I have to admit that I've been dreaming about the Horsefeathers Community Market ever since sitting down with Niki Klem to discuss this project. Niki, a registered dietitian, is currently the person who is chiefly responsible for getting the locally sourced community market off the ground. The possibilities are endless when it comes to what we're looking at here... for foodies in Buffalo this could be a dream of ginormous proportions. Imagine a place with a community kitchen, food policy summits, food shares, resident bakers, canning classes, culinary courses, international culinary experts in residence, a gourmet restaurant and a producer's market celebrating hand-crafted, locally sourced food... The best part of this concept is that it's more than just a concept. It's already becoming reality.
View image
Not to say that all of the components are in place. Niki is still researching all of the different dynamics - what they will look like and how they will function. She has reached out the food community here in Buffalo and has been more than pleased with all of the feedback and interest that the project has culled. "The groundbreaking event for the market will be held on Saturday, October 22 (5-10pm) and will coincide with National Food Day," Niki told me. "It's a celebration of sustainable food... it's a chance to learn about our local food community and who's making a difference. It's also a chance to meet and network with servers, chefs, cooks, and anyone else who is a proponent of the locally sourced organic food movement. You'll also learn more about the market project (see history), the food operations involved and what it will take to become a part of it. We're looking for more producers and/or operations to relocate their businesses or are looking for a home for start-ups. The building will ultimately have a green living roof and the developer will be applying for LEED certification."
Vendors that have already secured space within the market or will be on-hand at the groundbreaking include the Pasta Peddler, Artsy Cakes, RAW (raw food juice), White Cow Dairy, Coppa (cured meats), Community Beer Works, and Great Harvest Bread Company. Wine related businesses include Chateau Buffalo, 21 Brix, Arrowhead Springs and Black Willow Winery. Info tables will include Native Offerings, Wellness Institute, Health Education Now, FoodBank of WNY, GrowWNY, Edible Buffalo, WNY Dietetics Association, Trocaire College and WNED (Live Well Program).
The October 22nd event will feature live music from foodie/musician Nelson Starr, film viewings related to the industry, $1 food samples and a slew of food trucks. To get in on the action, feel free to contact Niki Klem.
This is great news-Buffalo really needs more healthy, local food choices (if Jim's Steak Out was concerned about trucks, wait until it has to compete against a vibrant, local health food movement).
I was blown away by the food culture in San Fran-the markets, the subterfuge food markets, the awareness, the tastes....it was all so amazing. The Embarcadero, where many independent food purveyors set up, is nothing short of mind blowing. This could be our version.
One question: does Frizlin actually, finally own the building?
not sure if you read the article but listed vendors include...
Pasta Peddler (not healthy), Artsy Cakes (not healthy), RAW (raw food juice), White Cow Dairy, Coppa (cured meats)(really unhealthy), Community Beer Works (not healthy) , and Great Harvest Bread Company.
It's a cool idea - dont get me wrong but bashing Jim's and calling these options healthy is a stretch