Riding the rhubarb wave!

Both Halal Pastures and Madura Farm will have stalks of rosy rhubarb this week, and that is always a sure sign that summer is fast approaching. Rhubarb is so vibrant and versatile it's a shame to relegate it to sweet preparations.

Try softening rhubarb in lemon juice and throwing it in a salad with strawberries, hazelnut, and mint. Or poach rhubarb to season some chicken tagine or use it as a fresh topping on a lemony pasta with clams.

Of course, none of this should stop you from making a rhubarb pie or crumble.

Since strawberries are not quite ready for prime time, try celebrating the union of apples and rhubarb in this apple rhubarb crumble.
Memorial Day is the official kick-off for grilling season, so why not grill up some rhubarb to make this winning grilled rhubarb cobbler.

Of course you're going to want to throw some protein on that grill, too this weekend. The swordfish at Pura Vida has been looking fantastic of late. And R&M Farm has everything you need from skirt steaks, to ribeyes to pork chops plus a wide variety of chicken, turkey and pork sausages. Head straight to FarmEATS for super flavorful ground beef. And who can beat the cheese brats at Goode & Local by Don Rodrigo?

Madura's asparagus has been thick so far this season, perfect for grilling alongside sweet spring onions or spring carrots to make these roasted carrots with green labneh & pistachios using labneh from White Moustache Yogurt.

I sometimes find myself at a loss for what to cook when the weather heats up, since planning something elaborate zaps whatever energy I have left. If you’re feeling similarly, Urban Bohemia and Anthi’s Greek Specialties may be perfect for you! Both of these lovely vendors provide an array of pre-made meals that are easy to prepare throughout the week. Soften the guilt of not cooking by making a salad of spring baby lettuces from Halal Pastures and your own vinaigrette using Arlotta Food Studio's olive oil, natch.

I also highly recommend stopping by Homegrown Kitchen Gardens’ tent this week while they still have transplants to share! I came from last week’s market in Hastings with some beautiful tomato plants and a strawberry plant that I can’t wait to tend to. This is Nick's LAST visit to our market so if you are dreaming of a kitchen garden this summer, this is your chance.

We’ll have some great music this week (if you don’t mind my saying so) with my brother Jonah and my friend Emma playing as The Altogether! They’ll be on from 10:30-12:30, and there may even be a special guest appearance from a market manager you know well…

Also, please note that this Sunday’s market still opens at 9:30am and ends at 1pm. Enjoy our final “winter market” with us before we kick off the summer season June 2nd!

We’ll see you there!