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November 20th Mercer Island Farmers Market Vendor News

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Winter squash from Hand-Farmed Organics at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 18, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Winter squash from Hand-Farmed Organics at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 18, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Our annual pre-Thanksgiving Harvest Market is this Sunday, November 20th at our usual time—10 am to 3 pm—at our usual location—SE 32nd Street between 77th Avenue SE and 78th Avenue SE at the northern end of Mercerdale Park.

Most of our regular-season vendors will be be returning for this final market day of 2011.  In addition to these familiar faces, the MI Farmers Market is thrilled that our Harvest Market will also have  several new vendors including:

  • Sign announcing that the vendor will be at the Mercer Island Farmers Market's pre-Thanksgiving Harvest Market. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

    Sign announcing that the vendor will be at the Mercer Island Farmers Market's pre-Thanksgiving Harvest Market. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

    Farmboy Baking Company, Medina, WA, who are bringing homemade pies, caramel apples, cookies, and cake pops

  • Middlefork Coffee Roasters, Seattle, WA, who will be offering hot cups of brewed coffee free as well as nine different varieties of fair trade, organic arabica coffee
  • Rainer Mountain Cranberry Farm, Eatonville, WA, who are coming with their local fresh cranberries
  • Theo Dorres Aromatics, Renton, WA, who will have available hot cups of tea plus several varieties of fresh lose-leaf tea

Our market manager, Edee Philips, has been working overtime putting together the detailed list below of all of the expected vendors and the products that they are bringing to this Sunday’s Harvest Market.

  • Honey Crisp apples from Collins Family Orchards at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 11, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

    Honey Crisp apples from Collins Family Orchards at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 11, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

    Collins Family Orchard, Selah, WA are planning to bring pink lady, fuji, honey crisp, gala, jazz apples, asian, bosc, packham pears, and angelo plums

  • Crown S Ranch, Winthrop, WA, will not only be featuring fifty organic-pasture-raised heritage turkeys—perfect for everyone’s Thanksgiving feast, but will also be offering 20% off holiday roasts, stew meat, and soup bones.  In addition, Jennifer Argraves and her family will have available their sustainably raised tenderloin roast, standing rib roast and ham roast as well as chickens and heritage stewing roosters and limited cuts of beef and pork.
  • Farmboy Baking Company, Medina, WA will have fresh pumpkin pies, both ready-to-eat and “take and bake,” apple pies, berry pies, snowflake gingerbread cookies, caramel apples, caramel pretzels, and cake pops
  • Rome Doherty, owner of Farmers Market Preserves, speaking with customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on August 21, 2011.

    Rome Doherty, owner of Farmers Market Preserves, speaking with customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on August 21, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

    Farmers Market Preserve, Seattle, WA, will be featuring several Thanksgiving-themed jams and jellies, including cranberry-jalapeño jam, crabapple jelly, spiced crabapple jelly, crabapple with mint and black pepper jelly, and crabapple with star anise jelly. Rome Doherty will also have on had several fruit butters, including apple, apple with ancho-chili, pear, peach and plum. He will be have free gift boxes available for those wanting to give his delicious, locally sourced products to those unable to get them themselves. As always, Rome will be offering a dollar off of your first jar of jam if you use the secret phrase. This week’s phrase—in honor of the Harvard-Yale game—is ”Bulldog, bulldog, bow, wow, wow”

  • Fishing Vessel St. Jude, Seattle, WA, will have their justly famous locally caught tuna, including several flavors of canned tuna, sashimi-grade albacore steaks, and five flavors of albacore jerky
  • Full Circle Farm, Carnation, WA, will be offering potatoes, beets, cabbage, carrots, celery and celery root, kales, chards, greens, and winter squash
  • Got Soup? owner Jerry Baxter handing a sample to a customer at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 24, 2011.

    Got Soup? owner Jerry Baxter handing a sample to a customer at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 24, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

    Got Soup, Seattle, WA, will have several cold-weather soups, including caramelized onion & apple braised cabbage, potato & leek with chantarellas, thai pumpkin with coconut, crab bisque, and asparagus with truffled marscapone

  • Hand-Farmed Organics, Fall City, WA, will have on hand many of the vegetables needed for your Thanksgiving meal, including brussel sprouts, sunchokes, potatoes, greens, kales, carrots, parsnips, squashes, pumpkins, garlic, broccoli, cauliflower, turnips, and celery root
  • Farmer Kai Ottoson of Hedlin Family Farm, Mount Vernon, WA hard at work setting up tables of produce at the Mercer Island Farmers Market in 2009.

    Farmer Kai Ottoson of Hedlin Family Farm, LaConner, WA hard at work setting up tables of produce at the Mercer Island Farmers Market in 2009. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

    Hedlin Farm, LaConner, WA, tomatoes, bell peppers, hot peppers, basil, beets, cabbage, carrots, swiss chard, fennel, kale, leeks, lettuce, onions, shallots, potatoes, spinach, winter squash. In addition to these vegetables, Hedlin will also be bringing their own certified-organic, whole wheat flour

  • Island Apiaries, Freeland, WA, will be offering honey from Whidbey Island in many flavors such as blackberry, raspberry, buckwheat, and fireweed plus  cinnamon-infused.  Be sure to stock up for the winter
  • Jacobs Creamery, Doty, WA, will be returning to the MIFM will their wonderful eggs, European-style cultured butter, crème fraîche, cheddar, gouda, italian-grating cheese, eggnog pudding (chocolate and vanilla too), cranberry pizazz (cranberry-with-orange-zest-flavored fromage blanc), herbed and original fromage blanc, and fresh natural Greek, honey Greek, and european-style yogurts
  • Kittitas Valley Greenhouse, Ellensburg, WA, will be coming to the MI Farmers Market with their greenhouse-grown, heirloom tomatoes
  • Fresh, hand-made pasta from La Pasta, Seattle, WA at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 12, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

    Fresh, hand-made pasta from La Pasta, Seattle, WA at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 12, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

    La Pasta, Seattle, WA, will have their hand-made pastas including egg, spinach, lemon pepper, spinach, beet, tricolore, black squid ink, four-cheese ravioli, three-mushroom ravioli, pumpkin ravioli, spinach-and-roasted-garlic ravioli, and potato gnocchi

