Greensboro Daily Photo

SPROUTS Has Sprouted in Greensboro

SPROUTS Farmers Market has opened in Greensboro this week. Based out of Arizona, the company opened its first store in 2002. They have more than 300 stores and the above in their fifth in North Carolina. The store is located on Battleground Avenue at Westridge, in the same plaza with Kohl's and Planet Fitness. Yesterday, Sprouts was packed and the parking lot was more crowded than it has been in recent history. Sprouts specializes in fresh produce and organic foods. They are making a commitment to be "Zero Waste" by 2020. A noticeable difference inside the store is the open floor plan. For much of the floor space, you can see across aisles, until you get to the taller isles at the side of the store, back by the frozen foods, which, by the way, are all 20% off at the moment.

The grocery store options in Greensboro will have just about doubled once Trader Joe's and Publix move into the market here. How do you decide where to shop for groceries? Do you use a dedicated grocery store or a big box store? What draws you in? Weekly sales? Earning points for discounts on gas? Organic? Are you loyal to one or do you store hop? Regardless, if you get a chance, stop by SPROUTS this week. The  energy there this week is so positive and the sales are great. Employees have been well trained and they are plentiful. They have brought employees from other states to ensure the opening is smooth. Everything is picture perfect and even shoppers seem happy. Let's hope they can sustain all of this great energy. 

Sir Charles- Grateful, Loves Jesus

Every Saturday morning, Sir Charles Shepperd Jr. can be found, with his wife Carmen, at the Greensboro Curb Market on Yanceyville selling the sauces he perfected. From sweet and mild to spicy and kicking, there is a sauce for everyone. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Charles settled in Greensboro after moving around in the mid-west pursuing a career in sports. He loves interacting with customers and is very open about the life events that lead him to Greensboro and how his relationship with God deepened. 

In 2013, Charles had a heart attack and his heart stopped beating for 45 minutes. Carmen found him unresponsive on their bedroom floor. She called 911 and they coached her through trying to revive him until they could get there to take over. Charles tells of seeing bright lights and feeling like his life had ended before he was revived. That experience deepened his faith and he wears his feeling on his chest and on his head: Grateful and Heart Jesus. Churches and other faith based spaces are only as strong as the people who inhabit them and, while the farmers' market is not a church, people like Sir Charles and Queen Carmen bring joy to so many people. And yes, the sauces are delicious. You can try them as they are generous with samples, smiles, and encouraging words. Happy Sunday!

Smith Street Diner

The Smith Street Diner boasts serving breakfast all day long, eight days a week. The locally-owned diner opened in 2005,  serving fabulous, homemade food. It is getting harder and harder to find a good, fresh breakfast, but not on Smith Street. They are known for their giant biscuits and fresh orange juice. It takes six whole oranges to make one glass of juice; it takes someone with a mighty appetite to finish one of those plate-sized biscuits..

As you can see from the above photo, the counter is a very popular place, especially on weekends. Seating capacity is sixty five, and they don't take reservations. The restaurant actually modeled its business after Robinson's Restaurant, giving the current residents of Greensboro a chance to enjoy the great food, service, and location that Mr. Robinson kept hopping for over two decades. 

Lime Scooters in Lindley Park

Lime scooters are back on the streets of Greensboro. The above photo features a young couple navigating the app and preparing to try them out. This collection of scooters is located at the corner of Walker and Elam. They tried them out and they seemed to work perfectly. Fortunately, in this part of town, there are bike lanes your alternative vehicle safety.

The photo was taken from inside Fishbones Restaurant, where you can sit and watch all of the coming and going along the main intersection of Lindley Park. You can also eat some delicious fish and chips. If  you are so inclined, you can visit one of other nearby establishments to hear music and quench your summer thirst.

Here's to a great first week of June, regardless of where you are and what you are doing this week!

Making Bagels; Making Memories

Some places have windows so you can watch food being made. Biscuitville has a window for watching, as does Bruegger's Bagels. The above photo was taken last week at the Battleground store. (You can see Applebee's peeking through the window). The young man above was working tirelessly making sure the bagels were attended and diligently making sure customers' needs were met. "Well toasted, lightly toasted, light cream cheese, an everything bagel with as much 'everything' as possible." There were so many requests and this worker met them all. 

