greenmarket - News - The Coastal Star2024-03-29T05:28:34Zhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/greenmarketDining: Lionfish: New restaurant debuts on Atlantic Avenuehttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/dining-lionfish-new-restaurant-debuts-on-atlantic-avenue2020-10-27T20:00:13.000Z2020-10-27T20:00:13.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8084389255,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}8084389255,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="8084389255?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><em>Lionfish, at 307 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, serves seafood, wagyu beef for meat eaters and vegetarian offerings. <strong>Photo provided by Eric George</strong></em></p>
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<p><strong>By Jan Norris</strong></p>
<p>Lionfish, the coronavirus-delayed seafood restaurant on Atlantic Avenue, has opened to what appears to be capacity, now with restaurant restrictions lifted.</p>
<p><br /> The restaurant, spawned in San Diego, serves up its namesake catch — whole lionfish fried and in ceviche — along with other sustainable seafood choices. Its menu is approachable for all who come, according to Scott Diel, marketing director for the restaurant’s parent company, Clique Hospitality.</p>
<p><br /> “We have wagyu beef for those who want meat, and vegetarian offerings, too. Salads, and small plates to share,” he said.</p>
<p><br /> It’s trendy, leaning toward West Coast U.S. preparations, with Asian flavors mixed in. The thin beef slices are cooked at the table on heated lava rocks.</p>
<p><br /> Catch as catch can, however: The lionfish, a sweet, flaky, non-oily fish, often sells out. “It only has about a 20% yield” — all the chef can get off each bony carcass, says Diel, so it takes a lot of fish to cover the orders.</p>
<p><br /> The invasive fish decimating Florida reefs are easy to catch — spear-fishermen simply swim right up to the slow swimmers — but they are difficult to handle and clean because of their poisonous spines. The market for them is still sparse.</p>
<p><br />Originally set to open in spring, the restaurant was locked down while the virus rules were in place. While on the four-month delay, the principals redesigned the food and decor of Johnny Brown’s, the bar and grill popular with locals that they acquired next door to Lionfish.</p>
<p><br /> During the lockdown, chef Johnny Demartini, a Delray veteran of Max’s Harvest and Death or Glory, worked with managing partner Craig O’Keefe and general manager Sean Fundiller to fine-tune menus, the wine list and staffing to be ready once restrictions were lifted, Diel said.</p>
<p><br /> “We made the decision not to open with a limited menu or takeout — we wanted the guests to get the full experience. We think it was worth waiting.”</p>
<p><br /> The build-out of the former Luigi’s pizzeria transformed the room from a dark, red brick-lined space into a sleek open room with white brick and painted ceiling — one that hides a treasure, Diel said. It’s a vintage Tiffany stained glass semi-dome, covered up, but still intact behind the new decorated ceiling.</p>
<p><br /> Crowds have surprised them, and extra staff was hired to handle diners.</p>
<p><br /> “We didn’t know what to expect,” Diel said. “We were expecting maybe 50 or 60%, but we were packed when we opened.”</p>
<p><br /> People were ready to get out at last, he said, and eager to try the new spot. “Imagine what it’s going to be like once we’re back to more normal circumstances.”<br /> Lionfish, 307 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. Phone 561-639-8700; <a href="http://www.lionfishdelray.com">www.lionfishdelray.com</a>. Open for dinner daily at 4 p.m.; brunch at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday by reservation.</p>
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<p><br /> <br /> Thanksgiving is still iffy for people who choose not to hold big family affairs indoors. Some are planning to move their traditional meals outside — an easy move in South Florida.<br /> Some ideas for holding dinner outdoors:</p>
<p><br /> Don’t fuss. All the fancy linens, china and glassware — use only if you have stable tables, a lot of help to carry it in and out, and trusted hands to do it. Don’t use family heirlooms that are more easily broken in a picnic or poolside setting.</p>
<p><br /> This really is the year to use pretty plastic plates and serving ware (the dollar stores and party stores are great for these) and natural decorations and to keep preparations simple. Do use real flatware. Plastic forks and knives just aren’t adequate.</p>