  • Martin Family Orchard, Orondo, WA, will be coming to the Harvest Market with Fuji and Gala apples, Bartlett, D’Anjou, and Hosui Asian pears
  • Middlefork Coffee Roasters, Seattle, WA, will be at the MI Farmers market with free, freshed-brewed cups of coffee to keep everyone warm and lively. They will also be selling nine varieties of fair-trade, organic, Arabica coffee beans –fair trade and organic
  • Molly Moon Ice Cream, Seattle, WA, will be back with their wonderful ice cream featuring such Thanksgiving-themed flavors as pumpkin clove, spiced cider sorbet, pear sorbet, & cranberry-ginger sorbet. Molly Moon will also have several of their usual popular flavors, including Theo chocolate, Vivace coffee, and salted caramel
  • Parfait Organic Artisan Ice Cream, Seattle, WA, will also be back with several seasonal flavors, including pumpkin spice, cinnamon stick, and toasted hazelnut, plus many of their usual favorite flavors. They will have a special sale for their pints: buy four or more pints and get for free a jar of organic dark chocolate sauce
  • The folks at Patty Pan Grill cooking up veggies at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 31, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

    The folks at Patty Pan Grill cooking up veggies at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 31, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

    Patty Pan Grill, Seattle, WA, will be cooking up their popular grilled veggie quesadillas, veggie and beef tamales (sourced from the MIFM’s Crown S Ranch)

  • Rainier Mountain Cranberry Farm, Eatonville, WA, will have the one of the key ingredients for your Thanksgiving meal: cranberries. Be sure to stop by their booth to find out about their farm and their fresh, locally grown cranberries
  • Snohomish Bakery, Snohomish, WA, will be coming to the market with their amazing artisan breads and pastries. For the holiday season they will also be bringing stollen, the traditional German Christmas cake
  • Theo Dorres Aromatics, Renton, WA, cups of hot tea, packaged loose-leaf teas blended from local certified organic ingredients, including a limited edition holiday tea & tisane gift tin, gluten-free & kosher
  • Trevani Truffles, Seattle, WA, will be at the Harvest Market with several holiday-themed treats, including egg nog and cranberry orange dark chocolate plus several other flavors of truffle including scotch & honey with turmeric, white chocolate marzipan with pistachios, classic dark chocolate, raspberry, caramel with sea salt, rosemary olive oil,  and white chocolate lemon with anise
  • Shannon's dad, Ernie, talking with a customer at the Two If By Seafoods booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 24, 2011.

    Shannon's dad, Ernie, talking with a customer at the Two If By Seafoods booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 24, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

    Two if by Seafoods, Seattle, WA, have have on hand their Alaska-caught sockeye and coho salmon, available in fillets and steaks, as well as the most amazing smoked salmon around

  • Veraci Pizza, Seattle, WA, will be at the MI Farmers Market baking pizzas including luna rossa italian dry salami, cascioppo bros italian sausage, fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers on savory red sauce with our three cheese blend wild chanterelle fresh wild chanterelles, beecher’s flagship cheese on garlic olive oil with our three cheese blend
  • Willapa Hills Cheese, Doty, WA, will be offering market favorites, including Big Boy Blue, Two-Faced Blue, Pluvius, and You-Moon (pure sheep’s milk blue cheese)
  • Pizza dough being tossed at the Zaw Pizza booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 24, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

    Pizza dough being tossed at the Zaw Pizza booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 24, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

    Zaw Pizza, Seattle, WA, will be making from scratch, made-to-order handcrafted bake-at-home pizzas

Rockridge Orchards and Molly Moon Win Awards from King County

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Today, two of the Mercer Island Farmers Market’s vendors won awards for best small businesses from King County.

Mercer Islanders lining up at the Molly Moon Ice Cream Truck at Mercer Island Farmers Market on opening day, June 12, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Mercer Islanders lining up at the Molly Moon Ice Cream Truck at Mercer Island Farmers Market on opening day, June 12, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Molly Moon Ice Cream, Seattle, WA won the Small Business Award. The “wonderfulness” of Molly Moon and their ice cream isn’t news to Mercer Islanders, who have been enjoying their delicious treats for two seasons now.

Customers at the Rockridge Orchards booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 3, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Customers at the Rockridge Orchards booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 3, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Rockridge Orchards, Enumclaw, WA won the Rural Small Business Award. Mercer Islanders have also grown to love the delicious ciders and wines from Rockridge. Their sweet, slushy, and cool raspberry-cider granita in the summer and their hot apple cider in the fall are especially appreciated.

The Mercer Island Farmers Market would like to offer our congratulations to both of these businesses and their employees for their much deserved recognition.

August 21st Mercer Island Farmers Market Vendor News

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We have lots of news from our vendors for this Sunday’s Mercer Island Farmers Market. The biggest news is that this Sunday one of the long-time vendors at the Mercer Island Farmers Market—Hooting Owl Granola—will have their last day at the MIFM for the rest of the season. While we are very sorry to see them go and look forward to their return next season, we are thrilled to welcome back long-time MI Farmers Market vendor Jones Creek Farm, who will be at the market for the first time this season.

Hooting Owl Granola, Issaquah, WA

Customers at the Hooting Owl Granola booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 31, 2011.

Customers at the Hooting Owl Granola booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 31, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

This Sunday will be Hooting Owl Granola’s last day at the Mercer Island Farmers Market for this season.

After building their business to six Puget Sound farmers markets and retail sales at Metropolitan Markets, owners Beth and John will be taking a much-needed rest for the next several months.

Everyone at the Mercer Island Farmers Market wishes them the best and is looking forward to their return next season after they are refreshed and ready for new challenges.

Fans of Hooting Owl Granola should plan to stop by the booth to stock up on their favorite flavors.

Farmers Market Preserves, Seattle, WA

A customer at the Farmers Market Preserves booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 31, 2011.

A customer at the Farmers Market Preserves booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 31, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

Farmers Market Preserves owner Rome Doherty continues his experiments with making spicy jam. This Sunday he will be bringing his latest creation—Blackberry with Thai Bird Chilies Jam. Rome like Jerry Baxter from Got Soup? always looks to source his ingredients from the MIFM vendors. For this jam, the blackberries are from Skagit Sun and the chili peppers are from Hedlin Family Farm.

The “magic” word this week to receive a dollar off of your first jar of jam is “theobromine,” which means that Rome must have spent a bit too much time in the kitchen making his popular Raspberry and Theo Chocolate Jam. So be sure to work “theobromine” somehow into your conversation with Rome this Sunday.

Got Soup?, Seattle, WA

Got Soup? owner Jerry Baxter handing a sample to a customer at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 24, 2011.

