What's in the store?
Hawthorn Farm has brought us a whole new stock of organic seeds for the spring season. How about Purple Peacock broccoli, Tigerella striped tomatoes or Candystripe beets? Herbs and flowers are here too, so stock up while the selection is best. And while you are in the garden planning mood, plan to join like-minded spring-dreamers at the "So You Want to Grow Some Food" workshop at the Downtown Bookstore this Saturday, March 12 from 1 to 4. Learn about compost, soil preparation, companion planting and community gardens and more -all for a suggested donation of $5. Hosted by Transition Owen Sound.
Sometimes we go out to find you new products and sometimes they walk in our door. Last week Gordon and Bethany brought us cheese from their goat dairy - made from the milk of their own flock of dairy goats. Gordon's Goat Dairy produces havarti, gouda and a mild cheddar, as well as their signature cheese named after their rural address - C-Line Probiotic. All four cheeses come in plain, chive and chili and we now carry them all. Just ask for a sample.
Kelda and I found Country Flavour at a food event down in Guelph, and we were very excited to taste sweet Ontario peaches and cherries in the middle of winter. Ted went to pick up our bounty and called for directions to the farm in Arris. "How long would it take to drive from Guelph?" he asked. The young miss replied, "I don't really know, but I can tell you how long it takes by horse and buggy." Rural as the recipes and address may be, the processing facility is modern and spotless. Around the Sound now has cherries, peaches, pears, plums and raspberries, as well as homemade ketchup, sweet dill pickles, and apricot jam.
And speaking of pickles and jam, look for specials this week on all Pickle Guy products - Ken gave me a special deal and I am passing it on to you. Time to try his Blueberry Drizzle or stock up on your favourite Firekraut or Perkles.
On the sweet side, we now carry an organic fair trade sugar from Brazil, and a creamy rich Dulce de Leche made from the same sugar. Try it on your pancakes, or in a great recipe, or just by the spoonful straight from the jar when you need a treat. And in the great debate - "to ice or not to ice" a brownie, you can try the evidence on both sides with brownies from Vitold and the Big Dipper.
What else is new?
Thank you to everyone who took our little survey, and for your sage advice. The survey is still up, so if you haven't had a chance to answer our four quick questions (three of them are multiple choice!) just click Click here to take survey. And remember to tell us if you have taken it so we can reward you with an Around the Sound dollar.
We heard that you are interested in more specials, and we are working to make those available. The goal of Around the Sound is to offer producers a fair price for their work, so rest assured that we will not be taking anything away from farmers and producers to offer these specials.
Watch for upcoming tastings, specials, farmer visits and more to celebrate the grand opening of our Community Kitchen!
Around the Sound Local Food Market is open Wednesday through Friday from 10 until 7 and Saturday 9 to 5. Call us at 519-370-2333 or email us at aroundsoundfood@gmail.com to reserve your favourites or for delivery.