If you will have children with you this summer, when they are out of school, and you are looking for something to do together, consider taking them to places where you can watch food being prepared. STEM education is such an important part of curricula, and any activity that helps children follow something from concept to completion helps them understand the engineering design process, including making a biscuit or bagel. And when food is involved, getting to eat the finished product is the grand finale. Have a great Memorial Day weekend!

Cafe Europa

Cafe Europa is such a charming place to dine, especially on a warm evening when the weather is perfect for dining outside. The location at the Cultural Arts Center, between LeBauer and Center City Parks is perfect.

You may remember last year how the community rallied to keep the current owner there, someone who has a 16 year history with the establishment that opened in 2000. Before downtown got all of these great public spaces and new apartments, Cafe Europa was a destination. Let's  hope  Jakub Pucilowski and the City of Greensboro continue to work together and Cafe Europa remains for a very long time.

Even though this is a very poor cell phone shot, you can tell that the restaurant has great atmosphere- especially at night. Were O. Henry still alive, Greensboro's little slice of Europe would be a perfect place to get ideas for a short story! 

 

Pizza & Pooch

Pizzeria L'Italiano, located at 219 South Elm Street, has been a downtown institution since 2002. For being such a small shop, they have an extensive menu of Italian food. In the above photo, the owner is busy making pizza on a quiet Saturday as a women walks her big white dog down the street. When you walk with a dog that large, people stop to talk to you. Pooch (probably a labradoodle) and owner were very cheerful and accommodating. 

A downtown is such a dynamic, interesting place, be it Greensboro, or elsewhere. Downtown, people's lives intersect, sometimes without their knowing it. The lady did not seem to be aware of the man making pizza and he did not seem to be aware of her. However, they both caught our eye, and, together in their respective parts of the photo, create nice visual interest. 

Have a happy Monday. Consider taking a walk and seeing what interesting sights come your way. Maybe even stop in Pizzeria L'Italiano and grab a slice of pizza. It is really good.

Food Truck Festival

Today's photo features the Food Truck Festival from Sunday. Elm, Market, and Greene Streets were lined with people and food trucks as far as the eye could see. This event is wonderful for bringing people together, from all walks of life. It is a chance to try new foods. Many of the trucks are affiliated with a brick and mortar store giving customers a chance to visit them later. The Buddhalicious Food Truck in the front of the photo sells Southeast Asian inspired food. You often see their truck parked in Midtown parked across from Red Cinema. 

In the above photo, the Lincoln Financial Group building is featured prominently. It is as if the festival is centered around Greensboro's most iconic skyscraper.

 

Downtown Food Truck Festival!

Yesterday was a glorious day in downtown Greensboro.  The streets were full of people not only enjoying the weather, but also trying out the food of over fifty food trucks. The trucks were set up on Market, Greene, and Elm Streets. The above photo was taken on Market Street across the street from the Lincoln Financial Group's building.

While the trucks are barely visible in the background, what is visible are people out on the streets enjoying the day.  In addition to great food for sale, there were plenty of free activities for children, including this giant Connect 4 game in front of the Stumble Stilskins Sports Bar.

These ever popular food truck festivals are held on Sunday afternoons so that they are not in direct competition with the brick and mortar establishments, many of which are closed on Sundays; although, if you notice, Stumble Stilskins was, indeed open. Hopefully, the day was profitable for them too, as they have great food!

Farmers Curb Market

The above photo was taken at the Farmers Curb Market on Yanceyville Street. Those jams and jellies from Cornerstone Garlic Farm are not only beautiful to look at, they are fabulous to taste. And, oh, they have fantastic names, like Caramel Apple Cider, Jalapeño Garlic, and Watermelon. The warmth of the spring sun shining through them really catches your eye from across the room. The lady in the purple jacket sells plants and moss and has great prices. The birdhouses in the back of the photo are at the stand where local honey is sold, harvested by bees at Guilford College.

If you can, visit one of our local farmers markets this weekend. The experience isn't just about getting great produce, food, and other products. It is also about supporting local people and developing special relationships with them. Whether you are on the list to get duck eggs from Lindley Park, George's special salsa from the Sandy Ridge market, or some garlic powder from Cornerstone at the curb market on Yanceyville, the farmers, cooks, and vendors will get to know you, look forward to seeing you, and even reserve things for you. It is so easy to become a a regular customer.

