and I'll tell ya impressive aint the word. His staff was busy watering, planting and getting a delivery ready for tomorrow morning.Mr.Ford ships plants allover the country grown from small cuttings.  He told me he could fill the street on Lemon all the way to the JavaDawg and more, I tend to agree. The market should be honored to have such a grower for over 10 years.  Mr.Ford puts the G in grower.

 
 

We have so much going on over at The Blue Peony; our website is officially up and running, please visit us at www.thebluepeony.com, and we are also excited to announce:

Next Saturday July, 31 The Blue Peony officially launches our new line of "Under the Sea" organic, handcrafted baby goods at the Sarasota Farmer’s Market! To celebrate the launch’ free sea urchins and sand dollars will be given to children under 12, while they last. Our new line is sweet and lush with a touch of sophistication and hand crafted in "Under the Sea" by Cloud 9 Fabrics featured in 'Martha Stewart Living' this month.

The ladies over at Cloud 9 Fabrics are completely wonderful to work with and I am so excited for them to be featured in such a widely read magazine as Martha Stewart Living. I have attached the article to this e-mail so you can read it, and get a sneak peak at the new fabrics.

Organic prints of sea urchins, sand dollars, pearls and seaweed, coral and sea pods in rich tones of teal, sea green, coral and earthy brown are being lovingly stitched into darling handmade quilts,toys, bibs, hooded towels and burp bibs as you read this. Come visit us next week (and this week!) at the Sarasota Farmer’s Market from 7am – 12noon to join in on our excitement.

The Blue Peony
www.thebluepeony.com

One of our vendors was featured on the Herald Tribune Sunday's paper. 

 

Peperonata Pasta & Empanadas vendor and the Farmers Market where featured yesterday on ABC7's CHEF JUDI'S DISH segment. Stefania Fochi form Peperonata Pasta & Empanadas (www.peperonatapasta.com) explained how to prepare a home made beef empanada. 

The Jimi Gee's Jr. All Star Band played last Saturday at The Farmers Market.