Though I lived in Emmaus for almost four years, I never bothered to check out the Allentown Farmer’s Market. For one thing, Emmaus has a killer farmer’s market itself. The other reason being someone once told me the Allentown Farmer’s Market is just a bunch of grocery store produce shipped in from Giant and Weiss. Nothing is locally grown, in other words. I finally paid this questionable market a visit last weekend, and I must say I was pleasantly surprised!
Whether or not all of the produce is locally grown I’m not sure, but the market itself was a lot more diverse than I expected. Imported gourmet and specialty foods, Amish pies and pastries (baked, apparently on premise), spices, flowers, Mediterranean food, and the reason I was there: organic, exotic vegan food!
I was helping out my friend Wendy in her stand for the day. Not to be biased, but the smells wafting out of her stand put all the other vendors to shame.
She had some side dishes ready to go, including Teriyaki Tofu, Masala Potatoes, Coconut Cashew Rice, Indian Samosas, Curried Cabbage, and Garlic & Sage Carrots with Balsamic Vinegar. As usual, Wendy was also selling Vegan Treats, from the shop in Bethlehem.
Yeah, if you’ve never tried a Vegan Treats Pumpkin Whoopie pie, you need to go ahead and do that. Their Peanut Butter Brownies are pretty amazing too.
The Cowboy Cookie. EVERYONE LOVES THIS COOKIE. I never knew what all the hoopla was about until I tried one.
Entrees are also made to order. Above, the “Taste of India” platter: karachi dahl, crisp indian crackers, samosa and organic brown basmati rice served over organic greens, finished with red curry dressing, mango chutney and coconut flakes. Wendy was also offering up Chipotle Chili, West African Peanut soup and my all-time-favorite, the Bombay Burrito. The priciest item on her menu ($14.95) but so worth it. Plus, I was eating mine for like three days afterwards, it’s simply huge!
One of our hottie patrons enjoying some vegan chili.
And many other happenings at the market:
In closing, the goofy rickshaw slightly weird clown ferris wheel.
Great post, I haven’t been there in ages. I’ll have to visit soon. Love those peanut butter brownies.
Love the pictures, great post! I have never seen the Farmers Market so empty – what do you think was going on?
I also love that you can buy local wine at the Allentown Farmers Market!
oh that was the day after thanksgiving, so everyone was probably out trying to score a 25% off TV somewhere.
I love the Allentown Farmers Market, and try to go every week. Red Barn Produce is mostly local, but unfortunately, most of the other produce stands are not. However, my “defense” of the Allentown Farmer’s market is that by buying food from the vendors in the market, you support local businesses. Can you really say that about shopping at Wegmans? Is Wegman’s willing to sell you a dozen apples on credit if you don’t have enough cash? No, I don’t think so. In a typical visit to the AFM, I spend money at anywhere from a half-dozen to a dozen small businesses. That’s a good investment. Plus the foods are so great!
Saturday afternoon is my favorite time to go. I love the good deals….and watching other people haggle and battle over bags of veggies. You can get some pretty delicious prepared foods for about half price at the end of the market, too. Can’t wait to visit Wendy at Balasia.
Hi, I first read your blog back in the fall when I was looking for additional Harvest recipes for my upcoming book coming out in August 2010. I would love for you to send along some of your recipes and stories surrounding the Harvest season (Like the pumpkin whoopi pies, perfect for the book). It would be great for you to get in touch as soon as you read this, as our (my writing partner and I are sending our first final version of our book by the end of January). Our book has been turned into 2 to 4 books at this point by the publisher, so we are in great need of additional recipes and stories surrounding the Harvest and Holiday seasons. Hope you can be in touch soon. You will be in good company with our other contributors… your name will stay with your recipes and stories. Monica
Does anyone out there know what happened to Balasia? Did it move? I was there recently and didn’t see the stand. Thanks.
yes it’s gone >:( it just wasn’t the perfect place for wendy unfortunately. she’s back to catering and looking for a new restaurant space.