Tuesday, July 10, 2007

A Farmers Market For Carroll Gardens

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I rushed right over to the very new Farmers Market along Carroll Street in Brooklyn on Sunday afternoon. We had just rolled back into town after a two week absence, so it was already 4 Pm by the time I stood in front of the stalls, ready to replenish my empty refrigerator. But it was meager pickings on the first day of the market. Granted, it was the hottest day of summer so far and the merchants were in the process of packing up, but I have to admit that I was just a wee bit disappointed at the prices and the little choice of vegetables. It seems I was not the only one.
I heard from neighbors who visited the market by 9 AM that morning that there were only about 4 or 5 stalls. Price seemed to be the biggest issue with most people. The fact that there was no summer fruit to be had was a sticking point as well. But by far the biggest sin, according to my Italian neighbors, was that the farmers showed up without fresh tomatoes. Gasp!
So here you have it. After waiting for a loooong time for the Farmers Market, the neighborhood was, well, less than overwhelmed by the selection of fruit and veggies.
I know that the organizers are in the process of getting more sellers to come to Carroll Gardens. Lets hope it happens soon, because I certainly will not be able to keep my family fed on what was being sold on this first market day. And I want so badly to give them my business.

6 comments:

Lisanne said...

yeah i stopped by and was a bit disappointed, and yes I wanted tomatoes too!!!! The prices will be a disappointment to those unfamiliar with organic farmers markets...i am SO HAPPY that the neighborhood finally has an affordable vegetable place, uh the "K&Y" on Court Street...it's about time something that is something that the neighborhood actually needed opened up...and the best part is that they have Queens prices! affordable!

Kelly said...

Oh yes, I have bought tons of stuff there already. The fruit is really good and it is a great alternative to the super expensive health food store (that is owned by the same people who own the two Met food in the hood) Also, I just like walking to a store instead of taking the car. Have been to Fairway a few times, but frankly, it is too much of a production and I always spend way too mych money there.

Daniel said...

I'm excited and saw it last weekend but didn't get a chance to stop by. I don't like the lack of anything near where I live I either have to drive to Fairway or go to Garden of Eden (I think that's the name of the place on Court right near Atlantic).

So I will give it a try

Kelly said...

Hi Daniel,
I think the place you are refering to is on Pacific, one block from Atlantic but on Court.
Yea, I like that place too.
I cannot believe that we don't have more fruit stands in the nabe.
Just out of curiosity, does anyone remember Rainbow on Court near Union? They always displayed their old fruit outside and kept the better stuff in the store. If they REALLY liked you they would go all the way into the storage area and get you fresh produce. I loved that place, but it has been gone for at least 15-18 years now.

Anonymous said...

I remember Rainbow, hasn't been gone that long but went out of business just after Park Natural opened up - maybe 8 years ago. It was next to the chiropractor place on COurt. Nice gus, always helpful and yes, willing to get fresh stuff from the back...

Kelly said...

Gee, has it really only been 8 years? I remember going in there as a freshly married woman, trying to buy veggies for my first culinary adventures. We lived on Union. That was in 1985. What a different neighborhood Carroll Gardens was....