<p><br /> Have a potluck: An outdoor dine-around is convivial by nature, and most guests like to participate. The host provides the main dish. Consider buying a smoked turkey, or cooking your turkey on the grill. Spatchcock it first (go to YouTube for instructions) to have it done in time. For only a few guests, consider making Cornish hens or a turkey breast. Either way, carve meats at the last minute so they stay warm.</p>
<p><br /> Have help to serve the food individually if a buffet setup is risky for your group.</p>
<p><br /> Prepare for South Florida bugs and have a Plan B for weather: Have covers for your foods to protect them from insects, citronella candles for mosquitoes, and borrow a canopy or big umbrellas to set up under if rain is a threat.</p>
<p><br /> The golden rule: If you’re an invited guest, RSVP and commit as soon as possible. It’s rude to keep a host guessing — especially this year.</p>
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<p><br /> <br /> Thanksgiving is also a big day for restaurants in South Florida, but changes in 2020 may affect how many will serve traditionally.</p>
<p><br /> Some eateries are doing away with the usual buffets, but going for multicourse served meals, set up with outdoor seating.</p>
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<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8084400292,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}8084400292,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="8084400292?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><em> A traditional Thanksgiving meal, turkey with all the trimmings, will be served at The Farmer’s Table in Boca Raton.</em><br /><br /></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8084401092,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}8084401092,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="8084401092?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><em>Diners will find a three-course patio feast at the Boca Raton eatery Nov. 26. Photos provided by The Farmer's Table</em></p>
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<p>The Farmer’s Table in Boca Raton is planning a patio feast, a three-course traditional Thanksgiving meal, inside and outdoors in its courtyard Thanksgiving Day. Choices include those for vegetarians and vegans; cost is $59.95 for adults, $29.95 kids 10 and under. Reservations are required. A takeout dinner for people who want their food at home also is available; visit <a href="http://www.dinefarmerstable.com">www.dinefarmerstable.com</a> for details.</p>
<p><br /> Taru at the Sundy House in Delray Beach also plans Thanksgiving outdoors in its acclaimed garden. Chef James Strine will prepare a Thanksgiving Day “buffet” — served from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Turkey, ham, salmon and prime rib are among the entrees; traditional sides and starters are featured. Cost is $75 for adults; children under 12 are half price. Reservations are suggested through <a href="http://www.sundyhouse.com">www.sundyhouse.com</a>.</p>
<p><br /> Also new at Sundy House is an omakase pop-up called Kojin. It is available for only 10 diners per meal, two seatings per night, Thursday, Friday and Saturday with reservations a must. The chef prepares a dinner with the menu “left up to the chef,” as it is translated from Japanese. The Asian-profile meal is prepared in one of the guest suites on the property. Cost for the dinner is $100 per person, with a $25 deposit required.</p>
<p><br /> Caffe Luna Rosa in Delray Beach will prepare Thanksgiving at its alfresco restaurant on the beach. Chef Ernie DeBlasi will have organic roast turkey and all the trimmings as a menu choice for $29, along with other special entrees as well as the regular menu on Thanksgiving Day. Reservations are strongly suggested; <a href="http://www.caffelunarosa.com">www.caffelunarosa.com</a>.</p>
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<p><br /> <br /> It’s greenmarket time, but COVID-19 has interrupted their schedules and canceled at least one.</p>
<p><br /> Protocols set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and cities will affect how goods are presented, as well. Expect individual sealed samples rather than tastes from communal dishes, if they are offered, and sealed foods will be more prevalent. Market vendors will pack fresh produce for shoppers rather than offering open bins, in some cases.</p>
<p><br /> The Delray Beach GreenMarket, now open, celebrates its 25th season. It’s in Old School Square Park, and the 60-plus vendors are set up to follow all the protocols in place for outdoor gatherings. Masks are encouraged for shopping, as is social distancing. This market is known for its gluten-free offerings among its fresh produce and prepared foods.</p>