Got Soup? owner Jerry Baxter handing a sample to a customer at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 24, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Jerry Baxter, owner of Got Soup?, writes:

Looks like a beautiful week coming, cool mornings and evenings with plenty of sun. Get out and enjoy the sunshine. I have a nice mix of soups this week, some are hot some are cold and some will work both ways. The asparagus can be eaten hot or cold. Etouffée can be easily changed to an entrée by adding a side of brown rice. The cauliflower can also be used as a sauce for a nice Thai dish. Hope you like.

This week’s soups are:

  • Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho (cold, raw, and vegan): tomato, cucumber, onion, fennel, yellow pepper, zucchini, tarragon, parsley, sherry wine vinegar, cayenne, paprika, olive oil
  • Shrimp Etouffée: onion, shrimp, shrimp and fish stock (water, shrimp, fish, onion, celery, carrot, parsley), green pepper, tomato, celery, mushroom, garlic, milk butter, flour, cayenne, parsley, oregano, thyme
  • Asparagus with Meyer Lemon and Dill (vegan): vegetable stock (onion, carrot, celery, tomato, parsley), asparagus, onions, shallots, olive oil, lemon, dill, pepper
  • Curried Cauliflower with Zucchini (vegan): vegetable stock (water, onion, carrot, celery, tomato, parsley), cauliflower, coconut milk (water & coconut extract), zucchini, onion, garlic, ginger, apple, garam masala, curry, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, cayenne, mint, cilantro
  • Cool Cucumber and Melon (vegan): honeydew melon, cucumber, coconut milk, yogurt, mint, lime, salt, white pepper. Garnish with chili oil

As always, Jerry has sourced much of his produce from the farmers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market. This week’s ingredients have from such MIFM farms as Full Circle Farm, Carnation, WA (onion, leek, fennel), Hedlin Family Farm, La Connor, WA  (cauliflower), Tonnemaker Family Orchard, Royal City, WA (dried chilies, peppers, zucchini), Kittitas Valley Greenhouse, Ellensburg, WA (tomatoes), and the River Farm Organic Produce, Ellensburg, WA (zucchini and melons), and Five Acre Farm, Coupeville, WA (zucchini).

Island Apiaries, Whidbey Island, WA

Kids searching for the queen bee in the bee hive at the Island Apiaries booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 31, 2011.

Kids searching for the queen bee in the bee hive at the Island Apiaries booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 31, 2011. (Photo by July 31, 2011)

David Neal and his bees will be back on Sunday for another MI Farmers Market. This week though the bees will not be located at his booth with their honey, but at “farm” next to the market that we are organizing for our youngest shoppers this weekend. The bees will be joining rabbits, goats, and hens that some of our neighbors keep here on Mercer Island.

For those interested in winning a free eight-ounce jar of honey, this week’s “secret” question is: “What means ‘rain’ when added to a clouds name?” Please remember that the question must be answered in person at the market and only the first correct answer wins the free jar of honey.

Jones Creek Farm, Sedro-Woolley, WA

Les Price holding a Mercer island Farmers Market cloth shopping bag at another area farmers market.

Les Price holding a Mercer island Farmers Market cloth shopping bag at another area farmers market. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Les Price, owner of Jones Creek Farm, will be coming to the Mercer Island Farmers Market for the first time this season. While he has been away for a year, the MI Farmers Market has always been close to Les’s heart; we were able to capture a quick photo of him earlier this season with one of our farmers market’s cloth shopping bags at another farmers market. Les, you have been close to our hearts too and we look forward to seeing you on Sunday.

Les will be bringing his world-famous garlic and for the first time tomatoes. Those fans of his tree fruit will have to be patient for another week or two.

Parfait Artisan Organic Ice Cream, Seattle, WA

Customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market getting ice cream at Parfait's ice cream truck.

Customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market getting ice cream at Parfait's ice cream truck. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Due to a last minute change in schedule, Parfait Artisan Ice Cream will not be at the MI Farmers Market on Sunday.

No need to fear ice cream fans, Parfait will return next Sunday and Molly Moon Ice Cream will be at the market this Sunday.

Patty Pan Grill, Seattle, WA

Patty pan squash at the Tonnemaker Family Orchard booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 31, 2011.

Patty pan squash at the Tonnemaker Family Orchard booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 31, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

Several customers have commented over the years to us about Patty Pan Grill’s name. For those unfamiliar with the patty pan squash, we have a photo of a basket full of them at the Tonnemaker Family Orchard’s booth earlier this season.

This Sunday, Patty Pan Grill is bringing a new product for our market and for them: beef tamales. This is a huge change for Patty Pan Grill; it is the first time that they are offering meat in their fifteen-year history. It is a big enough deal that the Seattle Times wrote an article about this momentous development.

Be sure to read the article about Patty Pan owner Dev Gartenstein’s change in thinking as well as to stop by their booth and try out their new beef tamales.

August 14th Mercer Island Farmers Market Vendor News

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Farmers Market Preserves, Seattle, WA

Rome Doherty, owner of Farmers Market Preserves, talking with customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011.

Rome Doherty, owner of Farmers Market Preserves, talking with customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

Rome Doherty, owner of Farmers Market Preserves writes us, “I spent time in the kitchen this week making friends with a 25-pound box of pie cherries and I have cherry jam of all types…I especially like the Cherry Vanilla. I also have a bunch of Peach Butter and more Raspberry with Theo Chocolate.”

After wrestling with the 25-pound box of cherries, Rome must really have have cherries on his mind because the “magic” word this week is “Chekhov.” No doubt in honor of his play “The Cherry Orchard.” So all customers interested in a dollar off of their first jar of jam, please try to work in the master Russian playwright’s name into your conversation with Rome.

Got Soup?, Seattle, WA

A customer at the Got Soup? booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011.

A customer at the Got Soup? booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

Jerry Baxter, owner of Got Soup?, writes, “So this week’s weather has our usual 3 seasonal changes, hopefully the soups will fill your needs. Let’s talk about health. I will tell you something interesting about one of the main ingredients of each soup. Carrots are a rich source of Vitamin A and beta carotene as well as many minerals, good source for detox and very helpful to your liver. Watermelon, good source of Vitamin C and A. Good at fighting certain cancers, minimize asthma and reduces arthritis symptoms. Collard greens are by far the healthiest thing you can put in your mouth. Great source of fiber, collards are rich in sources of phyto-nutrients with potent anti-cancer properties. Salmon, highest source of Omega 3.”

