August 22nd, 2020

Dear shoppers, 

Right after last Saturday's market  Shawn, from Two Birds Provisions, was heading home to unload the truck then pick up his wife, Eli  Creyes and their toddler, Lila, for a five-day getaway. They were not bound for a lake nor a beach, but for Hudson, NY,  their favorite local food Mecca, "Eli needs some food inspiration," said Shawn. "She needs to get out of our kitchen and see and taste what others are doing. We've made reservations everywhere."

It occurred to me that while Shawn's signature orange cap and brown striped tee are now "iconic" (to quote my girls) at the market, we know very little about Eli, who creates the beautiful buddha bowls, soba noodle dishes and aromatic broths Two Birds is known for. Turns out she is a classically trained chef, having studied at Le Cordon Bleu. She brings 15 years of top-level NYC restaurant experience to the kitchen while Shawn, whose background is in business development, drives sales and operations.

Two Birds is the couple's first joint venture and "a culmination of years of dreaming, planning, market testing and culinary meanderings," like their trip to Hudson. We can't wait to see & taste what comes of the trip! 

This is the time of year when your mind turns to canning. Wright's Apple Farm knows that. So they are offering a really good deal on their tomatoes. $20 for a 25-pound box of tomatoes. But you MUST pre-order them! Don't forget to order their blackberries, which are particularly juicy this year. Wouldn't having these blackberry oatmeal bars as a snack make remote learning that much more enjoyable?

Arnold Palmer seemed to be the most requested flavor at Mom & Ice Popslast Saturday. We'll see what this Saturday brings. A reminder that since it's hard to eat a popsicle with a mask on, we'd prefer it if you purchased your pop on your way out of the market. If you can't wait that long, please step aside from other shoppers to enjoy your pop. Thank you!

Finally, we understand that you are eager to get to the market or get home from the market to enjoy your haul. However, please take the time to read the ENTER/EXIT signs, and please pay attention to our volunteers directing traffic. Too many cars are parking in the wrong direction and then having difficulty pulling out of their space, often forced to drive the wrong way to exit. FYI, the parking bays are all ONE WAY.

Last week this led to a gray Volkswagen Jetta being dented. The driver, unfortunately, did not leave a note at the time. (It's not too late!).

Thank you so much for your patience and for always working with us to make shopping at the Hastings Farmers Market the best it can be. 

See you at the market!