<p><br /> The newly named Lake Worth Beach Waterside Farmers Market will reopen Nov. 14. This is its 15th season beside the Lake Avenue bridge at A1A, northeast side. A variety of produce, fresh flowers, baked goods, plants and handcrafted goods are at this dog-friendly market. Breakfast is available on site, and there’s live music, as well.</p>
<p><br /> Emily Lily, coordinator for Boca Raton’s Greenmarket, said this year has proven too iffy to do a market in the fall, and by spring, it’s too late. “It takes a lot of planning,” she said. Organizers decided to suspend the market altogether this season.</p>
<p><br /> While its farm stores will be open, Bedner’s Farm Market in Boynton Beach decided to cancel its fall activities on the farm. “A difficult decision,” its website says, made to protect customers and staff.</p>
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<p><br /> <br /> In brief: Old dogs, new tricks: That’s the move from longtime restaurateur Henry Olmino of Mario’s on Ocean Avenue in Lantana. He recently took the plunge in the middle of the pandemic to open Fire and Ice, a casual spot serving pizza, wings, pastas and other comfort foods at 707 Lake Ave., Lake Worth Beach. Open for dinner daily, and Sunday brunch. ... Meals on Wheels is selling Thanksgiving pies made by area chefs for its annual Pie It Forward fundraiser and has added Delray Beach as a pickup point. Pies are on sale now for $30 and $35. Pickup is Nov. 24 at Duffy’s, 1750 S. Federal Highway, Delray Beach. To order, visit <a href="http://www.mealsonwheelspalmbeaches.org">www.mealsonwheelspalmbeaches.org</a>.</p>
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<p><em>Jan Norris is a food writer who can be reached at nativefla@gmail.com</em></p></div>Greenmarkets: Delray GreenMarket preparing for next season’s 25th anniversaryhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/greenmarkets-delray-greenmarket-preparing-for-next-season-s-25th-2020-04-01T16:00:00.000Z2020-04-01T16:00:00.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960938497,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960938497,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="7960938497?profile=original" /></a><em>Dana Bass, who owns La Paella Chef, serves up steaming hot paella. <strong>Photos by Linda Haase/The Coastal Star</strong></em></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Related Story: <a href="https://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/online-farmers-markets-emerge-as-local-ones-close-down" target="_blank">Online farmers markets</a> emerge as local ones close down</strong></p>
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<p><strong>By Linda Haase</strong><br /> <br /> For years, Lori Nolan and her daughter had a Saturday ritual: They walked to the Delray Beach GreenMarket.</p>
<p><br /> And until the coronavirus came calling, they still reserved Saturdays for the greenmarket — Nolan is the market’s manager; her daughter is a vendor.</p>
<p><br /> While Nolan waits to hear if the summer greenmarket can open, she's planning next season’s winter greenmarket — which is its 25th anniversary. “It’s a shame having to close the market but there was no way around it,” Nolan said. “It is so sad. It’s not only a great place to buy fresh food, it is such a part of the community.”</p>
<p><br /> Nolan is using the downtime to work on planning “special things” for the anniversary.</p>
<p><br /> “We will celebrate all season long with activities, giveaways and several other things. We will be a quarter of a century old and every year it just gets better,” she said.</p>
<p><br /> So what will visitors find when the market reopens?</p>
<p><br /> “It’s a healthy, happy Saturday morning vibe. Coming to the park and shopping at the market is a nice way to start your weekend. You can bring the dog, the kids. You go home with healthy fresh groceries,” Nolan said.</p>
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<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960938893,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960938893,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="7960938893?profile=original" /></a><em>Customers can follow their noses to fresh breads from the French Bakery.</em></p>
<p><br /> The market, which has relocated at least 10 times since it was created in 1996 by the Community Redevelopment Agency, draws big crowds at its current Old School Square Park locale.</p>
<p><br /> “See you next weekend” is an oft-repeated phrase here, as visitors wind their way through the 60-plus vendors selling fresh cut flowers, plants and gourmet fare.</p>