This week’s soups are:

  • Carrot and Coconut Vichyssoise (cold and vegan)
  • North West Chowder
  • Watermelon Gazpacho (cold and vegan)
  • Jerk Chicken with Black Eyed Peas and Greens

As always, Jerry sources most of his ingredients from our local farms. This week Mercer Island Farmers Market vendors Full Circle Farm, Carnation, WA (onions, leeks, and fennel), Tonnemaker Family Orchard, Royal City, WA (dried chilies, peppers, and zucchini), Five Acre Farm, Whidbey Island, WA (zucchini), and Kittitas Valley Greenhouse, Ellensburg, WA (tomatoes) have supplied ingredients for his soups.

Jacobs Creamery, Doty, WA

A sign at the Jacobs Creamery booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 31, 2011.

A sign at the Jacobs Creamery booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 31, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

Jacobs Creamery, our newest vendor, is returning for their second market day at the Mercer Island Farmers Market. In addition to their eggs, cheeses (cheddar, Feta, Gouda, and Jarlsberg), and chocolate and vanilla puddings, they are expanding the products they are selling at the MI Farmers Market.

This Sunday, they will be selling crème fraiche, fromage blanc, honey butter, and cheddar curds.

Kittitas Valley Greenhouse, Ellensburg, WA

Heirloom tomatoes from Kittitas Valley Greenhouse at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 31, 2011.

Heirloom tomatoes from Kittitas Valley Greenhouse at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 31, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

Due to the remarkably cool summer all of Washington State has been experiencing, Kittitas Valley is not producing tomatoes in large enough volume to be at our farmers market on Sunday.

We are all hoping that this coming week the weather gets hotter over in central Washington so that their wonderful heirloom tomatoes ripen in time for our the MI Farmers Market next Sunday.

Molly Moon’s Ice Cream, Seattle, WA

Molly Moon Ice Cream Truck at Mercer Island Farmers Market

Mercer Islanders love Molly Moon Ice Cream. They line up to buy their favorite flavors at the Mercer Island Farmers Market.

Unfortunately Molly Moon is have mechanical problems and so their truck will not be at the Mercer Island Farmers Market this Sunday.

However, while their truck won’t be at the MIFM, their ice cream will be. We are so pleased that they, along with Parfait Artisan Ice Cream, have donated ice cream toward the MI Farmers Market’s third anniversary celebration. A big “thank you” to Molly Moon for their donation.

Customers are encouraged to join us in our celebration by picking up some ice cream at our sampling table starting at noon.

Overland Enterprises, Seattle, WA

Mark Overholt, owner of Overland Enterprises, talking with one of the Master Gardeners at his booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011.

Mark Overholt, owner of Overland Enterprises, talking with one of the Master Gardeners at his booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

Mark and Susan Overholt, owners of Overland Enterprises, wrote us about their plant-of-the-week:

Clethra alnifolia (Ruby Spice) is a showy and fragrant deciduous shrub that blooms in late summer. A most underused and hard to find beauty that grows in any exposure and soil condition. Its hot pink 2 inch flowers at the branch tips resemble bottlebrushes. Even if you have no room for this shrub please come visit our booth anyway to see and smell this rare plant.

Overland Enterprises is located conveniently next to the Master Gardeners’ table. So be sure to stop by to talk with the Master Gardeners and Mark and Susan with all of your gardening questions and needs.

Rockridge Orchards, Enumclaw, WA

Rockridge Orchard's booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011.

Rockridge Orchard's booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

Due to a prior commitment, Rockridge Orchards, will not be at the Mercer Island Farmers Market this Sunday. They will return next Sunday, August 21st.

July 31st Mercer Island Farmers Market Vendor News

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The Mercer Island Farmers Market is so pleased that we will have a new vendor, Jacobs Creamery, joining the market on Sunday, July 31st. In other vendor news: unfortunately, Molly Moon Ice Cream will not be at the market again, but Parfait Artisan Organic Ice Cream will be; plus, we have product updates from Farmers Market Preserves and Got Soup.

Jacobs Creamery, Doty, WA

Jacobs Creamery will be bringing eggs, European-style cultured butter, plus cheeses including Cheddar, Gouda, and Jarlsberg.

In addition, they will be bringing their famous chocolate and vanilla puddings. The folks at Jacobs have this to say about their puddings:

We’re quite proud of the ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ it elicits from those tasting it for the first (and sometimes second, third, or 40th) time. The vanilla version is made with cream and real Tahitian vanilla beans, and while we don’t want to brag, it’s equivalent to the best crème brûlée you’ve ever had. The chocolate has a rich, dreamy mousse-like texture that will have you licking the container clean. Please be forewarned that both flavors are highly addictive.

As the season develops, Jacobs will be bringing to the MIFM more of their product line, including cream cheese, crème fraîche, fromage blanc, crumbled mozzarella, ricotta, and yogurts.

Molly Moon Ice Cream, Seattle, WA

Customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market getting ice cream at Parfait's ice cream truck.

Customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market getting ice cream at Parfait's ice cream truck. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Unfortunately, this Sunday Molly Moon will be missing another market day due to a scheduling conflict. They should be returning to our market on August 14th after the MI Farmers Market’s break on August 7th due to SeaFair weekend.

Ice-cream fans, no need to fear as Parfait Artisan Organic Ice Cream will be at the MIFM. If you haven’t already, be sure to try what the editors of Sunset Magazine have called one of the best ice creams on the West Coast.

Farmers Market Preserves, Seattle, WA

Rome Doherty, owner of Farmers Market Preserves, Seattle, WA at his booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market.

Rome Doherty, owner of Farmers Market Preserves, Seattle, WA at his booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Rome Doherty, owner of Farmers Market Preserves, clearly loves his work and his products.  He writes, “This is a great time of year to be a jam lover and I’ve got ‘em all. Last weekend, I had seven different strawberry jams, three or four [different] raspberries and a ton of Pie Cherry Jam. This week I’m adding blueberry from Skagit Sun farms and great organic blackberry from Hayton Farms. I have a few jars of loganberry as well.”

In honor of all of the different kinds of berry jams that Farmers Market Preserves has, Rome has selected “bramble“ as the “magic” word for this week. So, if customers would like a dollar off of their first jar of Farmers Market Preserves jam, they should be sure to work in the word-of-the-week into their conversation with Rome.

Got Soup?, Seattle, WA

A customer at the Got Soup? booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011.

