St. Stephen’s Farmers Market & PolyFace Farms Take on the Near West End

On Saturday I went to the West End Farmer’s Market at St. Stephen’s Church for the first time. Wow, it was great.  I couldn’t believe all the vendors! Plus I saw some of my friends walking there from their house, carying their bags ready to be filled at the market with them. What a wonderful site.

You know, I’ve mentioned this market before. It is the brainchild of my friend and coworker, Erin Wright. who has basically built the market single-handedly with the help of her church. I’m a huge local foods fan, but typically by my fresh produce from the Lakeside Farmers Market because that is a convenient spot for my Agriberry pick up after work. Or you’ll often find me at the 17th Street Farmers Market or South of the James, because that is where my CSA, Victory Farms, is located. But, I will definately be back to this market, simply because it is convenient.

I was surprised to see vendors that I had not seen anywhere else including Bombolini Pasta and PolyFace Farms. And after inquiring, I confirmed with PolyFace Farms that they actually deliver to Charles Glen, right in the heart of the Near West End.  If you sign up for their buying club (which is free) they will deliver the best of the best meat – fresh “salad bar” beef, lamb, pig, chicken, rabbit,  pastured eggs, ice cream, apple cider, turkey (for Thanksgiving) and more, once a month.  You can order as little or as much as you like.  Best of all, this is local, sustainable food, produced under the very best conditions.  And PolyFace has such an excellent reputation so much that they were featured in Michael Pollan’s book, the Omnivore’s Dilema and apparently as part of his book research Pollan even lived a the farm for 2 weeks. Anyway, I am happy to say that I just signed up for the buying club myself, but I’m sad to say I’ll have to wait until November for my first shipment, because I missed the cut off for ordering. Perhaps you’ll see me at the St. Stephen’s Farmers market next Saturday, stocking up on eggs.

Here is the complete  vendor list:

A Hot Piece of Glass – Fused glass jewelry http://ahotpieceofglass.blogspot.com/

A Thyme to Plant * – Herbs, plants, honey, & soy candles.  www.athymetoplant.com/

AgriBerry – Seasonal fruits & berries. www.agriberry.com

Amelia Soap and Herb Co. – Fine glycerin soap, Shea butter & herbal products www.ameliasoapandherbcompany.com

Beading Creations – Original Jewelry Designs.

Blanchard’s Coffee Co.* – Coffee drinks & locally roasted coffee. www.blanchardscoffee.com/

Bombolini Pasta* – Fresh pastas for you. www.bombolinipasta.com

Breeze Hill Farms –Goat’s milk products & homegrown fibers. www.breezehillfarm.com

Cavanna Pasta* – Fresh Pasta & sauces. www.cavannapasta.com/

Edith Meriwether Designs – Handmade jewelry. http://emdesign.shutterfly.com/

Eli’s Greens* – Plants, herbs, & flowers. http://elisgreens.com/

Epic Gardens – Vegetables, herbs, eggs, & cut flowers. http://epicgardens.com/

Frog Bottom Farm* – Organic vegetables with CSA pickup. http://frogbottomfarm.com/

Gearhart’s Fine Chocolates – Handmade chocolates. http://www.gearhartschocolates.com/

Grandfather’s Chair Shop – Antique chair refinishing.

imagine That! – Natural fiber upcycled clothing and natural fiber/ felted scarves

Jazzbo’s Rollin’ Gumbo – Soups & other hot foods. http://jazzbosrollingumbo.wordpress.com/

Kilravock Ranch* – Eggs, pork, vegetables, honey, birdhouses & more. http://www.localharvest.org/farms/M25692

KShonk Designs – Original handmade jewelry. www.kshonkdesigns17.com

L and L Products – Haitian delicacies.

Lucille’s Bakery* – Bread, quiche, & other baked goods. http://lucillesbakery.com/

My Time Salts – Cooking salts, bath salts, & organic herbs.

Molly Prince Johnson Jewelry Designs – Handcrafted jewelry.

Night Sky Farm – Goat cheese. http://nightskyfarmgoatcheese.com

Norman’s Garden – Fresh vegetables.

Old Dominion Sharpening – Knife, scissors, and shears sharpening.

Pat Cully Illustrations – Cards & prints illustrated with Richmond landmarks. http://patcully.com/

Polyface Farm* – Pasture raised meat & eggs. http://www.polyfacefarms.com/

Preppy Palooza and Diamond Designs – Ribbon accessories, dog collars, key fobs, belts, headbands, earrings, and gemstone necklaces. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6104772

Providence Farm – Heritage eggs & beef. www.providencefarmva.blogspot.com/

PureDog Treats – All natural treats for dogs, cats, and horses. http://www.puredogtreats.com/

River City Diner* – Tomato pies, gazpacho, slaw, & more.  http://www.rivercitydiner.com/

Sunnyside Farm – Pasture raised chicken, eggs & pork.

Sweetwater Farms – Vegetables, plants, iron work, & handmade baskets.

Swift Creek Berry Farm – Plants & blueberries. www.swiftcreekberryfarm.com/

The Classic Baby – One-of-a-kind, timeless, classic clothing that children have worn for generations. www.theclassicbaby.etsy.com

The Monogrammed Baby – Affordable monogrammed items for babies. www.themonogrammedbaby.etsy.com

Tone Del Papa Photography – Original photography & art

Warsaw Plants* – Plants & vegetables from the Northern Neck.  http://www.manta.com/coms2/dnbcompany_yl26m

Works of Art – Original paintings.

Zaydie’s Granola* – Homemade granola. www.zaydiesgranola.com

Zou Zou’s Basement – Eclectic art & crafts. http://www.zouzousbasement.com/