Paradise Farms Organic: organic

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.

This little bee is working hard on African basil

Last week Paradise Farms Organic hosted some very special visitors. Making the trek from the Keys to agricultural gem Homestead, FL were Executive Chef Jouvens Jean and Chef De Cuisine Joe Wiktorek of Pierre’s Lounge & Restaurant at Morada Bay. They, along with Executive Chef Richard Smith from Cheeca Lodge & Spa, George Patti from Taster’s Grill, and Senior Director of Culinary Philippe Reynaud of Ocean Reef Club round out of Keys focused Dinner In Paradise on December 8, 2013. We were also joined by Pooky, the sweetest farm dog you’ll ever meet.

Farmer Gabriele and the Chefs confer while Pooky entertains the girls

Chef Joe brought along his daughters who may have entered the farm picky eaters, but left having tasted Cuban oregano, African basil, tongue tickling mustard greens, and the green bean flavored sun hemp. When Chef Jouvens arrived, the group paused in their tour for a freshly prepared snack of avocados sprinkled with Florida Keys Sea Salt and a squirt of Meyer Lemon, sliced starfruit and fresh herbal tea. With each new edible flower, plucked green and veggie discovery the chefs began brainstorming their dishes.

Chef Jouvens and three happy chayote

Chef Jouvens lit up when Farmer Gabriele led him to the chayote. “In Haiti,” he explained while turning the light green rippled produce in his hands, “chayote is used in a stew called legume. Simmered with eggplant, it’s delicious.” Chef Joe was equally pleased with his trip to Paradise and it was obvious the creative ideas for his Dinner In Paradise menu were brewing. Chef Joe and his girls left with quite the haul: avocados, the mosaic skinned Monstera, Cuban Oregano for planting at home, and a banana flower.

Purchase tickets to join us for Dinner In Paradise on Sunday, December 8, 2013 and experience what our Florida Keys Chefs concoct to satisfy your bellies under the stars: http://paradisefarms.net/dinner-in-paradise/