Farmer's Market Frenzy: Riverhead Farmer's Market, Riverhead, NY

We've been spending more time in Riverhead lately. This Eastern Long Island town is attempting a Renaissance. Neither Hamptons nor North Fork, Riverhead is grasping for a new identity. And what better way to do so than with food. 

Enter the Riverhead Farmers Market.  Right in the slowly gentrifying downtown (a Perabell in opening in Spring), a formerly vacant building is now repurposed for foodies, families and everyone in between. This indoor (outdoor in warmer months) market is a perfect escape on a cold winter's day.

Booths to Visit:

-  Tainos Sofrito & Mojo: I can't stop eating the jar of Sofrito I bought at this booth. Their version includes an amazing combination of cilantro, onions, peppers and garlic. Thus far I've had it with grilled chicken, shrimp, turkey, eggs, pasta and, I admit, just out of the jar. Seriously it goes with everything. Fair warning though, you may have some lingering garlic breath, so invest in some mints. 

- Terranut: They had me at "tastes like a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup." Terranut sells paleo-friendly mini-bars. The PNut has peanuts, gluten free oats and raw organic sugarcane, just three ingredients.   Crumble into a smoothie or just eat as a snack to boost your energy. At 92 calories this is a better choice than that bag of Peanut M&Ms from the vending machine. 

- Mavi: This booth represents a Mediterranean restaurant that is opening in Spring 2015 in downtown Riverhead. Their feta dip is divine. I want to be their first guest. 

- Two Brothers Pizza: Taste some "take n bake" pizza and then take some home for yourself. That's right, Two Brothers specializes in a fully made but not cooked pie. Bring it home, toss it in the oven for 20 minutes and voila, a hot-from-the-oven pizza. The samples there were worthy of a taste.

- Hamptons Chocolate Factory: Always decadent, always delicious. Try my favorite the East Hampton Bark with dark chocolate, toffee and almonds. JB's favorite? The peanut butter and jelly bar.

- Sang Lee Farms: You can't beat their incredible organic vegetables.  Their dips and sauces are also splurge-worthy. 

- Blue Duck Bakery: I dare you to make it home without tearing into one of their fresh baguettes. 

-  Mecox Bay Dairy: Their Brie-like Atlantic Mist is pricey but oh so dreamy 

And the list goes on. New vendors are added each week. Come spring when the market heads back outside expect many more names. 

Visit their Facebook page to learn more about this exciting venture from the Riverhead Business District.  And pay them a visit when you can.  Help support local farmers and businesses. 

Until our next Farmer's Market,
KLB

Riverhead Farmers Market
221 East Main Street
Riverhead, NY
631.208.8159
www.facebook.com/RiverheadFarmersMarket