A customer at the Got Soup? booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

While most of the MI Farmers Market’s customers know that Jerry Baxter, owner of Got Soup?, changes the soups every week, what they might not know is that he might change the soups on market day depending on the weather. He writes, “So when the weather changes like it did last weekend I sometimes change the soups. I cannot sell hot soups on hot days, that’s why I changed over to cold soups…” So if Sunday turns out to be unexpectedly hot, Jerry will be bringing cold soups in place of this week’s soups. Either way, we always love his delicious soups, hot or cold.

This week’s soups are:

  • Orange & Cumin Sweet Potato (vegan)
  • Artichoke Paella (vegan)
  • Pork Pozole
  • North West Chowder
  • Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho (vegan & raw)

Got Soup? has sourced much of the produce in their soups from local farms including from such Mercer Island Farmers Market vendors as:

See you all at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on Sunday. We are open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

July 24th Mercer Island Farmers Market Vendor News

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Update: July 23, 2011 at 8:00 p.m.:

This afternoon we heard some good news and some bad from two of our vendors.  First the good news.

Firefly Kitchens, Seattle, WA

Jars of all of the different products from Firefly Kitchens stacked in a pyramid at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011.

Jars of all of the different products from Firefly Kitchens stacked in a pyramid at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

Julie O’Brien from Firefly Kitchens will be at the Mercer Island Farmers Market tomorrow.  Julie makes all of Firefly’s products, so this is a great opportunity to meet the producer and talk with her. You’ll discover what inspires her, how she sources her ingredients from local farms, and why she feels so strongly about the health benefits of fermented food.

In case you have tried their delicious products yet, Firefly Kitchens produces a variety of fermented vegetable products such as sauerkraut (three kinds: Classic; Ruby Red made with beets; and Cordido with onions and jalapenos), kimchi, salsa, and Yin Yang Carrots (sweet carrots with spicy ginger).

They have samples of all of these available at the Mercer Island Farmers Market. So Sunday will be a great chance to try all of their fermented products and to talk with the person beyond their deliciousness.

And now for the bad news…

Whidbey Island Ice Cream, Langley, WA

The Whidbey Island Ice Cream cart at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011.

The Whidbey Island Ice Cream cart at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

Ron Hecker, owner of Whidbey Island Ice Cream, contacted us with the unfortunate news that they are having trouble with their carts. So they will not be able to be at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on Sunday.

Ron is working hard to get the cart fixed and plans to return next weekend. So no fear fans of their rich, chocolate-dipped, 18%-butterfat ice cream bars in a huge variety of flavors—banana, blackberry, blackberry-lavender, black cherry, butterscotch, cardamom, cherry chocolate chip, chocolate, chocolate chardonnay, chocolate-fudge, chocolate-mint, coconut, mint, mocha mousse, orange chocolate, peanut butter, pistachio, raspberry, vanilla, vanilla lavender…, you will be able to buy your favorites and try new ones next Sunday, July 31st.

This means that…

Parfait Artisan Organic Ice Cream, Seattle, WA

Parfait Artisan Organic Ice Cream truck at the Mercer Island Farmers Market in June, 2011.

Parfait Artisan Organic Ice Cream truck at the Mercer Island Farmers Market in June, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

With Molly Moon and Whidbey Island Ice Cream unable to attend the Mercer Island Farmers Market on Sunday, Parfait Artisan Organic Ice Cream will be our market’s the only ice cream vendor at our July 24th market.

This will be a great opportunity for our customers who haven’t yet tried their wonderful products yet to try what the editors of Sunset Magazine featured in their July food issue as one of their favorite ice cream vendors on the West Coast.

Update: July 23, 2011 at 12:55 p.m.:

This morning we received updates with market specials from two more of our vendors, Island Apiaries and Zaw Pizza.

Island Apiaries, Freeland, WA

Bear-shaped jars of honey at the Island Apiaries booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011.

Bear-shaped jars of honey at the Island Apiaries booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

Many of you are aware that David Neel, the owner of Island Apiaries has a “secret” question each week. He offers a free eight-ounce jar of honey to the first customer to answer this question in person at his booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market. He posts the question on Saturday mornings on Island Apiaries’ Facebook page. (Please remember not to post the answers on Facebook, which will only invalidate the question and force David to come up with a new question. The answer must be given in person at the MI Farmer Market.)

This week’s secret question is: “What famous inventor also set a water speed record at age 72?”

If you want to win the free eight-ounce jar of honey, plan to get to the MIFM early, i.e. before 11 a.m. In previous weeks, David has received the correct answers during the first hour of the market.

Zaw Pizza, Seattle, WA

Two freshly made pizzas from Zaw Pizza at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 3, 2011.

Two freshly made pizzas from Zaw Pizza at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 3, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

Anthony Styll, Zaw’s pizza chef at the MI Farmers Market, sent us an enthusiastic email early this morning. “This week showed quite a bit of new produce at the farmers markets, and we’ll be making the most of it!”

We were particularly excited to read about three of the specials:

  • The B.L.T.  “A summer favorite, with shaved Leeks (from One Leaf Farm), Market Tomatoes (beautiful ones from Billy’s Organic Garden [one of the Mercer Island Farmers Market's farmers]), and Zoe’s Applewood Smoked Dry Cured Nitrate Free Bacon, on a red-sauced pizza with mozzarella and parmesan.”
  • Roasted Beet Pizza. “Roasted golden beets from Full Circle Farm [another of the Mercer Island Farmers Market's farmers], with fresh basil (we get this from a variety of local farms), roasted red peppers, and fresh goat chevre.”
  • The Cowardly Apricot. “We’ve got this seasons fresh shipment of Pipitone Farm’s Apricot Yum spread, and will be saucing pizzas with that, to top with roasted Washington free-range chicken, maple caramelized onions, basil, gorgonzola, and fresh slices of apricots from Collins Family Orchard [yet another of the Mercer Island Farmers Market's farmers].”

Remember to order your fresh, take-and-bake pizza pie from Zaw when you arrive at the market and then return to pick it up after you have finished your shopping. It will be waiting for you.

Original Post:

Our farmers and vendors are getting set for another exciting market day at the Mercer Island Farmers Market. Below are some updates and specials from a few of them.

Fishing Vessel St. Jude, Seattle, WA

Stacks of canned tuna from Fishing Vessel St. Jude at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 12, 2011.

