growing relationships

October 23, 2012 | By Shannon Kelly
weed dating
weed dating
 
 

The agriculture community has taken matchmaking to the fields with Weed Dating, a new spin on the speed-dating concept.

We love how Weed Dating encourages young single farmers to meet a large number of like-minded potential partners in a social situation that embraces the values and time constraints of the industry. We don't see why activists, gardeners, and outdoor enthusiasts don't jump at the opportunity to connect with farmers of similar interests. We can see the hashtag now: #DateAFarmer.

According to Springwise, the trend "has been spotted in Maine, Idaho, and Vermont – among other locales – and it offers new hope for rural agriculturalists suffering from a lack of companionship". Check out the video below.

 
 
 
{source: Springwise}
Tags: Edible garden, farmers markets, organic, trends, trendscaping, Idaho, Maine, Vermont

in the round

December 13, 2011 | By Shannon Kelly
 
We've long been fans of circular shapes that create interactive experiences. 
 
In Barcelona, the open-air farmers market La Boqueria showcases an abundance of fresh seafood in brightly lit stalls that look more like space-age carousels than fish stands. Customers are able to navigate efficiently through the maze of vendors and explore the captivating displays.
 
We love the use of a rounded shape in retail, restaurants, and bars as a focal point that celebrates design and function.
Tags: food, restaurants, bars, Spain, Barcelona, design, visual, farmers markets, merchandising, grocery

foraging: an effort in reclaiming seasonal foods

July 28, 2011 | By Shannon Kelly
 
Approximately two years ago we found what looked like a morel in the garden and within hours Langdon Cook, author of Fat of the Land: Adventures of a 21st Century Forager confirmed via @twitter that the mushroom was edible. Thanks to social media, we became pseudo foragers.
 
Like urban gardening, foraging is becoming progressively more mainstream as shoppers seek out seasonal, locally grown and sustainable foods. Culturally, the concept of seeking and hand-selecting wild edibles works well with the desire for unique experiences— aligning with popular terms like artisan, bespoke and curate. We reconnected with the author to gain a deeper understanding of how foraging and reconnecting with our agrarian past is not just another food trend, but a widely accepted part of daily life that generations today are rediscovering.
 
"My hope is that a renewed enthusiasm for foraging will help advance current debate about food issues. Foraging is seasonal by its very nature. Many foraged foods are exceptionally nutritious, much more so, in fact, than their domestic counterparts (i.e. "weeds" such as watercress, dandelions, lambs-quarters and stinging nettles are off the charts in vitamins and minerals; huckleberries are loaded with antioxidants; wild salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids; even mushrooms contain certain necessary minerals). said Langdon Cook. Foraging encourages a closer relationship with the landscape and the foods we eat. To become educated about foraging is to become educated about food. That said, it's incumbent on the forager to learn about those plants and fungi that are not edible."
 
The rise in demand of foraged edibles in restaurants has gradually increased the popularity of events, excursions, classes and blogs to inform passionate gastronomes. Below are four concepts worth checking out.
 
 
  • Forage  - One of LA Magazines's best new restaurants featuring produce from local growers. Opened in January 2010, the initial and revised foraging program encourages customers to bring in their own home-grown produce (If they like it and accept it, Forage will make a dish with it and name it after you. A blog post titled The return of foraging details all of the ins and outs).
  • Forage Foods - Calgary based take-out shop focusing on ready to eat foods made with a majority of local foods from sustainable farms opened in 2007. Specials include a wide range of pre-prepared foods, fresh baked goods, fresh produce, frozen meals, and local gourmet foods.
 
{photo: Nettletown.com}
 
  • Nettletown - Hidden in a tiny strip mall along Seattle's Eastlake Ave, Nettletown opened March 2010 (formerly the Sitka and Spruce space). A personal lunch favorite, the noodles, home-made pickles and sandwiches highlights wild and local ingredients from Christina Choi of Foraged & Found Edibles.
  • Foragers Market - Dumbo (Brooklyn, New York) is a family run market with sustainable produce and well-edited selection assortment of foods. The menu reflects more growing and sourcing of quality seasonal foods than foraged foods but we like the city grocer feel.
 
Prized treasures like mushrooms and wild greens can be harvested throughout many parts of the US but success depends on a variety of visual and seasonal hints. Much like the dumpster diving craze of the late 80's, a misstep could find you face-to-face with something extraordinarily unsafe. Talk to an expert and don't needle/nettle around.
 

{editors note 9/15/11: Nettletown closed August 28, 2011 to pursue other ventures. We wish them all the best and will definitely miss the knoepfli and good company}
Tags: Edible garden, food, trends, artisan, curate, Culture, farmers markets, Eco-friendly, restaurants, seattle, LA, nyc, grocery

fresh signage

February 12, 2008 | By Shannon Kelly
A refreshing option in contrast to the farmers market home-craft signage. This is clear, innovative and appetizing in a city where guerrilla marketing is the norm. Freshness is often better conveyed in photos.

 

 


 
Tags: retail, windows, merchandising, SF, food, farmers markets, marketing