<p><br /> What’s not there? Jewelry, clothes and other items of that ilk.</p>
<p><br /> “The market is food- and plant-based. We don’t sell other products. That is not our mission. The vision of the CRA is that we maintain a true farmer’s market,” explained Nolan.</p>
<p><br /> Arrive when the market opens at 9 a.m., pick up an instrument and join the two-hour family music circle.</p>
<p><br /> “It gets jamming over there and the playground is also right there. It’s a kids’ dream on Saturday morning,” said Nolan.<br /> Live music continues all day — another band plays from 11 a.m. until the market’s 2 p.m. closing.</p>
<p><br /> The event is nirvana for foodies, who can savor Italian, Cuban, Peruvian, Mexican, American and other tempting cuisine. What's here? Pierogis, paella, açai bowls, crabcakes, arepas, tamales, beans and rice, vegetable spring rolls, smoothies, Italian ices, Hungarian cinnamon horn rolls, and so much more.</p>
<p><br /> There are plenty of places to sit and enjoy the food, but the take-home items are just as tantalizing. Bone broth, homemade granola, fresh seafood, produce, spices galore, salad dressings, chocolate cashew butter, chocolate ginger rooibos tea, meatballs, sausage, pork chops, fresh pasta (gnocchi linguine, squid ink and more), salsa and guacamole, pumpkin bread, cookies of every shape and flavor, the list seems endless.</p>
<p><br /> There’s even a chef’s showcase featuring mini cooking lessons and samples.</p>
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<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960939065,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960939065,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="7960939065?profile=original" /></a><em>Spices include Nigerian and Egyptian mixes, lemon pepper, tandoori and ginger.</em></p>
<p><br /> Signs denoting gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and sugar-free are plentiful here. There’s a reason for that, Nolan explained: “People are food savvy, they want to know where their food is coming from and what’s in it. Many have dietary restrictions. They want to talk to the people who made, grew or produced their food. They can do that here.”</p>
<p><br /> The market is dog-friendly; some vendors cater to canines with food and treats and support dog rescue groups. “People can’t adopt on-site, but I have heard of dogs who have found forever homes after people visiting those booths found out about them,” Nolan said.</p>
<p><br /> It’s just another reason the market is so special.</p>
<p><br /> “I loved the market back when I was a customer. It is my passion now. I have the best job in Delray Beach. And my daughter is still with me on Saturday mornings,” Nolan said.</p></div>Green Markets: Variety is key at Boca Raton’s Saturday markethttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/green-markets-variety-is-key-at-boca-raton-s-saturday-market2020-03-03T19:56:57.000Z2020-03-03T19:56:57.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960931876,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960931876,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-full" alt="7960931876?profile=original" /></a><em>About 40 vendors sell fruits, vegetables and other goods in Boca. <strong>Linda Haase/The Coastal Star</strong></em></p>
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<p><strong>By Linda Haase</strong></p>
<p>Anyone who knows Emily Lilly can tell you where she spends Saturday mornings from November to early May.</p>
<p><br /> It’s the same place she’s been for the past 23 years — the Boca Raton Greenmarket. Lilly, who has been the manager since the venture began, is dedicated to bringing farm-to-table produce, artisan products, delicious food — and more — to customers in a fun, relaxed ambiance.</p>
<p><br /> The market, which runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through May 9, has a sweet spot at the Boca Raton City Hall grounds, where it relocated after 20 years at Royal Palm Place. There are plenty of trees to provide shade and a stage-like area for musical entertainment.</p>
<p><br /> Variety is key at this market, which has about 40 vendors, says Lilly. In other words, expect the unexpected. Looking for cranberry beans? They’re front and center, along with more than 80 kinds of herbs and spices, lemon peel strips, made-to-order guacamole, jackfruit, gargantuan carrots, truffle burrata, aromatherapy necklaces, organic butterfly pea flower tea and even root beer-float-flavored finishing butter. (Mix it with sriracha and simple syrup for a to-die-for glaze for chicken wings, ham or ribs.)</p>