Speaking of regulars, thank you for being a regular, right here on Greensboro Daily Photo!

Gate City Candy Company

There is a new business downtown, Gate City Candy Company, located at 529 South Elm Street. It is located in the space recently occupied by Glitters.

All was quiet after hours when this photo was taken. However, by day, Dan Weatherington stays busy selling, restocking, and telling customers about his products. Opening a candy store has long been a dream of his. He likes the nostalgia factor, evoking memories of childhood vacations. The candy store store in downtown Lexington and the candy corner at Mast General Store in Winston-Salem have both built quite a following. If you visit Times Square in NYC, the M&M Candy Store is always busy. Speaking of M&Ms, Gate City Candy Company now has 18 flavors of M&Ms. 

Everybody likes candy and fudge. We predict this business will grow and grow. What is your favorite candy? Dan likes talking candy and would surely be interested in hearing about your favorites.

 

*reference and more information, here.

Cindy Farmer Flips Pancakes at Kiwanis Pancake Day

This past Saturday, the Kiwanis Club of High Point held their 41st Annual Pancake Day. The 9am celebrity pancake flipper was Cindy Farmer, Morning News Anchor, on FOX8. Cindy, a Virginia Tech graduate, has been working in TV news since moving to Greensboro in 1990. Her passion is sharing good news about our community, especially the local schools. She is equally passionate about volunteering her time and energy for worthy causes. In the above photo, Cindy is seen masterfully making Micky Mouse pancakes for the children in the pancake line. 

Cindy has won many awards, including an Emmy for Community Service, the Susan G. Komen Lifetime Volunteer Achievement award, The Susan G. Komen Founders Award, and the Howard Coble Citizenship award.* You can tell by the smile on her face that she has a way of lighting up a room with her positive energy and optimism. Thank you, Cindy, for all you do for the community.

*reference and more information, here.

Jake's Billiards

Happy Friday! Do you have any plans for today or this evening? One option is to eat and play pool at Jake's Billiards. Jake's has had several names and locations, but has been firmly established at the Spring Garden Street location since 2002. Jessie and Josh Kirkman have owned it since 2004. They have been working hard to build clientele from all walks of life, people who consider Jake's their go-to place for high quality, affordable food. They also have tv's for sports aficionados and 12 pool tables for players from beginners, to experts, to people who play daily. 

In the above photo, you see a cue ball in motion. Last Saturday, this table of players had just finished watching college basketball and decided to play a few rounds of pool. If you want more information about Jake's, Billy Eye wrote a great article about the establishment in the February edition of O. Henry Magazine. If you go to Jake's, may you play your best game this weekend, whether you are stripes or solids!

Smith Street Diner

Smith Street diner opened on Smith Street in 2005. It is hard to believe that it has already been open for 14 years. The restaurant is known for amazing breakfasts, one of the top 10 breakfast places in North Carolina. Not only is breakfast good here, but you can get it all day long here. Many people rave about the GIANT biscuits and the special recipe French toast; however, some are in love with the freshly squeezed orange juice. It takes six whole oranges to get enough juice for one glass.

Fortunately, they are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with great home-cooked meals, locally sourced as feasible. The opening of Joymongers, the adding of apartments across the street, the baseball stadium half a block away, and the greenway have given Smith Street diner plenty of foot traffic. They stay busy! Happy Friday!

Breadservice at the Corner Market

Today, we're sharing one more photo of the Corner Market at Lindley Park It is so much fun to go there and purchase food. For example, Breadservice was packed this past Saturday, with the baker taking his time to talk to all of his customers. He makes sure that everyone has a sample of bread to try. This past week, the sample was  a cornbread with an extra moist texture. At least one of the wheat breads has 70% wheat that is grown in North Carolina. If you like a seeded bread with a strong fennel taste, Breadservice has the perfect loaf for you.

For such a small space in the parking lot of Sticks and Stones Restaurant at the corner of Walker and Elam, they sure pack in a lot of great, local vendors with great products and plenty of free conversation. Stop by and check it out and, if your neighborhood could use such a market, consider starting one!

King Cake from the French Artisan Bread Bakery!

