Just into their second week today, Ann Brody and Mitch Berliner have a winning farm market at their Bethesda Central Farm Market (BCFM) near the intersection of Woodmont and Elm (right behind Jaleo). Their Sunday market will continue at this location until some time in November from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
With 20 or so vendors on hand, I was able to find what I was looking for and kept finding more than I had anticipated when I arrived. I had to finally stop walking with Ann who should be on commission. She enthusiastically took me to each tent telling me as we walked a little history about each. Then she introduced me to the principals on hand while recommending something I had to have. That's the beauty of markets: that building of a relationship between yourself and the producer.
I hadn't seen John Jamison of Jamison Farm (famous for his lamb) for four or five years since an evening at Equinox with chefs and producers. We both remembered the evening (amazing for me) and picked up our conversation right where we had left it that night.
I bought some lamb kebab meat. I love their little brochure with recipes: " ... there really is a Sukey and John. If you ever have a question, we are only a phone call away (800-237-5262)."
Of course I stopped at the Berliner MeatCrafters table where I picked up a package of Stachowski Berliner Kielbasa. That will be a grill dinner later this week when I follow the Web site recommend: poach for 12-15 minutes and then finish on the Weber. Let's see I also got some radishes from Gardner's Gourmet (410-876-7940), sugar snap peas and strawberries from Twin Springs Fruit Farm (where I also found several copies of popular Rene Catacalos's Edible Chesapeake), more strawberries from Toigo Orchards, a rosemary oil rub for my lamb from catering by anna saint john (301-949-7603) and an awesome almond croissant from praline Bakery & Bistro.
This Thursday, June 18, BCFM will open a mid-week market on Bethesda Lane between 3 and 7 p.m.
Also Ann told me they are having their first farm dinner June 29 at Assaggi Restaurant on Bethesda Avenue. The menu and price are to be determined shortly and already 10 of the 30 seats are sold. To reserve, e-mail ann@bethesdacentralfarmmarket.com
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