Thursday, March 13, 2014

Freshly Wrapped: Comings and Goings on Paradise Farms

How is it mid March already? 

How did we already blow through 3 amazing Dinners In Paradise with another directly in the wings (and sold out!) this Saturday? Time flies when you're busier than swarming bees.

We began Farmer's Market season in an exploratory stage and eventually planted our roots in two very different styles of markets that have been entirely too much fun:

Every Saturday 8AM - 2PM: Coral Gables Farmers Market
Is it always beautiful in downtown Coral Gables? Yes, yes it is. This market has such a wonderful variety of vendors and it really is a family affair with lots of happy curious kids and fuzzy puppies.







Every Wednesday 11AM - 6PM: Sunset Harbour Shops, 1900 Bay Road, Miami Beach
We're smack dab in the breezeway the sweeps by Panther Coffee and Icebox Cafe. The community has been overjoyed to have access to local organic produce and the timing is really perfect -- you can just pop through for some good lunch salad fixings or pass by right after work to pick up some healthy flavorful dinner ingredients.





We've had some really unique produce to share - like the ultra spicy black spanish radish, the enigmatic egg fruit, and delicate purple scallions. Kale, kale, and more kale has joined the usual suspects on the table like salanova lettuce (perfect heads!) and a plethora of microgreens. Come on out!

Have a look at photos from Dinner In Paradise. If you haven't made it to one yet, we only have a handful more in this final season with Gabriele. Our remaining dinners feature some heavy hitters in the Miami culinary scene, so expect a satisfied mind and belly: http://paradisefarms.net/dinner-in-paradise/

Photos: December 8, 2013 Dinner In Paradise
Photos: January 12, 2014 Dinner In Paradise
Photos: January 26, 2014 Dinner In Paradise

Posted by Kelly Samardak, resident photographer, social media manager, and random doer.


Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Posada In Paradise

As we emerge from the vibrant holiday season,  we wanted to share beautiful smiles from our Mexican posada we held on Paradise Farms Organic. The sun set on our farm and the bees that usually buzz around the property were replaced by scampering children. A fresh buffet was piled with cool ceviche, guacamole, black beans, rice, tamales and other edibles that stuffed our bellies. Before eating, however, the whole group assembled to reenact the described journey of Mary and Joseph as they looked for shelter. This writer is not fluent (not even a little bit) in Spanish so observing this tradition was such a gift. And by the way, while I can give you an account of what I observed, this page is a great resource!

The group wound their way through the moonlit farm, candles in hand. They were split in half - one group "inside" and one "outside" where "outside" sang imploring entrance. They were denied entrance by those "inside" with a sung response. Eventually the "outside" group was allowed "inside" and everyone gathered to celebrate over our meal. Chef Caryl remarked on the comfortable silence that falls when everyone settles into dinner, sharing a meal together. This silence was quickly broken when the pinata was revealed and nearly all of the kids took a good whack at it. A tree may have been accidentally whacked at all, but he was a sturdy leafed fellow. Of course there was dancing! Of course there was tequila! But we can't reveal every secret of our Mexican posada!

South Florida is so culturally diverse and opportunities abound to experience others' traditions. Take those opportunities when they appear and share your own, you won't regret it.

Safe and Happy Holidays everyone! - Kelly