King cake is something that is eaten between Epiphany on January 6th and Fat Tuesday which, this year, is March 5th. King cake is one of those iconic foods served during Carnival season. You can get king cake at the Corner Market in Lindley Park. As seen in the above photo, the cake is made by the French Artisan Bread Bakery. The made-from-scratch cake is more like a sweet bread with icing and colorful sugar granules on top. If you don't want the giant cake, smaller cinnamon-roll-sized cakes are also available. It is really fun to eat local while honoring traditions celebrated in several countries. Here's to some pre-Lenten, culinary fun!

Krispy Kreme Debuts Conversation Heart Donuts

Necco wafers have been around since before the Civil War and their conversation hearts debuted in 1901. However, the company was recently sold and the current owners could not meet demand for Valentine's Day this year. So, 2019 is the year without conversation hearts. However the Piedmont's own Krispy Kreme Donut Company stepped up to the plate and designed conversation heart donuts. Krispy Kreme opened in Winston Salem in 1937. 

As seen in the above photo, this year's conversation heart donuts really do resemble conversation hearts. The fondant message is edible, too. You can pick the filling of your choice: Cake batter, strawberries and cream, raspberry-filled, and chocolate cream. The donuts debuted two days ago and are proving quite popular with customers. They are available through Valentine's Day. The good news is that conversation hearts will be back in production in 2020. Let's hope Krispy Kreme will continue to offer the conversation heart donuts!

Max & 1618 Midtown

If you are looking for something to do tonight, run, don't walk, to 1618 Midtown in Old Irving Park. Actually, you can simply make a reservation, or even better, snag a seat at the bar. The bartenders are super knowledgeable about everything sold at 1618; they can share the history of the establishment and explain the complex recipes of their food and drink offerings. 1618 Midtown, related to the 1618 Downtown and the one on Friendly Avenue,  was the first place to brand the name "Midtown". 

The above photo features Max Barwick, who won the 2018 national Cocktail Classique with his cockktail, Bitter, Party of One. The rum-based drink evokes island flavors with 1618 Midtown's made-in-house Falernum syrup, plus rum, bitters, lime juice and Absinthe. Max is so typical of the entrepreneurial spirit of the younger generation today. He has been working in the industry since he was 15, learning everything he can about the food and beverage industry, turning his passion into aviable career. Max loves unearthing flavors that pair well together and sharing his knowledge with curious customers.

1618 Midtown exudes that Cheers -bar feeling where, if you want, everybody will know and remember you name in no time. It is refreshing to eat somewhere that is a total experience, not just a place to grab quick bite to eat!

Goodbye 2018!

We close out 2018 with a photo of a young man walking north in the 600 block of South Elm Street, just in front of the Mellow Mushroom. Everything from head to toe, including his Nike backpack, looked brand new, as if Christmas had been good to him.

The 600 block attracts a lot of young people. Some meet up at the Mellow Mushroom. As you can see from the window, it is a visually appealing space and their good pizza is the ultimate food for sharing. Across the street is Elsewhere, a unique museum that attracts young artists from all over the world- literally. The Cat Cafe and the Cafe Genèse also attract a young crowd. Then, also in the south 600 block, is the Social Scene, a place for the latest, "must have" sneaker styles. We wish we'd interviewed the young guy above, however, with street photography, sometimes the photographer doesn't realize how nice the photo is, until sitting down and reviewing the day's photos.

We hope that 2018 has been good to you and that you can walk, as determined as this young man, into the new year!

Vida Pour Tea

If you have any extra time this week, have friends in town,  are seeking a little tranquility between-holidays, or are looking for a way to spend Christmas money, consider heading over to State Street to the little green building. Vida Pour Tea is magical, especially this time of the year under the amber glow of light inside. 

In last January's issue of Our State Magazine, Vida Pour Tea and its proprietor, Sarah Chapman, were featured.* As the article points out, Sarah has a way of helping you find exactly the right tea for you, even if you aren't sure what you want! The little, 1940's building, the color of matcha tea under the evening light, is located very near Gibbs Hundred and the Church Street side of State Street. This special spot is quite unique to Greensboro, maybe even the State.

*read the Our State Magazine article, here.

 

Chez Genèse

Greensboro's newest café, Chez Genèse, is taking South Elm Street by storm. This café employs adults with mental and developmental challenges. The very title, genèse, means genesis or new beginnings. Owner, Kathryn Hubert, is committed to helping people with special challenges enter the workforce at her restaurant. The restaurant serves breakfast and lunch, and caters as well. Indeed, the food is great, featuring many items inspired by the owner's time in France.  