Stacks of canned tuna from Fishing Vessel St. Jude at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 12, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Fishing Vessel St Jude is making their monthly visit to the MI Farmers Market on Sunday. So this weekend is an especially great time to come to the market so you can stock up on locally caught tuna.

We can’t decide which is our favorite flavor of their canned tuna. Original? Dill? Garlic? Jalapeño? Mediterranean? Natural? Smoked? We suggest that you try them all and decide for yourself.

Molly Moon Ice Cream, Seattle, WA

Customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market getting ice cream at Molly Moon's ice cream truck.

Customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market getting ice cream at Molly Moon's ice cream truck. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Unfortunately, due to a scheduling conflict, Molly Moon’s ice cream truck will not be at the MI Farmers Market this Sunday. There is no need to fear. They will be back at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on Sunday, July 31st and will return for the rest of the market season.

For those Islanders needing an ice-cream fix, Parfait Artisan Organic Ice Cream, Seattle, WA will be at the MIFM with their ice cream truck and Whidbey Island Ice Cream, Langley, WA will be at the market with their ice cream cart.

Crown S Ranch, Winthrop, WA

Geza's Organic Eggs from Crown S Ranch at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 12, 2011.

Geza's Organic Eggs from Crown S Ranch at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 12, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

A great reason to get to the MI Farmers Market early are Geza’s Organic Eggs from Crown S Ranch. The eggs are beautiful on the outside featuring different colors and shades. They are also beautiful on the inside with deep almost-orange yolks that change the color of batters and egg dishes from what cooks are used to from store-bought eggs from pale yellows to deep, rich golds. The eggs also improve the flavor of these dishes tremendously, which is why they sell out in the first hour or so of the market.

Crown S Ranch will also be coming with their full line of pasture-raised beef, chicken, and pork. This week’s special is for their freshly harvested, pastured chickens which are on sale for $4.94 per pound.

Farmers Market Preserves, Seattle, WA

Farmers Market Preserve, Seattle, WA booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market.

Farmers Market Preserve, Seattle, WA booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Rome Doherty emailed us that he will be bringing several new jams this week, including loganberry, apricot, raspberry with Theo Chocolate, and raspberry habanero. Rome continues to produce delicious tradition flavors of jams, jellies, and preserves, but he also never ceases to amaze us with the unique flavor combinations that he develops. We can’t wait to thy the raspberry with Theo Chocolate and raspberry habanero.

This week’s magic word is “Mendelian” because, as Rome writes, he is “…grateful to Fr Mendel, as he is at least partially responsible for those fine loganberries.” Rome is in great company celebrating Mendel; Google also did so by creating a special logo for his 189th birthday this past week.

Got Soup?, Seattle, WA

A customer at the Got Soup? booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011.

A customer at the Got Soup? booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

During the past week, we received several enthusiastic comments on one particular soup the Jerry Baxter of Got Soup? made last Sunday: his watermelon gazpacho. There might not be any of this cool and refreshing summer soup this week, but Jerry will be bringing four great new soups for the Mercer Island Farmers Market on Sunday:

  • Corn & Chorizo
  • Orange & Cumin Sweet Potato (vegan)
  • Artichoke Paella (vegan)
  • White Gazpacho (vegan)

As always, Jerry has several vegetarian and vegan options.  Furthermore, Jerry loves using the fresh, local produce from our farmers.  This week’s soups feature produce from Full Circle Farm, Carnation, WA (onions, leeks, and fennel), Tonnemaker Family Orchards, Royal City, WA (peppers and dried chilies), and Kittitas Valley Greenhouse, Ellensburg, WA (tomatoes) among many others.

Hand-Farmed Organics, Fall City, WA

Romanesco cauliflower from Hand-Farmed Organics at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 17, 2011.

Romanesco cauliflower from Hand-Farmed Organics at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 17, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Last week, Hand-Farmed Organics had tables overflowing with beautiful, local produce. Not only did they have a large variety of different greens (kale, cabbage, red-leaf lettuce…), carrots, turnips (purple top), summer squash, fennel bulbs, romanesco cauliflower, but they also brought kholrabi and potatoes, which they decided to dig up that morning for the market and for a special order from a restaurant. They will be featuring these fingerling potatoes at this week’s market.

So be sure to stop by their booth to check out all of their produce; you might find that they decide to bring something unexpected to the Mercer Island Farmers Market just because it strikes their fancy or they get a special order.

Sunny Valley Wheat-Free, Kent, WA

The Sunny Valley Wheat-Free booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011.

The Sunny Valley Wheat-Free booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

In addition to their wonderful wheat-free, gluten-free cookies, bar, and scones, Sunny Valley Wheat-Free plans to bring banana bread (nut free), banana-walnut bread, pumpkin bread (nut free), and pumpkin-walnut bread.

Zaw Pizza Now Accepting Credit Cards at the Mercer Island Farmers Market

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Sign at the Zaw Pizza booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 17, 2011.

Sign listing Zaw's specialty pizzas and that they now accept credit cards at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 17, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

The number of vendors at the Mercer Island Farmers Market that accept credit cards keeps increasing. This past Sunday, July 17th, was the first market day that Zaw Pizza accepted credit cards at the MIFM. Zaw’s Anthony Styll told us that there was an immediately positive response from customers to using credit cards, which ended up accounting for around one-third of all of his sales.

With Zaw Pizza’s addition to the list, nearly 20% of the vendors at the MI Farmers Market are now accepting credit cards, making shopping more convenient for our customers. So please remember the next time that you are at the farmers market, cash is not the only way to pay for the delicious products from many of the vendors.

Below is an updated list of vendors at the Mercer Island Farmers Market that are accepting credit cards:

July 17th Vendor News for the Mercer Island Farmers Market

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For our Sunday, July 17th market, the Mercer Island Farmers Market is thrilled that three farmers will be joining the market for the first time this market season: Billy’s Organic Garden, Tonasket, WA; the River Farm Organic Produce, Ellensburg, WA; and Tonnemaker Family Orchard, Royal City, WA. All three farms have been working hard through this difficult growing season to have enough quality produce to supply our farmers market as well as others. As of this week they finally do. Please welcome these three highly anticipated farms to the the MI Farmers Market: stop by their booths; talk with the farmers; and buy some of their fresh, local produce.

Billy’s Organic Garden, Tonasket, WA

Many of our customers have missed Billy’s this season and their wonderful organic produce. At last year’s market, the farm’s tomatoes and tree fruit were particular favorites. Well, after a long absence, they will finally be back. Billy’s is expecting to bring tomatoes tomorrow, but the full list of what they will have isn’t quite certain. So be sure to head over to see their full selection.

