Or maybe it’s my new church: the Farmer’s Market. What I thought would be a quick visit with my friend Barak turned into a full morning feast of the spirit at the Crystal Spring Farmer’s Market in Brunswick. Gorgeous weather was a wonderful backdrop for this community scene with kids & dogs wandering around happily. This market is surprisingly eclectic, featuring much more than produce and seedlings. There are several bakers, including Barak from the wood-fired Zu Bakery (get there early to score one of his cinnamon rolls). You can buy Samosas, dahl and naan from Latifa, a beautiful Afghani woman with a melodic disposition. Kristin’s ‘Cocina del Mundo’ booth is like a spin around the globe. I sampled her Empanadas, Malaysian Coconut Spread and some unbelievable coffee which she pours through an organic brown sugar filter (hello Common Ground Fair people!). Several vendors sell meat: whole chickens, pieces-parts, sausages, ground veal. I highly recommend the lamb sausage made on-site at Crystal Spring Farm. Someone was taking orders for ‘fresh pigs.’ Another was selling fresh mussels; he’ll even steam them for you on-site. There was a guy who builds neat tables & adirondack chairs out of reclaimed wood, a couple who farm with horses, a knitting circle and even a booth run by the local food bank. Oh, and for the kids: The Fudge Lady! No kidding, this little Sabattus honey makes 20 different kinds of fudge. I’m certain her food coloring isn’t all-natural, but she’s a treat. All morning long you can sample morsels, talk to your farmer, baker, cheese-maker, bump into your neighbors, make a contribution to the hungry. The cool thing about this experience is that you have to experience it–”in real life” as the kids say. Do yourself a favor & go. I plan to make it my weekly ritual.
The Farmer’s Market at Crystal Spring Farm is open on Saturdays from 8:30 am-12:30 pm.
