At the Fernandina Beach Market Place farmers market’s management booth we receive a variety of questions about our vendors. Where do they come from? Do they really produce what they are selling? The short answer is, “Yes! The majority of our vendors grow, harvest, bake, and otherwise produce what they are selling in their booths.” Over the next few weeks, along with the exciting details of the weekend’s farmers’ market, I will be sharing more information about some of our vendors.

Let’s start with Cori and her Pierogi Hut booth. From January through May, Cori makes and brings handmade and packaged Polish Pierogies all the way from her store in Port Royal, South Carolina. What is a pierogi? A pierogi is a crescent shaped, dough dumpling filled with a variety of stuffing that usually includes mashed potatoes and/or cabbage. The origin is widely accepted as Polish, however, they are so similar to other dishes from the Far East, some believe the pierogi originated in Asia. Cori’s popular flavors include Farmers Cheese, Sauerkraut and onion, Mushroom and Onion, Cabbage and Pork, Potato and Cheese, and Bacon, Egg, and Cheese. Occasionally, she will have a specialty pierogi flavor such as blueberry. You can pre-order or reserve your favorite flavored pierogies, directly from Cori, by calling or texting (843) 298-0032.

Another great vendor at the farmers’ market is Catering by Liz Grenamyer. Liz sends at least two employees each week to keep up with the demand of her popular, ready to heat dishes. Her foods are prepared and cooked by Liz and her staff to make sure you are receiving those tasty dishes she is famous for. An extrememly popular caterer, Liz has prepared some special “Super Bowl” dishes for you. Starting Line-up Appetizers available at the farmers market on Saturday, January 6, 2016, include Buffalo Dip, Hot Crab and Artichoke Dip, and Baked Brie with Artichoke. Super Bowls of Soup are Chuck Wagon Chili and Butternut Squash Bisque. Entrees (serves ten) include Sliced Basque Rubbed Beef Tenderloin, or a BBQ Pulled Pork. Side Lines like Macaroni and Cheese, or Twice Baked New Potatoes, or Roasted Broccoli Florets with Bleu Cheese Crumbles are great to bring to any pitch-in dinner. Small and large dessert platters are also available. To pre-order for your Super Bowl Weekend activities call them at (904) 387-8483.

Also available this, and every week, on North Seventh Street is the popular Island Juice and Java booth. They have beverages for you that will quench any thirst. Popular in January is their locally roasted coffee, their hot cocoa made with four chocolates: Belgium, dark chocolate, semi sweet chocolate and milk chocolate, and their chai tea made with fresh mulled spices. Warmer weather brings out their delicious smoothies in a variety of flavors. Owned by Fernandina Beach resident’s Patti and Peter Jubell, Island Juice and Java’s owners and helpers prepare your order on demand, just the way you want it.

Looking for wild caught shrimp? Mayport Shrimper Eddie Chesser, and his wife Debbie, bring fresh, jumbo shrimp to the farmers market every Saturday… and they sell out every Saturday. With the Super Bowl on Sunday, you should pre-order with Debbie by calling (904) 509-3337.