Catch of the Day

I love featuring the different vendors from our fantastic Greenmarket here on the blog.  Here's some pics I took of Pura Vida Fisheries which features wild-caught fish and seafood from Suffolk County on nearby Long Island.

More on the Forest Hills Greenmarket

The Greenmarket returns for its second year this Sunday in front of the Post Office on Queens Blvd. Here's a story from the Forest Hills Times with more information on what we can expect this year: FH greenmarket back and bigger than ever

The Green Market's Winter Break

12:30 p.m. Update: I just found out the Green Market has been extended until December 23rd!!

If I'm recalling correctly, the much-loved Forest Hills Green Market goes on winter break after today, returning in the Spring. It will be greatly missed. I, for one, will be paying it a visit shortly to stock up on as many of their delicious apples as I can carry. They are so much better than any I can find in the local stores.

It was so great to see how our Green Market was embraced by the neighborhood, especially after the failed attempt a couple of years ago to start it up down on Metropolitan Ave. If there was ever a case of "location, location, location," this was it. Simply moving it to the front of the post office, where the vast majority of Forest Hills residents now have easy access to it, made all the difference in the world.

It was also so nice to see how it gradually built on itself, going from several vendors selling mostly veggies that first weekend, to vendors selling everything from fruit to bread to meats and wines to dairy. I loved that weekend where there was even a local musician playing there as well.

And last weekend saw it start to expand to housewares, with this charming new Lavender vendor. What a great addition to our neighborhood the Forest Hills Green Market has been.

Busy Sunday Morning in FoHi

Boy, there's a lot going on for a Sunday morning. I think we are going to have to add a special weekend shift here at EOTC.

I'll try to type through my foggy Sunday morning brain.

Some sort of mishap with the Chase Bank at the corner of 71st Continental and Queens Blvd. The entire window was shattered and they were replacing it this morning. Either another crazy Saturday night driver or an attempted "smash and grab" heist? Or perhaps a local street youth had too much to drink and fell into the window during his drunken stumble home. I, myself, just do not know. Perhaps one of you do?

And, here, for you fanatical waffle fans, are a bunch of photos of that waffle truck you all seem to adore so much, parked for the second Sunday in a row on 71st/Continental.

And finally, another Sunday at the delightful FoHi Farmer's Market... My second breakfast this morning (I think the hobbits refer to it as "elevenses") included a blueberry muffin from Bread Alone, and an almond croissant from those guys, too. I wasn't supposed to eat the croissant, but another member of my household passed on it and I couldn't resist. Oh, I also nabbed a bunch of nectarines for the second week in a row (they were among the best I've ever had when I got them there last weekend), and some local honey.

Update: Someone tweeted me that a homeless man smashed the window of the bank. Not sure yet how they know. Trying to find out.

Also, I forgot to mention earlier that I noticed Piu Bello (or Biu Bella, as someone said they are called now) is open again after being shut by the health inspectors. That's one restaurant that has nine lives if I ever saw one.

More on Jack & Nellie's

Here's a link to an article in DNAInfo.com about the new wine bar coming into the spot on Ascan where Q Bistro used to be: Upscale Wine Bar Coming to Forest Hills

By the way, here's some other local restaurant-related news:

1) I heard that La Boulangerie celebrated Bastille Day over the weekend by making fresh crepes out in front of the store. Too bad I missed that!
2) I also heard that Piu Bello, located on the corner across from the Post Office, has been shut down by the health department. The biggest question I had about this place is how did it last this long given that every time I passed by there were just a few people in it.

By the way, some people have commented on this blog that certain locations in Forest Hills are cursed — that no matter what goes in to them will fail. They cite locations like the one right next to the Midway Theater, which has changed hands like six times in the past several years and is now Gloria Pizza. Or the spot where Piu Bello is right now - or was.  I happen not to agree. Firstly, I think Gloria Pizza may just prove the naysayers wrong. Their pizza is really good for one thing. And every time I go in there it is fairly crowded. So I think Gloria may be here to stay.

Also, the value of the location where Piu Bello is just went way up thanks to the success of the new Farmer's Market, which is bringing droves of people to the area in front of the restaurant every Sunday now.