<p><br /> Be sure to stop by the Broward Beekeepers Association booth, where experts share information on the importance and quirks of bees. (Who knew honeybees have two stomachs or that a queen bee can lay more than 2,000 eggs a day?)</p>
<p><br /> Arrive early and join the free one-hour yoga class, then cool off with coconut water served inside the freshly carved out fruit. Wander around and you’ll discover lush flowers and plants, Mediterranean food, nuts galore, fresh-squeezed juice and more, including a soothing hand wash at the La Cure booth.</p>
<p><br /> Expect a line at “the fish guy” booth, where customers exchange recipes and pleasantries while waiting up to 30 minutes for the coveted smoked fish dip, stone crab claws, homemade mustard sauce, fresh fish and other ocean delights. The market began with a mission, explains Lilly: “to offer produce from farm-to-table with nothing in between.” It evolved, adding local artisans showcasing their products, music and more.</p>
<p><br /> Now, it’s also a Saturday morning destination for the entire family, including the family pup. As for the future? Lilly has one desire. “I’d love better weather on Saturdays. This year it has been horrendous. It does not make for a good outdoor venture.”</p>
<p><br /><strong>New Sunday market</strong></p>
<p>Can’t get to the greenmarket on Saturdays? Or want to double your weekend fun? Head to the newly opened Florida Fresh Market at Mizner Park from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. The market may continue year-round, organizers say. At the south end of the center, between Lord & Taylor and Yard House, the market features a fresh produce center along with local vendors highlighting prepared foods, jams and jellies, breads, local honeys, unique artisan items and more.</p>
<p><br /> “We are excited to offer our guests yet another reason to visit Mizner Park,” says general manager Dana Romanelli Schearer. “With our many offerings and beautiful outdoor space, Mizner Park lends itself to Florida Fresh Market events, especially during the milder South Florida months.”</p></div>Boca Raton: GreenMarket moves to roomier space with more parkinghttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/boca-raton-greenmarket-moves-to-roomier-space-with-more-parking2019-01-02T16:42:48.000Z2019-01-02T16:42:48.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960833655,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960833655,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="7960833655?profile=original" /></a><em>Jan Mosley of Boca Raton buys orchids from Estela’s at the Boca Raton GreenMarket last month at its new spot north of City Hall. Alfonso Funkhouser, owner Maria Estela’s grandson, gives help. Mosley says she’s a 20-year customer of Estela’s. <strong>Photos by Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star</strong></em></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960833485,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960833485,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-left" width="322" alt="7960833485?profile=original" /></a><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960833100,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960833100,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-right" width="321" alt="7960833100?profile=original" /></a></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;"><em>Boca Raton resident Esteud Salas and her grandson, Mario Garcia, select greens from Miss Greg’s produce (right).</em> <strong><br /></strong></p>
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<p><strong>By Steve Plunkett</strong></p>
<p>The Boca Raton GreenMarket has ended its 22-year run at Royal Palm Place and taken up new digs in the parking lot north of City Hall.<br />Growing resentment over scarce parking downtown led to the move away from the shopping strip on Southeast Mizner Boulevard.<br />“Some of the businesses there suggested that while it’s a great event, it really does kind of mess up their parking on Saturdays,” Assistant City Manager Mike Woika said.<br />The City Hall lot has “plenty of room, plenty of parking,” Woika said. “We can use the Community Center for facilities.”<br />Shoppers can park in the lots west of City Hall and the Community Center. Overflow parking is available across Northwest Second Avenue at the Building Administration building and the Downtown Library.<br />Downtown residents who used to walk to Royal Palm Place can catch a ride to City Hall on the free Round the Town electric shuttles.<br />Mayor Scott Singer said the green market’s new location could change parking patterns in Boca Raton.<br />“It actually might get people in the habit of parking over at City Hall and then frequenting other downtown businesses,” Singer said.