The River Farm Organic Produce, Ellensburg, WA

Jerry of the River Farm Organic Produce, Ellensburg, WA talking with a customer at the Bellevue Farmers Market earlier this year.

Jerry of the River Farm Organic Produce, Ellensburg, WA talking with a customer at the Bellevue Farmers Market earlier this year. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Tomorrow will be the first time that the River Farm will be at the Mercer Island Farmers Market. They are very popular at other farmers markets in the region, such as the University-District and the Bellevue Farmers Markets. Just as with Billy’s Organic Garden, the farm’s final product mix for our market tomorrow isn’t 100% certain yet, but they definitely plan to bring to the MI Farmers Market zucchini, zucchini blossoms, and cucumbers. Our customers should have a great time meeting Jerry, the owner of the River Farm, and checking out his wonderful organic produce.

Tonnemaker Family Orchard, Royal City, WA

Tonnemaker is also a new farm for the Mercer Island Farmers Market. They grow a large variety of different fruits and vegetables, including over 100 different varieties of tree fruit. The farm expects to bring to the MIFM tomorrow three varieties of cherries: Bing; Sonata; and maybe Sandra Rose. In addition, they will be bringing summer squash, zucchini and maybe some cucumbers. We know that their produce will be a big hit with the Mercer Island Farmers Market customers.

We are no less thrilled about the many farms and other vendors that have been with us since the beginning of this market season. Below are some specials and highlights from many of them, including “Amazing” cauliflower and chocolate-ripe bell peppers.

Crown S Ranch, Winthrop, WA

Jennifer Argraves of Crown S Ranch, Winthrop, WA and her daughter at the Mercer Island Farmers Market earlier this season.

Jennifer Argraves of Crown S Ranch, Winthrop, WA and her daughter at the Mercer Island Farmers Market earlier this season. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

This week, in addition, to their wonderful eggs and wide selection of organic, pastured beef cuts (T-bone steaks, ribeye steaks, top sirloin steaks, New York steaks, ground beef patties, chuck roasts, round roasts, and short ribs), Crown S Ranch has a special on freshly harvested, pastured chickens, which are $4.95 per pound, as well as a special for their pastured pork chops, which are 10% off at tomorrow’s market.

Farmers Market Preserves, Seattle, WA

Rome Doherty of Farmers Market Preserves has two new jams this week. After “scoring” some Montmorency cherries last week, he make “Pie Cherry” jam. In addition, Rome also will have the first raspberry jam of the season.

The “magic” word this week for a dollar off of your first jar of jam is “peleton.” Rome didn’t explain, but our guess is that this market’s word-of-the-week is in honor of the Tour de France. So, stop by Rome’s booth to buy some of his delicious jams, jellies, and preserves as well as to talk about cycling.

Full Circle Farm, Carnation, WA

Customers at the Full Circle Farm, Carnation, WA booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market in June, 2011.

Customers at the Full Circle Farm, Carnation, WA booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market in June, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

Full Circle will be bringing two varieties of cauliflower: Romanesco and “Amazing,” which they swear is really the name of the variety. Check it out yourself to see if it really is as amazing as the name indicates. In addition to the cauliflower, Full Circle will also have both green and red dandelion greens, sugar-snap peas, English-shelling peas, rainbow carrots (orange, while, yellow & purple) and red and white currents.

Got Soup?, Seattle, WA

Jerry Baxter as always has four great new soups for the market tomorrow:

  • Green Pea with Mint and Tarragon
  • Curried Lentil with Spinach and Tomato
  • Italian Broccoli with White Bean and Sausage
  • Watermelon Gazpacho

This week’s soups include fresh fruit and vegetables from many of our farmers, including Full Circle Farm (onions, fennel, and spinach), Tonnemaker Orchards (peppers and dried chilies), and Kittitas Valley Greenhouse, Ellensburg, WA (tomatoes and cucumbers).

Hand-Farmed Organics, Fall City, WA

Spicy arugula, sweet carrots, and Easter-egg radishes from Hand-Farmed Organics, Fall City, WA at the Mercer Island Farmers Market at the July 3, 2011 market.

Spicy arugula, sweet carrots, and Easter-egg radishes from Hand-Farmed Organics, Fall City, WA at the Mercer Island Farmers Market at the July 3, 2011 market. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

New this week from Hand-Farmed Organics will be romanesco cauliflower. They will also be bringing more of their wonderful greens and delicious broccoli and carrots. Last market day, their Flashy Trout lettuce with its large, dark green leaves with purple patches was a particular hit. Stop by the booth and talk with Ryan and Casey to learn more about the farm and its produce.

Hedlin Family Farm, Mount Vernon, WA

Cute sign announcing "Slightly late, but worth the wait" berries at the Hedlin Family Farm booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 3, 2011.

Cute sign at the Hedlin Family Farm booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 3, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Hedlin Family Farm will be bringing sugar-snap peas, English and salad (aka Persian) cucumbers, and red-ripe, orange-ripe, yellow-ripe, and chocolate-ripe (yes, that is the name of the variety, really) rainbow bell peppers. According to Kai Ottesen, one of the owners of the farm, this will be the last and the best week for the farm’s ‘June’-bearing strawberries. He writes, “So it’s a good week to stock up for the winter.” In addition, the first of Hedlin’s Tulameen raspberries are on.  Kai writes, “Tulameens are to raspberries what Shuksans are to strawberries and if you haven’t had either, start asking for them.”

Molly Moon Ice Cream, Seattle, WA

Customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market getting ice cream at Molly Moon's ice cream truck.

Customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market getting ice cream at Molly Moon's ice cream truck. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Molly Moon has two new additions to their menu this week: Cherry Chunk Ice Cream and Strawberry Lemonade Sorbet.

Parfait Artisan Organic Ice Cream, Seattle, WA and Molly Moon Ice Cream, Seattle, WA

Parfait Artisan Organic Ice Cream truck at the Mercer Island Farmers Market in June, 2011.

Parfait Artisan Organic Ice Cream truck at the Mercer Island Farmers Market in June, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

Congratulations to Parfait and Molly Moon!  They are currently featured as the editors’ picks in the July food issue of Sunset Magazine. We love it when our vendors get much deserved recognition like this. We are all certain that the editors didn’t get a chance to try to Whidbey Island Ice Cream, otherwise it would have been a three-way tie. Starting this week, Parfait will be at the market beginning at noon. So remember if you need an ice cream fix on Sunday, the Mercer Island Farmers Market features both of Sunset Magazine’s editors’ picks for the best ice cream in the region.

