Weather patterns in New Jersey have “alternated between Guam and Seattle,” White Township farmer Kent Kimball said at the Saturday, July 19, farmers market, but in spite of that, his tables were loaded with organic greens.
“A tough season,” Kimball said. But still, he had mixed greens, collards, arugula — pretty much everything a cook could want.
The market was packed with people buying from Kimball and Arena farms, Manskirt Brewery, the Jersey Pickle cart, Jersey Artisan Co. and other vendors.
Natalie Lete-Ryan, head baker for Jersey Artisan, and Olivia Pannullo, a market sales assistant, were doing a brisk business selling authentic Calabrian breads and mostly Italian cheeses.
“Some are Greek,” Lete-Ryan said. “The owner’s wife is Greek.”
The East Hanover bakery has been sending products to Blairstown for two years, she added.
Market Manager Reid Giacomarra greeted shoppers at the entrance, handing out tote bags and the latest issue of “Edible Jersey.”
At the other end of the market, Mary Byrd entertained the crowd, playing guitar and singing.
Drawing one of the biggest crowds was Newark-based All Points West Distillery, where Mike Pulcinella was offering tastes of whiskey, gin and vodka.
Newark has a long history of artisan beverages. All Points West draws on the waters from the long-protected watersheds of West Milford and Jefferson to craft its specialty spirits.
Among the brown liquors Pulcinella poured were: Grain Pot Still Bourbon, a traditional American whiskey; Malt & Grain Pot Still Whiskey, an Irish-style whiskey reminiscent of Bushmills; and Mid-Atlantic Pot Still Rye, a strong rye ideal for traditional cocktails like Manhattans or Rob Roys.
The Bone Black Vodka also comes in a black pepper-infused variety, while Cathouse gin is a softer, more approachable gin than Beefeater or Bombay. It also comes in a version infused with pink peppercorns.
All Points West alternates weeks at the market with Milk Street Distillery of Branchville.
“We are more cooperative than competitive,” Pulcinella said
The market runs from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday through Nov. 1, next to the fire department on Stillwater Road.
Jane Primerano is a veteran journalist covering Warren County municipalities, agriculture, and historic preservation. Her work has appeared in New Jersey Monthly, New Jersey Farmer, and more. A past president of NJ Press Women and SPJ NJPro, she lives in Hope Village and enjoys music, singing with the Warren County Community Singers, reading, and the Jersey Shore.
- Jane Primerano, Contributing Writerhttps://ridgeviewecho.com/author/jane-primerano-contributing-writer/
- Jane Primerano, Contributing Writerhttps://ridgeviewecho.com/author/jane-primerano-contributing-writer/
- Jane Primerano, Contributing Writerhttps://ridgeviewecho.com/author/jane-primerano-contributing-writer/
- Jane Primerano, Contributing Writerhttps://ridgeviewecho.com/author/jane-primerano-contributing-writer/