The above photo gives you an idea of the warm, positive vibe at the establishment. If you are anxious to get out of the house or try somewhere new, Chez Genèse, at 616 South Elm, across from Mellow Mushroom, is a great option. Also, it is near the Cat Cafe. So, if you are a cat lover, you could make an appointment to spend an hour with the cats, before or after lunch at Chez Genèse. Greensboro just keeps getting better and better! 

GSO

If you are from Greensboro and travel a lot, you likely know that GSO is the three letter code for the airport here. We've already mentioned that travel is increasing at the airport, flights are being added, and it isn't quite as necessary to fly out of Charlotte or Raleigh. The above photo features one of the airport's eating establishments, The Local @ GSO. HMSHost of Bethesda, MD, has a ten-year, $50 million contract to run the six restaurants at the airport. HMSHost made an effort to give the restaurants a local feel and spent over two million dollars to upgrade them and replace former establishments.* Time permitting, try one of them out. As you see, from the upper right corner of the photo, PTI now has a Starbucks near Gate 27!  

During this last weekend before Christmas, travel is heavy, not only at the airport, but also on the roads. Also, the east coast is a little messy today. Drive safely and, if you celebrate Christmas, may it be everything you want it to be- whether you are in Greensboro or elsewhere!

* reference and more information, here.

Brown-Gardiner in the Snow

Brown-Gardiner bills itself as "The Place to Be", an old-fashioned pharmacy and soda fountain that has served Greensboro for over 59 years. Part pharmacy, part restaurant, part social gathering place, indeed, Brown-Gardiner is an Irving Park institution. When you enter, depending on the time of day, you either smell bacon frying or that subtle medicinal scent of the pharmacies of yesteryear.

Congressman Howard Coble was known to eat here.  When in his Greensboro office, all he had to do was cross the street for lunch. It is highly likely that a lot of community input came his way over the lunch counter. While, unfortunately, Congressman Coble is no longer living, there is every indication that Brown-Gardiner will be around for a very long time. The building at 2101 North Elm Street, with its Carolina blue brick and awning, is even more prominent after a snowstorm. 

 

Westerwood Chili Cook-off

Tis' the season for Brunswick stew, barbecue, and chili. Yesterday was the chili cook-off for the Westerwood neighborhood. Held in Lake Daniel Park by the tennis courts, the Westerwood chili cook-off brought neighbors together to see who could cook the best chili and to build community through eating together.

Westerwood is a downtown neighborhood of 650 homes build around the 1920s, just (you guessed it) WEST of downtown and convenient to everything. The community is full of character, partly due to its beautiful tree lined streets and partly due to the residents who work hard to keep the neighborhood a vibrant, dynamic place to live. As people were eating chili, the Westerwood String Band played old time tunes on their fiddles, banjos, and guitars. It was a perfect fall day for eating chili, listening to live music, and socializing.

If you are looking for a way to bring your own neighborhood together, consider putting on a pot of chili or stew and start inviting. Where there is good food, there will be people. Happy Monday!

Tate Street Festival

The Tate Street Festival was held this past weekend on, you guessed it, Tate Street, just east of UNCG and west of Greensboro College. The weather was perfect and the crowds were respectable. There were booths with crafts and artesania, performers, food stands, and King Banana from Smoothie King. He was such a hardworking, happy person giving people samples of smoothies.

The Tate Street Festival began in 1973, with the primary goal of making people happy.* While the 70s saw many hippies up on the hill, this past Saturday, there were as many families with children as there were hippies. From the Ecuadorian family selling clothing and jewelry from South America to the local students selling their wares, to the person making henna tattoos,-this family friendly event was the perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon, getting away from the aftermath of Hurricane Michael. As for being "happy",  it is not possible to be in a bad mood when someone in a banana costume is smiling and sharing free samples. 

 

*reference and more to read, here.

Pho Hien Vuong

Pho Hien Vuong, the fabulous Vietnamese Restaurant located at 4109 Spring Garden Street was packed, several times over, last night. With so much of Guilford County out of power, people got very creative about finding ways to get a hot meal and out of the dark. This family-owned restaurant has been a Greensboro institution since 1996. The Hien Vuong family cooks are known for recreating the flavors of southeastern Vietnam, using lots of spices, fresh vegetables, and meats, while using very little oil. The kitchen and waitstaff seemed very undaunted by the large parties of guests on a Thursday night. 

