Local Farm to Table Offerings

Shopping Local at area Farmers Markets 

The trend these days in restaurants is to prepare locally grown and harvested produce and meats for their patrons.  Why not follow this "farm to table" philosophy in your own home, buy and prepare local! Fortunately, I am surrounded by two farms which provide fresh and organic, produce and provisions, Erdenheim Farms and Maple Acres.  Erdenheim Farms, with picturesque pastures filled with livestock familiar to the Scottish Highlands and story book barns, has a small stand located near the stately sheep barn. It is open Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings only. They are currently selling honey, eggs, freshly pressed apple cider, kale, micro greens grown in their own greenhouses, and angus burgers and hotdogs or larger portions of lamb and angus. Maple Acres has been open to the public for a long time and has an established following, its' stand is open everyday of the week with year round offerings.  They preserve and pickle their own produce creating sauces and condiments, holiday décor, and freshly cut christmas trees. While selecting freshly picked produce and flowers at Maple Acres you often bump into a neighbor, class mate, colleague, coach, student etc… it is a little hub of the community joining many surrounding areas together.  They have added hayrides, yoga, and their grounds are available for a venue rental, furthering the community interest and involvement.

Maple Acres Farm Produce

Erdenheim Farm's stately sheep barn

As mentioned recently on CBS’s Sunday Morning program in November, the newest trend in community development is to center a neighborhood around a farm, creating an “Agrihood.” 

See the episode on the "Agrihood" community development trend: 

http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/homes-sprouting-up-around-farms/

Not only do these farms give us healthy and fresh options but they also allow us to experience how and where our food comes from.  Something that is so important to the development of our children’s relationship with food.  It is essential for them to understand where their food comes from, not just from the supermarket shelves, but from the earth and from their neighbors.

The Shelves are stacked at Maple Acres Farmers Market

It is a healthier option to that of mass produced “store bought” offerings.  Not only are you bringing home good stuff but you are also keeping your purchases within the community therefore supporting local farming operations and thus your neighbors.  Whitemarsh and Plymouth Meeting have been ahead of the trend and we have been lucky to have these two farms within reach.  

Welcome to the Agrihood!

Thanksgiving Inspirations

Hunting and Gathering for Pinecone Inspired Arrangements 

While I answer phone calls, sit in on Open Houses, make deals while waiting to pick up my kids from practice, stay up a little later to make sure all my ‘I’s” are dotted and “T’s” are crossed before heading to a settlement, my good friend, Alice, is busy helping and creating behind the scenes for my Blog.  I wanted to provide my followers with original ideas for Thanksgiving decorating.  Alice Flint has been involved in floral design for years, so I naturally asked her to come up with some clever creations for my Blog.  Not only does Alice enjoy the creative process but also loves to produce something from little money spent.  This time of year provides us with leftover pumpkins, pinecones, dried plant material, and beautiful evergreen leaves, all of which Alice incorporated into her Thanksgiving displays.  Often in the woods walking her dogs she foraged many pinecone varieties to use in her arrangements, I honestly didn’t know that there were that many around here.  A quick run to Michaels for spray paint and oasis, gathering up containers that she already owns, and clipping various greenery from her backyard she made 4 designs that will be displayed throughout her home this Thanksgiving.  Take a look at her process and be inspired in your own home this Holiday.  

Wishing you and your family a wonderful and joyful Thanksgiving.

ARRANGEMENT  NO. 1

ARRANGEMENT  NO. 2

           

ARRANGEMENT  NO. 3

                               

 ARRANGEMENT  NO. 4

Nook and Cranny, Nik and Nak, This and That - PART 2

the treasure hunt continues...

As mentioned in my previous Blog – Nook and Cranny, Nik and Nak, This and That, I would visit the remaining antique stores in Glenside, Pa.  Late October and Indian Summer day graced my friend and I as we embarked on our continued treasure hunt.  

Potluck Findings

First stop, Potluck Findings, Glenside Ave., an antique store that features new and old stained glass in the large front windows.  Inside the shop the abundance of furniture was awesome, the store is very large and open allowing for the big finds to be viewed and sold easily.  Since I gravitate toward the curios and accessories I focused on shelves, cases, corners, and ledges brimming with collectibles.  Items that caught my eye were cuckoo clocks (true nostalgia), tiny porcelain figures (perfect for vintage style baby’s room display), and old wooden Coca-Cola cases that evoked a backyard BBQ.  

Quite a few of the larger pieces are up-cycled by the owner – breathing new life into them. 