What we need where Piu Bello is located is a high-quality, family-friendly, upscale diner-type eating establishment. (Yes, the kind that received the most votes in our recent poll right here on EOTC.) Just imagine in the nice Spring or Fall weather that restaurant there on a Sunday for brunch with all its windows open, maybe even people eating out in front (if allowed), while the Farmer's Market is open across the street. I'm getting a real Union Square vibe now.

Forest Hills Greenmarket: Day One

Grand Opening of Greenmarket Today

Here's a pic as they were setting up the booths this morning:

And Susan on the blog's Facebook page reports:
FABULOUS turnout early this morning and a great selection of vendors. I came home with a bounty of heirloom tomato's, Swiss Chard, Arugula, free range eggs, lamb chops and honey from the Upper East Side in Manhattan.

Our New Greenmarket Opens This Sunday

Forest Hills' previous Greenmarket was on Metropolitan Ave.

Forest Hills Greenmarket


South side of Queens Blvd at 70th Avenue, Queens [map]

Open Sunday, 7/8/12 - 11/18/12
8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

EBT/Food Stamps, Debit/Credit, and WIC & FMNP Coupons accepted. 
EBT/Debit/Credit accepted
Starting in July, for every $5 EBT dollars spent, customers receive a $2 Health Buck coupon to purchase additional produce. 

Located in front of the Forest Hills Post Office, this neighborhood Greenmarket boasts a variety of locally grown, fresh products. Throughout the season, the market will offer free cooking demonstrations, kids activities, and the opportunity to mingle with neighbors, all while getting to know the regional farmers who grow your food. Come back each week to learn about the healthful and flavorful benefits of eating what is fresh and in season.

Calendar of Events

Community activities, cooking demonstrations and recipe exchanges will add to the diverse nature of this market.

Farmers

Amantai Farm Vegetables, Mexican specialty produce, free-range poultry, honey, herbs, and eggs from Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. A New Farmer Development Project participant.
Andrew’s Local Honey Honey and honey products from Fairfield County, CT.
Bread Alone Artisan breads, mostly certified Organic, and pastries from Ulster County, NY.
Castello Di Borghese Wines from Suffolk County, NY
Dipaola Turkey Farm Turkey from Mercer County, NJ
Gajeski Produce Vegetables from Suffolk County, NY
King Ferry Winery Wine from Cayuga County, NY
Lavender By the Bay fresh cut, dried, and potted lavender and honey from Suffolk County, NY
R & G Produce Vegetables from Orange County, NY
Terhune Orchards orchard fruit from Dutchess County, NY

More on the Greenmarket

Here's a good article with more information about the greenmarket, which starts up in front of the Post Office in early July. It's a really good sign that the idea got such overwhelming support, as the article details. Just more evidence of the desire amongst local residents for quality, healthy food.

Forest Hills Greenmarket Set to Open Next Month

New Greenmarket Approved for Forest Hills

The Greenmarket for in front of the Post Office was approved at the meeting tonight.

Another great development for our neighborhood!

Given its more central location than the previous attempt on Metropolitan Avenue, this one should prove much more successful.

Here's some photos from the Metropolitan Ave. Greenmarket from a couple of years ago.... a taste of what's to come!

Greenmarket Public Hearing

Just a reminder, the public hearing about the proposal for our new Greenmarket will be held this Wednesday evening.

Click on this link to be taken to my previous post with all the information about the hearing: New Greenmarket Would be Near Post Office

It's a no-brainer that we should have a Greenmarket here in FoHi like so many other neighborhoods in New York City do. Any local official who comes out against the proposal in order to "protect local retailer business" is full of crap. Their first concern should always be the public. And the public in Forest Hills would benefit greatly from having access to all of the fresh, quality, wholesome food that Greenmarkets in New York City offer.

New Greenmarket Would be Near Post Office

A reader has told me that there will be a public hearing on Wednesday, May 9th, to discuss the possibility of bringing a Greenmarket to the area in front of the Forest Hills Post Office on Queens Blvd.

The market would operate Sundays July – November.

May 9 Community Board 6 Monthly Meeting
80-02 Kew Gardens Road
Suite 202
7:30 PM

Here's some links to more information:

• Forest Hills Greenmarket Petition
• Greenmarket working to bring farmers market to Forest Hills