That's what my mother used to call asparagus as she served up a big plateful as an honoured spring supper. I'll do my best to see that you have some "sparrow grass" this week.
Without a doubt, the biggest challenge in providing you with the best your neighbours make and grow is simply making the connections and arrangements.
An example. Since we had bison burgers in our first few months, there have been many requests for more local bison. One local farm is in the process of expanding their herd, and another is keeping their herd small until they acquire more land in order to retain their organic practice of providing adequate grazing land for each animal. All of their meat is spoken for. I'll keep looking for sources of local bison for you aficionados.
You might want to try venison for a change. Loin cuts are leaner than skinless chicken breasts and have less cholesterol. Our venison comes from Shalom Deer Farm out near Sauble Beach. Owners John and Tammy Kroezen and their sons Jake and Noah welcome you to drop in if you're in the area.
In the dairy section, Axel has brought us sheep yogurt as well as feta, feta with herbs in olive oil, and pecorino - all sheep cheeses. We're also carrying Millbank cheeses - havarti, gouda and mozzarella, organic Swiss and organic 2 year old cheddar. Friday we're expecting some Pinehedge organic sour cream and Harmony Organics chocolate milk (okay, I ordered this specially because my son Andrew is home - I'll admit it.)
Winston brings fresh fish on Thursday and it continues to be a favourite, but many choose frozen for future dinners - lake trout marinated in dill pesto, or filets of pickerel or rainbow trout.
Grocery staples are continuing to grow - canned organic Ontario tomatoes, peanut butter, sunflower oil, and coffee.
This week we'll add mayonnaise, cornmeal, almonds, beans,
toothpaste and deodorant. Some of these may travel a little farther than 100 miles, but they are made by small Canadian companies and that's a resource we'd like to keep renewable.
We'll be happy to search for your favourite foods, order in a special size, ask a producer about their products or save you a bread or pizza - just ask!
I'm looking for herbs, and rhubarb if anyone has them. I'd love to sell rhubarb juice - a great local substitute for lemonade and full of vitamin C!
The Metis Centre has space in their community garden if anyone is looking for a plot downtown or could help prepare the garden for planting.
Around the Sound Local Food Market is open Thursday and Friday from 10 until 7 and Saturday 10 until 4 at 972 1st Avenue West.
See you there!
Anne
aroundthesoundfood.com
519-416-3663