<br />The green market relocated the first weekend in December, catching some customers by surprise. But the reaction from shoppers and vendors since then has been enthusiastic, market founder and manager Emily Lilly said.<br />“It’s like we just picked up from one place and plopped it down in another place,” Lilly said. “It’s the parking that makes the difference.”<br />The market’s more than 40 vendors offer locally grown foods, plants, specialty items, prepared foods, seafood, bakery products, orchids, fresh flowers, coffee and teas, soaps and lotions, fresh juices, shells and live music. It’s open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. through May 11. City Hall is at 201 W. Palmetto Park Road.</p></div>Lantana: New greenmarket debuts in Bicentennial Parkhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/lantana-new-greenmarket-debuts-in-bicentennial-park2017-11-01T18:30:03.000Z2017-11-01T18:30:03.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p><strong>By Mary Thurwachter</strong><br /><br /> Local greenmarket aficionados won’t have to wait for the weekend to shop for homegrown veggies, fruits and flowers. Beginning in November, Lantana’s Bicentennial Park will be home to the newest greenmarket in the county.<br /> The Lantana Town Council gave two big green thumbs up to the plan, bringing the event to the park each Wednesday from 2 p.m. to sunset. The market will have about 20 booths.<br /> “People will come shop and stroll and then likely head over to the Old Key Lime House or another restaurant on Ocean Avenue for dinner,” said Jason Hershin, a representative of Whoduz Inc., the company putting on the event. He said the company didn’t want to have the event on weekends because there would be too much competition.<br /> The company agreed to the town’s rules: No driving or parking on the grass; no smoking on site; no stakes in the ground; loading and unloading on concrete only, parking restrictions and setup times.<br /> Whoduz agreed to pay a $500 security deposit, make arrangements for event logistics such as vendor and customer parking and lighting at the park.<br /> “Will you pick up any garbage before you leave?” asked council member Ed Shropshire.”<br /> “We will leave it as we found it,” Hershin agreed.<br /> “This market goes hand-in-hand with our small-town approach to family and it gets thumbs up from me,” said resident Lyn Tate. “I think we have a population that would enjoy a mid-week market and early dinner. It sounds like the company will take the necessary precautions as to not disturb our park’s grass and they seemed to be ready to fix anything that may be disturbed holding the market at Bicentennial Park.”</p></div>Delray Beach: Bike valet makes GreenMarket shopping wheel convenienthttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/delray-beach-bike-valet-makes-greenmarket-shopping-wheel-convenie2015-04-01T17:21:28.000Z2015-04-01T17:21:28.000ZChris Felkerhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/ChrisFelker<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960575087,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960575087,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="360" alt="7960575087?profile=original" /></a><em>\Rinah Karson of Delray Beach holds her bicycle valet ticket that was distributed by Human Powered Delray.</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960576679,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960576679,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="315" alt="7960576679?profile=original" /></a></em><em>Barbara and Norman Iverson, Delray Beach residents, load up their bikes with groceries from the farmer’s market.</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960576498,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960576498,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="360" alt="7960576498?profile=original" /></a>Patrick Halliday and Jim Chard of Human Powered Delray set up on the southeast corner</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>of the Delray Beach GreenMarket and hand out valet tickets and little backpacks that people can use</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>to carry the things they bought at the market.</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Photos by Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align:left;"><strong>By Rich Pollack<br /><br /></strong> Seasonal resident Bill Bannon had just ridden his bike to Delray Beach’s GreenMarket when he discovered not only an abundance of bike rack space available but also free valet parking — for his bicycle. <br /> “I never heard of valet parking for a bicycle,” he said. “I thought it was a joke.” <br /> But valet parking for bicycles is serious business to the folks at Human Powered Delray — the nonprofit organization providing the service at the Saturday morning market since the season began in October.