Brookhaven Farmer's Market Vs. Brookhaven Farmer's Market

And the winner is... The Brookhaven Farmer's Market.

This has been a confusing time for us all, so let's shed some light on what happened and what is going forward.  As we discussed a few weeks ago, the new Saturday Brookhaven Farmer's Market (aka Chamblee Farmer's Market relocated- see photo left) has been very successful. Each week new vendors and customers are taking part in supporting local produce, food, arts, and crafts. Cory and I enjoyed our first trip to the market for their inaugural event a few weeks ago in July. Now, we had previously blogged about the "other" Sunday Brookhaven Farmer's Market (same name, different market), sponsored by a local doctor's office, that didn't fare quite as well in our book. Not as great location, timing, frequency, or selection, we weren't too impressed with this market. 

Now, some news: I received an email last week from the sponsors of that event thanking everyone for their support, and conceding defeat to the "new" Brookhaven Farmers Market (surprised?). Instead, they are hoping to start something this Fall called Sunday Lunch: "This would be an early afternoon event and will allow vendors to offer their goods as well as a family get together. It’s a trend that is popping up all over the country."

We will keep you posted about this Sunday Lunch idea (sounds like an afternoon market to me...). It is intriguing and I'm glad to see instead of competing, the other market is going in a different direction to provide ultimate benefit to residents. In the meantime, be sure to check out the Brookhaven Farmers Market every Saturday from 9am-1pm behind Haven/Valenza. I recommend you walk over there if you can, with your reusable bags, because parking is limited and walking is encouraged. 

Brookhaven Farmer's Market - Recap and Photoset

Right after we were disappointed at what we thought was the Brookhaven Farmer's Market we received notice there was a New Brookhaven Farmers Market! A better one! 2+ years (since we've lived here, at least) without a farmer's market and all of a sudden we get two? Fine with me. Formerly the Chamblee Farmer's Market, this one was a bit bigger in size, similarly located (behind Haven), and better advertised.  Also, we were excited about the fact it was on Saturday and happening every week instead of once a month!  We arrived around 10am with the pup to see an already buzzing market. We talked to a number of different vendors, tried some samples, and ultimately walked away with some great local food. This will be a staple for us for sure.  Photo recap below.

We walked out with a chocolate croissant & almond apricot scone from Bake Shop; apple cinnamon sausage from West Wind Farms; and a pint of sorghum and black pepper ice cream from High Road Creamery. Everything was delicious- we can't wait to go back next Saturday.

A New (Better?) Brookhaven Farmers Market

After our somewhat disappointing experience with the Brookhaven Farmers Market a few weeks ago, we are cautiously optimistic about the the NEW Brookhaven Farmers Market. Hosted by the organizers of the Chamblee Farmer Market (in fact, this is the Chamblee one, just a new locale), this one has a better time- Every Saturday from 9:00am - 1:00pm and a better location: 1441 Dresden Drive, Atlanta, GA 30319 (Behind Haven) 

This Saturday, July 16th, will be the debut of this Brookhaven (formerly Chamblee) Farmers Market. Their website mentions (at least) 18 farmers, food producers and local artisans at the market:

• Phoenix Gardens - A local grower based in Lawrenceville, Georgia who is committed to growing produce in a naturally sustainable manner. Dairy, beef, and pork available via special order.
• Tewksbury Farms - A farm based out of Buckhead, Georgia providing sustainable produce.
• West Wind Farms - A farm based out of Morgan County, Tennessee that provides organic, grass-fed meats and dairy products.
• Hidden Springs Honey - Raw honey out of Williamson, Georgia.
• Cupid’s Pantry - A boutique food producer specializing in baking, batter, sauce, and dip mixes.
• Mad Mama - fresh and delicious artisanal offerings such as Avocado Lime Soup, Egyptian Hummus, Mad Mama’s White Cheddar Pimento Cheese, rustic San Marzano Tomato Soup. and many more!
• Jenny's Pies - individually packaged home made pie slices and full size pies, Cherry, Toll-House! and more (coming back in August)
• Fat Lady Baker -Fat Lady Baker is well known in the local farmer’s market scene and we are thrilled to offer Nancy’s incredibly fresh baked goods to you. Fat Lady Baker specializes in whole grain, organic, and vegan breads. She grinds all of the wheat just prior to mixing. Fat Lady Baker is best known for the wonderful Ezekiel seed bread, honey whole wheat, and kamut blueberry muffins.
• Madeline Burdine - beautiful handmade bone jewelry similar to carved ivory
• 2 Fun-guys - Everything You Need to Grow Mushrooms on Logs
• Noring Farms - Located in Conyers, Noring Farms specializes in heirloom tomatoes, exotic varietals, free range eggs, and homemade unique treats. (Their slow cooked marinara sauce made with their heirloom tomatoes is fabulous!)
• Nona Rosa’s Pizelles - Offers hand-made Italian cookies called Pizzelles which come in number of flavors and patterns.
• Juliette’s Bakery
• Bake Shop
• Uncle Davey’s Toffee
• Trout Man
• Dillwood Farms
• David Jeffries Kitchen 

If you are interested in joining this list of vendors- fill out a Vendor Application to be considered. If you want to be involved and help volunteer, they also have a Volunteer Application available online.

Will will be sure to check this one out at it seems to boast a good number of unique vendors- stay tuned for our take on this one!