All Around Pennsauken

By Rachael Shugars, AAP Columnist

In a world cursed with food deserts and an ever growing presence of fast food chains, we rely on the creativity of some to find ways to keep the food we eat fresh and homemade. As I strolled the aisles at Pennsauken’s first Farmer and Food Market, I found just that. It was a wealth of not just a well made product, but a person standing behind it, knowing they’re offering up something they made and that are proud of.

In the non-food arena, I found Frank Rapposelli, owner of Frank’s Sharpening Service. He was on site and offering sharpening services for everything from kitchens knives to garden shears. The market is the perfect chance for any chef, amateur, or pro to come get the tools of their trade tended to. Check out Frank’s stuff at www.frankssharpening.com. Contact Frank at frankssharpening@gmail.com or call (609) 505-0711. Then there is Megan Grace, owner of Graceful Knit Knots. Not only is her stuff cute, it’s high quality and there are so many different items that she offers. Megan even said she is able to customize almost anything. You can follow her on Facebook and Instagram, e-mail at gracefulknotknots@gmail.com, visit her website at www.gracefulknitknots.com, or just give her a call at (609) 636-4465.

Finally, there was Ursula and Leroy Harris. This husband and wife team is the founders of Bear Soaps. Ursula makes sure to let everyone know that her soaps are “husband tested.” Mr. Harris can attest to that; he uses these soaps to shave and loves them. They also offer lip balms, body balms, lip gloss and gift sets. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, or give them a call at (856) 238-6429.

There were a lot of great food vendors at the event. As I walked in, I was greeted by Haynicz’s Orchardview Farm Market stall. The tables were lined with a bevy of fresh fruits and veggies; and I found myself buying bundles of asparagus and such before long. Another bunch of good, leafy greens could be found at Epic Greens; they specialize in baby greens, microgreens, herbs, and edible flowers, all grown using aquaponics, which is a circulating water system. The folks at Just Fork It offered up something called Rainbow Fries and I was hooked: crispy, delicious, veggie fries and dipping sauce to boot. Just Fork It has started to really make a name for themselves on the local food truck scene and will be available at a ton of other events in the next couple months, so make sure to follow them on Facebook. Taylor’d Eatz presented me with a Food Adventures first; pulled jackfruit! It tasted like super tender pulled pork ya’ll! They served it with collard greens on the side, which any seasoned Food Adventures reader knows is my absolute favorite. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Over at Tara’s Cozy Kitchen stall, I tried a lemon lavender cupcake with the most divine buttercream I’ve tasted in a long while. The cupcake itself wasn’t dry or crumbly. Follow Tara on Facebook. Gina is the cheese lady at the event. At Cheese Etc. & Gourmet Gifts, you’ll find homemade cheesy masterpieces. She also makes gift baskets and other spreads, like jams and jellies. She works with local breweries for some of her cheeses as well, so you should definitely check her out online. Dan’s Waffles, a Food Adventures veteran, was there making their amazing sweet treats. I tried a coffee milkshake that was out of this world.

If you attend, you will notice that after a purchase, the buyer is given a raffle ticket. These tickets can be used to win products that have been generously donated by the vendors themselves. The tickets that a customer receives must be filled out and then placed in the container at the information table at the event. At 6:45 p.m., a drawing takes place to call out winners.

There are many other great vendors that I can’t wait to check out and review; I highly recommend you come and check this event out yourself. The Farmer and Food Market will be held this month on June 4 and 18, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., at the Township’s Municipal Complex, 5605 N. Crescent Blvd. You never know what you’ll find or who you’ll meet; and if you see me there, make sure you say hello! There markets are the life blood of our community and it’s a beautiful thing to be able to enjoy things like this. Sure makes a girl feel lucky.

Be sure to follow “Pennsauken Farmer & Food Market” on Facebook and always enjoy your Food Adventures!