<br /> “People weren’t riding their bikes to the GreenMarket because there were only limited bike racks,” says Jim Chard, chairman of Human Powered Delray and strong advocate of seeing more pedestrians and bicycle riders in the city’s downtown area. “Many people didn’t even know there were bike racks.” <br /> Now, thanks to Human Powered Delray’s free bike valet service, riders don’t have to worry about finding a bike rack. They don’t even have to worry about locking their bikes. <br /> Instead, all they have to do is pull into a cordoned-off area at the southeast side of the market and check in with one of the attendants. Bicyclists can then pull their bikes into one of the vacant spots in bike racks provided by either the city or by Richwagen’s Bike & Sport. <br /> A valet ticket is placed on the seat and riders receive a card that gives them special consideration with some GreenMarkets vendors.<br /> In addition, Human Powered Delray provides bicyclists with a green cloth bag that doubles as a backpack to carry their purchases.<br /> The valet parking for bicycles program has become popular among many regulars who come to the market each week and don’t have to worry about finding a place where they can hitch their bicycle. <br /> “We have people from 4 years old to 84 years old ride their bicycle here,” says Chard, adding that about 75 percent of those who bike to the GreenMarket on Saturday are regular customers. <br /> For many of them, the valet parking offers a convenience that was not available before. <br /> “I love it,” says bicyclist Kim Layzell. “In the past, I would have to lock my bike to a tree. Now I don’t even have to lock it.” <br />Like many of the other bicyclists and the Human Powered Delray member, Layzell would like to see Delray Beach become more bicycle-friendly and safer for bike riders.<br /> “When we talk to people we often hear them say that they’re afraid to bike here,” Chard said. <br /> One goal of Human Powered Delray, Chard says, is to get more people riding their bikes and walking downtown. The group is also advocating for turning alleys in the city into bike and pedestrian pathways to make it safer for people on foot or on two wheels.<br />The free bike valet service, Chard says, is one more way to help Human Powered Delray get its message out.<br /> This month, Human Powered Delray is teaming up with Max’s Social House for a four-week pilot Bike to Brunch program on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. beginning on April 12. <br /> “I’m an avid cyclist and thought it would be great for biking enthusiasts to be able to bike to brunch, have a safe place to leave their bike and enjoy a leisurely brunch at Max’s Social House,” said Dennis Max, co-owner of Max’s Social House.<br /> Bicycle valet parking will be available for the Sunday brunch at no additional cost. <br /> Human Powered Delray will continue operating its valet service at the GreenMarket through May 9, when the market closes for the summer. <br /> That’s good news for GreenMarket regular bikers like Rinah Karson. <br /> “I’m delighted that there’s valet parking for bicycles,” she said. “This is the first time in my life that I’ve ever had my beautiful blue bicycle valet parked by like-minded people.”</p></div>16th Annual Chili Cookoff - Delray Beach GreenMarkethttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/16th-annual-chili-cookoff-delray-beach-greenmarket2013-02-27T19:17:57.000Z2013-02-27T19:17:57.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960426898,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960426898,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="334" alt="7960426898?profile=original" /></a>ABOVE: Shari Dunham (center) and Laura Murray of Delray Beach (right) sample Lantana resident Joe Farrell’s ‘Flying Pig’s Revenge’ chili during the 16th Annual Chili Cook-off on Feb. 16 at Old School Square Park in Delray Beach. <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960427854,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960427854,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="334" alt="7960427854?profile=original" /></a></em></p>
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<p><em>RIGHT: Delray resident Jean Lebrevelec (right) high-fives competitor Farrell after Lebrevelec won ‘chef’s choice’ in the traditional chili category. Lebrevelec also won ‘people’s choice.’ Photos by Kurtis Boggs/The Coastal Star</em></p></div>