Hopefully, everyone is safe today with the power back on. With so many neighborhoods with downed power lines, flooding, and trees blocking roads, there is much work to be done. With the current situation throughout the county, it is best that children are staying put at home- or out eating warm noodles and broth with loved ones.

As ready as Greensboro was for Hurricane Florence, it seems as if Hurricane Michael took the community a little by surprise!

The O. Henry Hotel Complex

Yesterday, the O. Henry Magazine was featured on Greensboro Daily Photo. Today's feature is the O. Henry Hotel and Green Valley Grill. The above photo was taken at the bar, the transition between the hotel and the restaurant. The appointment of the restaurant as a "stand alone" venue, while attached to the hotel, makes it inviting to the public as well as to guests. The whole complex is about as close to the feel of old New York City or Europe as you can get in Greensboro.

On Thursdays at 5:30 pm,  and many Saturdays at 6:30pm, the hotel lobby fills with live jazz music and faithful, local fans who come to enjoy the performance of talented musicians. You can start the evening with cocktails in the bar, dine in the restaurant, listen to jazz music in the lobby, and have the option to spend the night in the hotel for the evening. Yes, Thursdays offer dusk to dawn fun without leaving the property.* The Thursday jazz nights are a favorite with Greensboro locals.

Truly, the O. Henry Hotel complex is complex... in a good way!**

• *read more about Jazz nights, here. 
• **consisting of many different and connected parts.

Hurricane Florence

Greensboro has been relatively spared damage from Hurricane Florence. The weather was pretty mild until last night when the rains rolled in. Those not living in the south simply can't fathom the build up and panic that comes with weather events. Most of Greensboro has been anticipating the wrath of Flo for a week now. School children persistently asked their teachers what was going to happen, especially as they saw their families dashing to the store to purchase storm supplies. 

The above photo of the Starbucks on Battleground (in the Earth Fare plaza) was taken this weekend. Starbucks was open, but not very busy. Since it was remodeled, there is a drive through, a very popular option on stormy days. Since Thursday, many retail stores had shorter hours as fewer people were out on the roads, schools were closed, and many employees didn't have child care. Local universities continue to be closed today to give students an opportunity to return to campus. Before you know it, life will be back to normal in Greensboro and we'll be anticipating snow days. It is hard to believe school children already have days to make up and, technically, it is still summer. Happy Monday!

Indian Festival 2018

August 15th was Independence Day in India and the Indian community in Greensboro celebrated it this past Saturday with a tremendous social event on Landmark Drive. The event, Experience India, was a day of music, art, dance, good food, shopping, and community building. These two young ladies were a fine example of the beautiful costumes dancers wore. We met up with them as they were walking in with their family. They were more than accommodating, explaining about the festival, their dancing, and making sure that we found our way in and felt welcome.

The event was sponsored by the India Association of the Triad, a non-sectarian, non-profit organization, established in 2002. Their main goal is to create awareness and help members maintain connections to Indian cultures and to give people a chance to share their heritage and talent. The above two ladies did so with beauty and grace.

Fishers Grille

Happy Birthday, Fishers Grille. This establishment has been a Fisher Park institution since 1989. It is the 29th birthday to a Greensboro version of the Boston "Cheers" bar. The building, located at 608 North Elm Street, was built in 1927 and, in its original iteration, was a grocery store. In 1940, it became an A&P Supermarket. Over the years, it has been Jay's Deli, a laboratory, a dentist's office, a furniture company, and an antique and consignment store. However, 608 North Elm has found the perfect tenant in Fishers because, in the 91 year history if the building, nothing has lasted as long in this location as Fishers; not nearly as long.

When you combine great service with good food, spirits, plenty of TVs to view sporting events, live music, and you locate yourself in a thriving neighborhood with neighbors who love to walk to an establishment, you have a recipe for success. The above photo is evidence of this success. Last night, live music was in full swing and there was a standing-room-only crowd to celebrate the grille's 29th! That is a long time. Think back to what YOU were doing twenty nine years ago. Yep, that is a long time. Here's to another twenty nine and to celebrating a warm neighborly place where everyone knows everybody's name.

