Westfield Announcements
Announcements for all categories
By Jamie Lemberg
August 27, 2010 -- Can’t get to the Union Square market in NYC? Don’t fret. Alan Weinberg, a Westield NJ resident, has decided to pursue his passion for locally grown, fresh farmed foods and bring them to us.
The idea behind Alan’s Orchard is simple: They sell locally farmed and certified organic produce, responsibly raised free-range poultry and grass-fed beef, local artisanal cheeses and other dairy products, breads, sauces, jams, frozen yogurt with Jersey fresh toppings, and other locally sourced products. Their products are for people who want high quality, better tasting, local, fresh food and are concerned about the health of our planet. They would like you to think of them as a really great farmer’s market, with more convenient hours and a roof overhead.
Alan features some of the same farmers who sell their fresh food at Union Square. He features Griggstown Quail Farm in Princeton NJ, Valley Shepherd Creamery in Long Valley, NJ, Cherry Grove Farm in Princeton, NJ, Natural By Nature in Lancaster County, PA, Baker's Bounty in Linden, NJ and many others. A complete list of artisans and farmers is available on his website www.alansorchard.com.
Orchard’s Alan, who has lived in Westfield for eight years, said he “always wanted to run [his] own business.” His store will try to recreate a “European Market” or “New York Green Market” atmosphere, according to the owner.
At a recent tasting, my colleagues and I sampled an array of fabulous cheeses, from mild to strong, many from Valley Shepherd Creamery; multigrain baguettes and whole wheat walnut raisin loafs from Baker's Bounty in Linden, NJ; delicious home made blueberry and apple pies as well as a fantastic, savory turkey pot pie from Griggstown Quail Farm in Princeton NJ. These pot pies were the hit of the event, made with the farm’s own fresh vegetables and turkey surrounded by the just the right amount of seasonings and gravy in a buttery, flakey home baked pastry shell. Griggstown Quail Farm also makes these delicious pot pies with chicken and beef.
We sampled as well the fresh, 1% low-fat, all natural frozen yogurt, original flavor, which is made with actual organic yogurt. It was fresh tasting and tart (in the style of Red Mango or Pinkberry) and is sold soft serve with fresh fruit, granola and honey toppings. It is a welcome addition to places offering desserts in Downtown Westfield.
We are so excited that the store has opened so we can buy the pot pies, fresh bread, fresh peaches and pies for our families, or simply to stroll in one evening for some frozen yogurt. You won’t want to miss it!
Alan’s Orchard
102 Quimby Street, Westfield NJ
908.403.3567
Opening August 27, 2010
Summer Hours: Monday - Thursday 8am - 8pm, Friday 8am - 10pm, Saturday 9am - 10pm, Sunday 9am - 4pm.
