Final Fork - A Bean Madness Block Party | April 1, 2019

Fresh & Local:

Final Fork - A Bean Madness Block Party

One bean to rule them all! The Krewe of Red Beans has launched a NOLA version of the college-basketball March Madness tournament called “Bean Madness.” Thirty-two NOLA chefs and restaurants have been competing to see who makes the best red beans. Judging takes place in the form of 31 single-elimination tastings that will occur all over New Orleans through April 8th.

To celebrate, we’re throwing a block party! The Final Fork will take place Friday, April 5th from 4:30-6:30pm at the Bucktown Harbor market located at 325 Metairie Hammond Hwy. Enjoy perfect views of the lake, fresh seafood, local produce, hot prepared food, artisanal goods, live brass band music, and the best beans in the city! Tasting is free to all :)

Picks of the Week:

Yacon

“83.4% of all Mardi Gras revellers say a daily diet of carrots and yacon get them prepared for Jazz Fest.” - Jonathan, Amorphous Gardens.

OK, but what is yacon? You’ve probably seen this sweet potato looking thing at the Tuesday market and assumed that that is exactly what it is. Surprisingly, yacon is sweet and very similar to a granny smith apple. Peel the skin back and eat it raw with a little honey or roast them up like root veg chip. They will be around for a few more weeks, so get them while you can!

Stop and Smell the Flowers

You probably recognize Dennis from the market. You’ll often catch him selling giant produce for Perilloux Farms or citrus for Star Nursery. But what does he do when he’s not at the market or working on the farm? On his days off, Dennis enjoys tree climbing and woodworking and the occasional cucumber face mask. He keeps his youthful glow with a bountiful diet full of farm-fresh veggies and vitamin C. Come check him out at Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday markets.

Vendor of the Week:

Amorphous Gardens

Amorphous Gardens joins us at the Tuesday Uptown market all the way from Farmhaven, MS. On his 16-acre farm, Jonathan, along with his wife and three children, emphasizes sustainable and natural growing practices. He avoids synthetic fertilizers and pesticides and doesn’t use plastic mulch, which is a common cover crop on conventional farms. In addition to his witty remarks and sense of humor, Jonathan brings all kinds of unique produce to the market. Right now you can buy gorgeous carrots, heirloom turnips, and, of course, yacon at his table.

Tuesday’s Green Plate Special:

Bua Thai Kitchen

Welcome back market vendor Bua Thai Kitchen! Bua Thai Kitchen offers authentic tastes and experiences of Thailand through creative, healthy plant-based dishes. Inspired by her experience living in Thailand, and by the power of plants, chef Ashley Weinstein Berner creates dishes using local produce. Everything will be available to go so you can stop by and grab your breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Recipe of the Week:

Yacon Syrup

This sweet, juicy tuber is packed with vitamins for a healthy immune system but one of its best properties is that it is meant to help with regulating blood sugars. Try this recipe from Home Grown Happiness for an alternative sweetener!

What’s your favorite dish to make after visiting the Crescent City Farmers Market? Share your recipes with us on Instagram or Facebook or even Twitter and it might be featured in our weekly newsletter!