Farmers Market: Tomato Season, For Sure

The farmers markets around Greensboro as just so much fun, we had to post another photo today. Tomatoes are in season and tables and tables of tomatoes can be found. From heirloom to more contemporary varieties, they cost about $2 a pound. There is no excuse to buy hothouse tomatoes when these homegrown varieties are brought to you straight from the field. Watermelons and peaches are still available, too. All weekend long, at the farmers market on Sandy Ridge, people are coming and going stocking up on fresh produce.

Remember, take time to talk to the farmers and vendors. You may even find out that you have mutual friends. North Carolina ranks 7th nationally in tomato production, with around 3,000 acres dedicated to tomatoes in our state. Hendersonville, NC actually holds an annual tomato festival. It is a lot different, however, than the one in Buñol, Spain. For a little humor today, if you don't know about "La Tomatina" click here and learn about this unique holiday. It is not too late to get tickets!

Baby Bolo'z Taste of Cuba Salsa

George Lopez, the REAL George Lopez as he likes to joke about himself, moved to Greensboro ten years ago from New Jersey and before that Cuba. He sets up at the Farmers Market on Sandy Ridge Road every Thursday-Sunday selling his very tasty homemade salsa. George meticulously hand chops the fresh vegetables and uses about six kinds of pepper to give his salsa a good bite, but not a burn. 

In the above photo, you see George with a customer. George is elated because this is a repeat customer, who returned, singing the praises of the salsa. George hands customers a very generous sample plate of salsa with chips, peaches, and a couple of other items to hit home the point that you can put this salsa on everything. It can be cooked it is with rice, even used as a meat marinade. The salsa is a gluten-free, vegan product. You do have to like cilantro as it is the first ingredient in the product. It also contains celery, which gives it a slightly different taste than other salsas on the market. Meeting locals like George is what makes eating local and shopping places like the farmers market a truly special experience.

Chef Chris Scalici at the Greensboro Farmers Market

Earlier this summer, Chef Chris Scalici was doing some demonstration cooking at the Greensboro Farmers Market on Yanceyville Street. Chris is a personal chef, affiliated with Artistic Cuisine Culinary Creations, Custom Catering Service. Chris does great demonstrations and cooks up great food when he is at the farmers market. The events are a win/win. Chris gets more visibility for his catering service and shoppers get to learn about eating local and the concept of market to table food.

While the farmers market is open today beginning at 7am, from 9:00 - noon, the BLT Challenge and Tomato Celebration Day will be held. If you are looking for something to do this morning and like the idea of shopping local, grab some produce bags for shopping and head out to the farmers market. While Chef Chris might not be there, you will not regret spending time with all of the great people, vendors and shoppers alike. If you have been in Greensboro for a will, you will just probably see people you know. Happy Saturday, hope to see you there!

Ghassan's Food Stand at LeBauer Park

Today, we're featuring another photo from the dance event at LeBauer Park on Sunday night. as it was getting dark and beginning to rain, people were still in line determined to get some of Ghassan's great mediterranean food before heading home. About five minutes after this photo was taken, the big white umbrellas were folded up, and the rains came. 

For the downtown parks, food options are many. Of course there is Cafe Europa, the restaurant that has been an anchor in the area before the parks were built. Another option is to bring food and have a picnic. Also, there are two food stands in the park itself, Ghassan's and Porterhouse. Although only one is featured today, both stands are identical in architecture, with a crisp, sleek, modern look. At that magical time when day turns to night, the LeBauer Park area is especially beautiful.

Happy last day of July!

Lindley Elementary Garden

Lindley Elementary School, in the heart of Lindley Park has a garden. Parents and community members help this neighborhood school grow vegetables, a life-skill that the students are likely to remember and carry into the next generation. The parents of Lindley Elementary have a stand at the Corner Market-  at the the corner of Walker and Elam. If your school wants to know more about this homegrown initiative, stop by the Lindley Elementary table on Saturday mornings to get some good ideas and great produce.

Greensboro is getting more and more "keep it local" pop ups. Often they are art related, but as in the case above, they include other purposes, like procuring locally sourced food. Often, the pop ups become well-established and regularly scheduled. To enjoy the Greensboro community this weekend, visit one of our farmers' markets. Even the local, side-of-the-road produce stands are usually staffed by people who love to talk, especially if you like to hear stores about how their gardens are growing! Here's to good eating and building community.

