|
WORD OF THE SUMMER IS "FRESH" AT HUDDY PARK FARMER'S MARKET
By Jo Ann La Russo
 | | --Photo By Jo Ann La Russo Peter, "the produce man," dishes out some of his wares at the farmer's market, set to be a fixture at Huddy Park every Wednesday of the summer. |
|
TOMS RIVER - Norma Scalera visited the downtown farmer's market in Toms River's Huddy Park to replenish the supply of baked bread and veggies that are dwindling in her freezer. She said that she likes to stock up on her favorites to enjoy throughout the winter months.
"I couldn't wait for them to open this year. My freezer supply of delicious breads and veggies are running out," said the Newark resident, who was visiting her cousin at the Jersey Shore. "The fruit breads are delicious."
This season's opening of the Toms River Business Improvement District's outdoor market on Wednesday brought customers swarming in. They quickly made selections of fresh produce, fruits, baked breads, Italian cheeses, specialty candy and gourmet items.
Chris Little, Barnegat, said he works just around the corner when he stopped by with friends, Lisa and Anne. He chose ripe plums while the girls were checking out the white corn. Meanwhile, Brick neighbors Doris McCabe and Kathy Laborte said they were thrilled that the Farmer's Market is back in town for the summer.
"We bought greens, honey, veggies and pickles," they said. Back at home, they will share their bounty with the kids and grandkids. "Everybody gets fresh tomatoes."
Marge of Toms River packed her station wagon in the parking lot. "I love it," she said of the open air market. She purchased cantaloupes and "nuts from the nut guy, breads from the bread guy." She also stocked up on greens, radishes and scallions.
Vito Lombardo offered a vast variety of gourmet ravioli, special crab cakes and "fresh fresh fresh" mozzarella.
"Glad to be back," shouted Vito. "It's a good start. Everybody has been waiting for the farmer's market."
If the bustling crowd was any indication, the results are in. The farmer's market is a popular spot to buy fresh off the farm goods, ripe juicy fruits and nutritious vegetables, all in a flea market atmosphere. Popular peanut brittle from Dutch Swayzey's stand, honey sticks from Herbertsville Honey Company, baked goods from the Lithuanian Bakery and rows of colorful vegetables were snapped up by the eager customers.
Margaret and George Cominsky of Ocean Gate picked up fresh basil. "It's great for pesto," said Margaret.
Fruit pies in a delicious combination of flavors were sold at the Lithuanian Bakery stand that also offered all-grain breads, Danish pastries, cookies and apple cinnamon donuts. Owners Gail and John said that faithful customers look for them each year at the downtown sale. Some, said Gail, travel to their Elizabeth location in search of their favorite sweets.
Richard Horton of Toms River was busy sampling a little cup of Nicaraguan coffee, a new item offered at this year's farmer's market.
"Strong, different," said Peter, who waited for his wife, Gloria, to finish her shopping.
"The coffee is organic Rainforest Alliance and fresh roasted the day before it is sold," said vendor Kathryn. The variety of coffees from Swiss, Colombian, Salvadorian or Brazilian yellow beans all delighted the senses of the visiting coffee lovers. "It is all free-trade," Kathryn added.
Stands offered summer treats such as watermelon, Jersey tomatoes and crisp celery, bursting with beta carotene carrots, fresh herbs and rows and rows of nutritious greens. Swedish fish candies were popular with the kids. Visitors crowded around a bread stand where Tony from Newark juggled loaves of fresh bread with tomatoes and proccuitto. The customers kept him busy. "I'm happy to be back" he said.
Friends Natasha and Leslie of Toms River got their blueberries, tomatoes, honey and bread. "They have a better selection here than at the supermarkets," said the young women.
"We like it. We will be back," said Dolores Pletsch of Toms River with her good friend, Rose.
Peter, "the produce man," had a good time chatting with the customers as he showed off the bountiful harvest of vegetables at his stand. "I'm glad to serve all the customers," he said. "We look forward to the season and offer produce fresh off the farm."
The farmer's market will be open every Wednesday from noon to 6 p.m. at Toms River's Huddy Park through October.
| 
)