November 14th, 2020
Dear shoppers,
When we heard early on in the pandemic that Pie Lady & Son had shuttered we were devastated for the Tyler family and really didn't think we could replace them, at least not for a while. We thought ahead to Thanksgiving and what a loss that would be for our market.
Then, we heard about Leslie Noble, a pie baker in Warwick who, like the original Pie Lady, had started baking & selling pies after a setback. Timing is everything, and that is especially true in the market world. By the time we reached out, her son, Zachary, had left the city and returned home to help with his mom's burgeoning pie business.
A couple of weeks ago, Zachary sent me an email to thank us for the opportunity. He went on to explain why the farmer's market experience is particularly meaningful to him and his family.
"My grandfather was a Holocaust survivor who grew up on a farm in Poland," he said. "His father always gave away produce from the farm to those in need and helped nearby farmers in any way he could as a good mitzvah." When the Nazis invaded Poland these (non-Jewish) farmers took in my grandfather and his sister after his parents were sent to the Ghetto, never to be seen again. These farmers allowed them to sleep in their barns and eventually assisted my grandfather in "getting to America" when he was only 15.
The generosity his grandfather experienced as a child left its mark, said Zachary, and through his own business endeavors, his grandfather, who recently passed away, was able to house the homeless and donated food and money to those in need whenever he could.
Apparently, it's in the genes. "We bake extra pies every week to donate to our local food pantries, hospitals, and those in need of wholesome foods," says Zachary. And then, he asked if we knew of any local pantries on this side of the river "so we can send pies their way."
Noble Pies will be taking pie orders for Thanksgiving at the market this week and online through NEXT Wednesday, Nov. 18th They will be delivering the pies to Hastings on Wednesday, Nov. 25th
And, just to whet your appetite for the big holiday, this week they are bringing a Thanksgiving pie which basically is filled with everything you could expect to find on your holiday table: turkey, mashed sweet potatoes, stuffing, and, yes, cranberries.
Other things to look for this week: Leila's Crepe Station returns by popular demand! They will be stationed outside the market so you can pick up your crepe after you shop.
American Bow Knife, selling hand-crafted wooden bowls, bread slicers with wooden handles, and mezzaluna for easy chopping - just in time!
Wil-Hi Farm is coming for the last time this summer season. In addition to various cuts of lamb from Merguez sausage to shanks, they are bringing skeins of Merino wool in stunning colors. This would be. a good winter to take up knitting! Why not pick up one of their cozy sheepskins to "hygge" up your home this winter.
Stock up on garlic and shallots this week lest you forget them next week!
And for the perfect market snack in between Zoom sessions: honey crisp apples and a slice (or two or three) of Cooperstown Cheese Co.
See you at the market!