I went over to Vesta on Saturday during lunch-time, as the CSA pick-up hours are between 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. It was exciting to see that a colorful vegetable stand took over the outside of the restaurant, where you could not only pick up your CSA veggies, but also buy them on the spot if you're not a CSA member.
They had several varieties of fresh, seasonal produce such as gorgeous purple radishes, little bulbous carrots that were perfect for a single bite, deep-crimson beets, zucchini blossoms (awesome for stuffing and/or frying), fresh lettuce, kale and so much more. Farmer Ben Flanner was on-hand to help out and answer any questions from customers. He's extremely knowledgeable about produce, as he oversees the entire Brooklyn Grange operation along with his partners.
The farm-stand was quite busy throughout the day, and as I received my leafy, colorful goods, I couldn't wait to get home and make a fresh salad. I went right to it and this is what I came up with:
Foodista's Brooklyn Grange Salad:
Ingredients (serves 2)
2 very generous handfuls of mixed lettuce leaves
2 bulbous carrots, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
2 heirloom tomatoes, chopped into 1/2 inch sections
2 large purple radishes, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
A small bunch of basil, chopped (or ripped)
3 pieces of Milanese salami, rolled up and julienned into 1 inch pieces (optional)
Directions:
Toss all ingredients gently in a large salad bowl. Dress with my signature dressing.
I can't wait to see what the next CSA delivery brings - I'll surely report back with more tales of veggies and a recipe too.
Check out the Brooklyn Grange farm stand at Vesta on Saturdays from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Vesta - 21-02 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11102
718.545.5550
N/W Train to 30th Avenue
www.vestavino.com
Love this! Have wanted to join a CSA but was a bit late this year for the NJ ones.
ReplyDeleteSalad looks and sounds delicious. We've been eating salad practically every night. I love fresh summer veggies!
Great pics :) So colorful
Yeah, joining the CSA was a last minute thing on my end too. So far so good. Delicious produce :)
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