Overland Enterprises, Seattle, WA

Mark Overholt of Overland Enterprises tending his plants at the Mercer Island Farmers Market in July, 2011.

Mark Overholt of Overland Enterprises tending his plants at the Mercer Island Farmers Market in July, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

Overland Enterprises plant-of-the-week is Hydrangea Bluebird-A, which is a “stunning blue and white lace-cap variety for part sun to shade that can fit in almost any garden due to its compact nature (four-foot-square size at maturity). The plant is extremely cold hard, requires little pruning, and blooms for months.” Mark and Susan Overholt will be bringing these hydrangeas in full bloom. So stop by their booth to check out these beautiful plants.

Snohomish Bakery, Snohomish, WA

Chocolate babka from Snohomish Bakery, Snohomish, WA.

Chocolate babka from Snohomish Bakery, Snohomish, WA. (Photo by Andy Papadatos)

This week Snohomish Bakery is introducing a new product: chocolate babka. We can’t wait to try some as Snohomish has yet to make something that we didn’t love. They will also be bringing their ever-popular, wide selection of artisan breads, croissants, muffins, and cookies.

Highlights from the July 17th Market

Check back here on the Mercer Island Farmers Market blog for photos and highlights from the July 17th market.

See you all tomorrow at the market.

Update on Vendors Who Accept Credit Cards at the Mercer Island Farmers Market

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Sign informing customers that credit cards are accepted at the Molly Moon Ice Cream Truck at the Mercer Island Farmers Market.

Sign informing customers that credit cards are accepted at the Molly Moon Ice Cream Truck at the Mercer Island Farmers Market. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Last month, we posted a list of vendors at the MI Farmers Market that accept credit cards. We have learned that there are a few more vendors that now accept these payments. Here is an updated list:

Sign informing customers that credit cards payments through Square are accepted the Collins Family Orchards booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market.

Sign informing customers that credit cards payments through Square are accepted the Collins Family Orchards booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

The newest members on this list are Molly Moon Ice Cream and Collins Family Orchard, which is not only accepting credit cards but doing so through Square, a device that works through a smartphone. We mentioned in the previous post on this topic that Farmers Market Preserves is also using Square and that its owner, Rome Doherty, reports how excited customers are with using it. Nick of Collins Family Orchards has equally nice things about Square and farmers market customers acceptance of it. “They find it really neat to sign on the screen on my phone and then to have me email them a receipt.”

In addition, Hayton Farms, Mount Vernon, WA, which accepts credit cards at other farmers markets, is working on getting the equipment to the Mercer Island Farmers Market.

Stay tuned for more updates to this list.  And remember, cash isn’t the only way to pay for the fresh, delicious, local produce and food from many of the vendors at the Mercer Island Farmers Market.

Mercer Island Farmers Market Vendors Receive Recognition in the National and Local Press

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We know that you love the Mercer Island Farmers Market’s farmers’ produce and vendors’ products. Did you know that these producers’ fresh, local food is getting wider recognition in the media?

Customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market getting ice cream at Molly Moon's ice cream truck.

Customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market getting ice cream at Molly Moon's ice cream truck. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Just today Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream was voted as Seattle Times‘ readers favorite ice cream store in the area. While Molly Moon’s just opened their fourth store–this one in downtown Seattle, making them more convenient to Mercer Islanders, the most convenient way for Islanders to get their Molly Moon fix is to head to the MI Farmers Market on Sundays, when their ice cream truck is parked at the corner of 78th and 32nd from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market getting ice cream at Parfait's ice cream truck.

Customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market getting ice cream at Parfait's ice cream truck. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

The MI Farmers Market is lucky to have another ice cream vendor, Parfait Organic Artisan Ice Cream, who has also been getting well-deserved praise. Last year, in the New York Times, Seattle-based food writer, Sara Dickerman, praised the “exquisite fare scooped from roving Parfait Ice Cream truck” and urged readers to “order the garden-fresh mint stracciatella.” To get some “exquisite” Parfait ice cream, Islanders don’t have to track down their ice cream truck by following their tweets. Instead, Islanders can just head down to the MI Farmers Market on Sundays and find the Parfait ice cream truck parked on the east side of 77th at the northend of the market.

Customers talking with John at the Hooting Owl Granola booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market.

Customers talking with John at the Hooting Owl Granola booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Hooting Owl Granola received a call out by Sunset Magazine in May of this year, when they were included in the magazine’s “ultimate Seattle brunch” that also included such area-farmers-market favorites as Loki Fish Company salmon and Samish Bay Cheese labneh, a Middle-Eastern cheese. While the MI Farmers Market doesn’t have Loki or Samish Bay as vendors, we do have Two If By Seafood, which has delicious salmon, and Willapa Hills Cheese, which offers several varieties of yogurt cheese that are close to labneh.  So come to the MI Farmers Market and create your own “ultimate Mercer Island brunch” and pick up some Hooting Owl granola, Two If By Seafood salmon, and Willapa Hills cheese for your next Sunday brunch.

Shoppers crowding Full Circle Farm's double-wide booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market.

Shoppers crowding Full Circle Farm's double-wide booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

While our shoppers have enjoyed Full Circle Farms‘ extremely wide selection of fresh organic produce since our very first market in 2008, many might not realize how transformative the farm’s husband-and-wife owners, Andrew Stout and Wendy Munroe, have been not only for the region’s organic farming, but also for the nation. A profile of Mr. Stout in the Seattle Times last month stated, that the company’s weekly-produce-box program ”…has evolved to also act as a broker for about 150 other organic farms and artisan producers across the country—and some abroad—offering those products along with its own to guarantee of year-round deliveries. That’s stretching the concept of community-supported agriculture.”

The Veraci Pizza wood-fired oven at the Mercer Island Farmers Market.

The Veraci Pizza wood-fired oven at the Mercer Island Farmers Market. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Our customers love Veraci Pizza and line up for slices and whole pies all market day. They are not the only ones, who love the hot pizza fresh from the mobile wood-fired ovens. Last year, Seattle Metropolitan magazine listed Veraci as one of the best street foods in the area.

Please let us know (email us at info@mifarmersmarket.org) if you see other articles giving our farmers and vendors recognition.