Lori Bilodeau Antiques and Collectibles

We then drove down to Keswick Village and we were delighted by Lori Bilodeau’s Antique and Collectibles.  The inventory was meticulously labeled and arranged creating wonderfully coordinated vignettes.  Lori has a discerning eye and showcases that through her carefully selected stock.  It is always hard to feature any particular items but I LOVED the one of a kind Noah’s Ark, it was remarkable and I would’ve scooped it up if I had a larger budget that day!  Original oil paintings, a beautifully decorated wooden box, gorgeous hand painted Polish pottery, oodles and oodles of glassware and china lined the walls and shelves.  Lori Bilodeau’s Antiques is a wonderfully appointed and curated shop that you can confidently purchase from.  

The Pink Door 

Back in the car we drove back to Glenside Ave. to visit The Pink Door.  At first glance, the shop seems sparse, because of previous experiences with shops that are overflowing with everything…but give this shop a good gander.  The minimalistic display was surprisingly enchanting, lovely mirrors, sparkling chandeliers, cabinets, art work, all very well chosen.  An added bonus, the owner does custom painting of the furniture, too.  She and I struck up a great conversation about a coveted stoneware pottery vessel with a crown and the number 6 on it, a very cool find. 

I might go back for that one! 

 I have to admit we hit all the stores open that day,  revisiting ones from the previous blog and I grabbed up a bunch of goodies.  Best part was that the prices couldn’t be better, the shop owners are very gracious with discounts, you don't have to haggle they just offer great prices!!  You leave feeling as though you just grabbed the brass ring! With the Holidays approaching consider shopping local and present your gift recipients with a one of kind, hand selected, treasure from one these fabulous antique stores!

Visit the Website/Facebook pages of the shops mentioned-

Potluck Findings:  https://www.facebook.com/PotluckFindings/?fref=photo

Lori Bilodeau Antique and Collectibles: http://loribilodeau.com/

The Pink Door: https://www.facebook.com/The-Pink-Door-of-Glenside-381318575223663/?fref=ts

Attention all Ballard Design Shoppers!

photo from Ballard Design Instagram @ballarddesigns_kop

The sixth store in the US is right here in King of Prussia.  Ballard Designs opened it’s doors to a “invitation only” crowd of eager shoppers last night.  BD is located in the newly renovated “Court” side of the King of Prussia Mall on the first floor right next to Macy’s. First appearances were great, the store’s façade is beautiful and sophisticated, in all black.  Upon entering the party, everyone received a free burlap and glitter tote to load up with goodies while sipping wine and tasting butlered hors d'oeuvres.  The store was bustling with excitement of customers freed from the catalogued pages snatching up all the wares in person.  I could tell everyone was curious to see all the merchandise in real life and it didn’t disappoint. My friend and I planned our attack, we divided and conquered the store, re-grouped and did it again so that we didn’t miss anything. 

Design Solutions Center at BD in King of Prussia - photo courtesy of @ballarddesigns_kop

European inspired, beautiful and tasteful furniture is Ballard Designs’ reputation with customized options for many of its' upholstered pieces.  They offer free design consultation at the Design Solutions Center (mid store), with a knowledgable and super friendly sales force there to take care of all your inquires. Many have shopped the pages of “Ballard’s” catalogue for years, trusting the products would delight as they are portrayed in the glossy pictures.  There is no more guessing and no more crossing your fingers hoping the colors and goods will match your interior.  Now you can tote your swatches and lay them out and with a little help from a Ballard team member you can select a perfect compliment for your abode.  I wish I had brought my list for the Holidays because the store is brimming with décor and gifts, the only problem was I kept thinking of what I wanted.  I did walk away with a gift for someone and one for myself…I see a trend starting.  I am looking forward to shopping for my home in the future and finding some more treasures for gift giving.  King of Prussia is definitely shaping up to be a haven for home shoppers, another addition directly above Ballard Design is Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams and it is set to open soon, hope they have a lovely preview bash just like Ballard Designs.

photo courtesy of @ballarddesigns_kop

Eating Local - BYOBs are your best bet!

Nothing is better than grabbing your favorite wine and heading out to enjoy a scrumptious meal from any one of these wonderful BYOB restaurants.  The relaxed down home atmosphere, knowledgeable wait staff, and attention to locally grown and sourced food is the norm for these establishments.  No wonder there is a cult-like following to them.  Many chefs bring their family recipes to the table for all to enjoy.   I love the unique settings, train stations, converted homes, little storefronts on otherwise inconspicuous streets.  It is almost like a fantastic game of “hide and go seek” finding these gems.  Once you are there and the cork is popped prepare for a feast like no other, literally, they are one of kind and each has carved out it’s own niche in the foodie community.  The passion spills out onto the plate and your tastebuds travel to cuisine from regions around the globe.  Your dinner becomes a journey and destination all in one.  And the bonus is you didn’t even have to pull out your passport.  Go explore and enjoy these wonderful establishments and join the BYOB cult!

