What better way to spend a Sunday morning than with some good food and quality family time? And what better place to do so than in Ridgewood, NJ?
The slower pace and delightful brunch possibilities all along E. Ridgewood Avenue make for a relaxed and leisurely weekend excursion. Whether you plan to dig into colossal pancakes at the Country Pancake House or have a hip family brunch at Raymond’s, there are great breakfast or lunch options suitable for the entire family!
Plan to head on up to Gerber Square to hit the Ridgewood Farmer’s Market. Sundays from 9am-3pm- June 26th thru October 27th. Select from Jersey-grown fruits, vegetables, plants as well as pickles, fresh breads and baked goods and some pretty awesome hand-stretched-on-the-spot fresh mozzarella.
Stock up on fresh, locally grown tomatoes, Kirby cukes, broccoli and kale for the week, in addition to artisan bread, focaccia and “wet” mozzarella. I was thrilled to even bring home a basil plant, and am confident that I’ll make it last well throughout the season, thanks to some helpful advice from one of the market workers. (Tip: keep the basil plant in the pot and cut them about half way down the stem for a continuous bloom throughout the season.)
Tips Before You Go:
- Bring CASH.
- If you don't want to walk too far, park in the train station lot or better yet, on the West side of Gerber Square down one of the side streets.
- Bring your reusable grocery totes or a canvas bag to comfortably carry your purchases.
Now, what to do with all those goodies?? Here are a few recipe ideas, using your Farmer’s Market purchases.
Farmer’s Market Lunch: Caprese Sandwiches
Ingredients:
Rustic Bread
Jersey Tomato, sliced in rounds
Fresh Basil
Fresh Mozzarella, sliced in rounds
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Dried Oregano
Fresh ground pepper and sea salt for taste
Steps:
-Slice your bread in half and toast on grill (or in grill pan or toaster oven) for few minutes until crispy.
-Layer a few pieces of mozzarella, tomato and basil.
-Drizzle EVOO, sprinkle dried oregano, pepper and salt.
-Optional: put sandwich back on grill (grill pan, or toaster) for few additional minutes to further melt the cheese.
Nothing like keeping things fresh and local on a Sunday in Ridgewood! For more information, visit http://experienceridgewood.com or call 201-445-2600.
Enjoy!
Nothing like keeping things fresh and local on a Sunday in Ridgewood! For more information, visit http://experienceridgewood.com or call 201-445-2600.
Enjoy!
** The next big event is the annual Ridgewood Earth Day and Daffodil Festival, THIS weekend, April 22nd. Located in Memorial Park/Van Neste Square. See our events section for more information! https://ramsey.macaronikid.com/events**