Jake's Diner on North Battleground

There is a new Jake's Diner on North Battleground Avenue, down the road from Wellspring and Kernodle Middle School. It is located in what was formerly the Kentucky Fried Chicken. It is getting harder and harder to find a good home-cooked breakfast and Jake's fits the bill on North Battleground, since the Waffle House, turned Jen's Diner, reincarnated as TESSA closed.

Jake's Diner North has just opened and already Saturday morning breakfasts are packed. They serve the same food at the West Wendover and South Holden locations, but, if you live in the northern part of the city, this location is very convenient. The decor and the staff alike are cheerful. If you like good-old diner food, like steak and eggs for breakfast, and you like a little diner banter between customer and wait staff, you will find Jake's a fun place for breakfast. If you eat alone, sit at the bar and you will get a lot of personal attention, and, since this is the south, you will be able to strike up a good conversation with the people sitting around you.

Picnic in the Garden

This past Saturday in the Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden, a Picnic in the Garden event was held. Mostly, it was an opportunity for people to come purchase food from food trucks and sit in the gardens to eat. It was really hot on Saturday; however, there were plenty of shady places to sit to picnic. The placement of food trucks in the parking lot of the garden brings food to a place where there is none close. Therefore, the food trucks fill a need without directly competing with brick and mortar restaurants.

This casual event is another example of Greensboro's effort to encourage people to get out and take advantage of our lovely public spaces. Greensboro Beautiful has done a tremendous job of planting beautiful flowers in the 7.5 acre garden that opened in 1976 as a way to honor the 200th anniversary of the United States. The more events that are held in the garden, the more people will think of it as a destination and it is a lovely one. BaconEssence and Ghassan's were the two food trucks this weekend. The next picnics in this garden will be held on August 11th and September 8th. 

Taco Mama

Greensboro has a new restaurant, a cantina, Taco Mama. It is located in Irving Park, at the end of the plaza close to Cornwallis. It is located in what was formerly the army-navy store, 3,800 sq. ft. space. Since the space is open, it seems to extend forever. And, with the nice weather, the front windows only have screens in them, bring the outside in. The restaurant has been well received by the public and it really adds to the food options in the area.

Will Haver, the Alabama entrepreneur who opened Taco Mama, is said to pay attention to detail. He uses fresh ingredients and hires people when he finds the right person for the job- even if they aren't looking for someone at the moment. To be sure, he has a recipe that is taking the east coast by storm and Greensboro is the first city in North Carolina to have one. That's right, not Charlotte, not Raleigh; Greensboro, a fact that is, perhaps, indicative of how quickly our community is changing.

Produce Stands and the Flavors of Summer

Produce stands are a summer tradition in the South and they are plentiful in Greensboro this time of year. These side-of-the-road pop ups are a great place to stop and chat a while, unless of course vendors are super busy. By talking to the vendor, you can tell how the growing season has been, what is in season and what is not, and maybe even get some suggestions for recipes. Recently, the above stand has been at the Spears YMCA on Horse Pen Creek Road. Until this past week, they have had strawberries, but strawberries are out of season now. Blueberries and peaches are plentiful. 

The above produce was from Candor (Johnson Peaches if we remember correctly) which is located in Montgomery County. According to the 2010 census, the town of Candor only has 840 residents. However, come the third Saturday in July, which is July 21st this year, all of Candor will be celebrating the peach festival and peach EVERYTHING will be for sale. Until then, in Greensboro, we can all enjoy Candor/Sandhills peaches from the farmers markets and produce stands. Maybe we can even sneak off to Yum Yum to get some ice cream to go with those fresh peaches. By shopping locally, we are reminded that different foods have a season. Oh, the flavors of summer. 

Kona Ice Truck

Summer is upon us and shaved ice and ice cream trucks will be getting lots of business this weekend. The above photo features the Kona ice truck that was parked at the Bur Mil swimming pool the other night. The franchise prides itself on clean trucks, friendly staff, good flavors with an effort to be health conscious. Kona started with one truck in Kentucky in 2007 and is up to nearly 1,000 today. They have even started making their flavors in-house. It would be interesting for them to team up with Greensboro's Mother Murphy's Flavoring Company, in case the need a few thousand more flavors. If you want to channel the inner child in you, try the  FLAVORWAVE with a little bit of all ten flavors.

Enjoy your weekend, with or without shaved ice!