These are a few of my favorite ones…

This list is just scratching the surface…

Trax (Ambler)

Located in the previous Ambler Train Station.

The organic food is locally sourced resulting in a seasonal menu.

  Host to the Ambler Farmers Market and farm-to-table café, serving up breakfast during the farmers market.

Bocelli’s (Blue Bell)

Located at the previous Gwynedd Train Station.

Traditional Italian fare, the garlic lures you in and keeps you in a food trance during your meal.  Traditional Italian cuisine is consistently prepared. 

Arugala (Plymouth Meeting)

Sister to Arugala in Huntingdon Valley restaurant-located in

Cold Point Village.  Modern Italian simply prepared dishes influenced from the  Amalfi Coast.  Using grass fed beef, free ranged chicken, hand made pasta.  They specialize in table side fish presentation.

Tratorria Totaro (Conshohocken)

A very friendly family run restaurant specializing in gorgeous and savory Italian dishes. They host a Game Night preparing Venison, Quail, Wild Boar etc… creating a unique dining experience like no other in the area.

TreVi(Glenside)

Italian cuisine – all homemade, a great place to bring the whole family.  The pizza is the BEST in the area and many flock to TreVi’s doors time and time again for the perfect pizza pie.

Zakes (Ft. Washington)

American fusion cuisine, set in a restored roadhouse in the middle of Ft. Washington. Brunch seems to be one of the most popular meals at Zakes but they serve all meals.  Enjoy the beautifully prepared and presented meals – but you must leave room for dessert.  The bakery case is bursting with home made delights. 

Arpeggio (Spring House)

This neighborhood restaurant serves up Pizza and fabulous Mediterranean dishes out of the two wood burning ovens, one of kind in the area.

Creating unique dishes with this cooking method further enhancing the food's flavors.

Neighborhood Spotlight - Ambler, Pa.

The iconic Ambler Movie Theater

Another one of Montgomery County’s little gems sits along the banks of the Wissahickon, an old “picnic” destination for the city folks, back in the day.  The Wissahickon Train stop (now Ambler) opened in 1855, and when it did, a town was born.  Strolling along Butler Pike, Main Street, and a handful of other avenues a feeling of nostalgia comes over you.  Beautiful architectural buildings are still the focal points along the way.  The town is rich in the arts, the old Ambler Theater looks over the borough proudly and an active live theater (Act II) is just down the block.  In Ambler the cuisine is as diverse as it is divine.  It is literally a melting pot of fare, your tastebuds will never be bored in this town.  And the variety doesn’t end, BYOB’s are numerous, there is an upscale steakhouse, a critically acclaimed indian restaurant, authentic italian, a microbrewery, BBQ, mediterranean, mexican, and a wine bar, to name a few. See a full list of Ambler's dining.

Quite a few retailers are scattered among the salons, coffee and pastry shops.  The unified Ambler Main Street organizes many events through the year: Make it Thursdays (shops and restaurant stay open late), First Friday’s, Oktoberfest, Farmer’s Market, a bi-annual Restaurant Week, 1^st Annual Bike Race, Holiday and Halloween Parades and the list goes on.  I guess you could say there is something for everyone in Ambler.  A full list of Ambler's events can be seen on it's website.

Deck's Hardware on Main Street - Est. 1908

And the community spirit spreads beyond the main drag.  Ambler can boast that its' Wissahickon High School was just ranked 15^th in the state positioning itself above the famous Lower Merion School District in the affluent Main Line.  The passion for neighborhood and quality of life are reflected in the thriving academics.  Obviously the focus is on the next generation’s success which, in turn, will benefit Ambler. With all this success you would think the taxes would be high, but not the case. A proposal for building a new high school was declined a few years ago, furthering the "little town that could" attitude.  A down home approach to community, education, and lifestyle makes Ambler, Pa. a nice place to stop and stay. 

• More info on Ambler's Business District - http://amblermainstreet.org/
• Wissahickon School District - http://www.wsdweb.org/
• More about Ambler's community- including homes for sale http://www.classictowns.org/ambler/#business-economy
• And always stay up to date by liking them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ambler.main.street