Farmers Market Opens

Brief rain showers on Thursday afternoon couldn't cancel the season opening of Livingston's Farmers Market at the Livingston Town Center shopping plaza. The market, which will be open on Thursday afternoons until the fall, serves as a one-stop shop stocked with lots of fresh fruits, vegetable and other goods.

Returning and new vendors offered local produce from Jersey farms along with homemade bread, mozzarella and pickles.  Also, there were more than 40 types of ravioli and a variety of baked goods to be had, too.

This is the first year the family behind Godlewsky Farm, a third generation farm located in Great Meadows, is participating in the Livingston Farmers Market.

"We are so excited to be here," said one of the family members. "We're a hard-working family, from sun-up to sun-down, and we're excited to share it with the community."

The Godlewsky family grows all produce organically, although they are not yet certified as an organic farm. They were offering a variety of lettuce, cabbage, root vegetables and more.  Most items sold for $2 per bunch. Corn on the cob went for $5 per dozen. There were also hanging flower baskets, for $10 per basket (discounted to $8 if buying multiple baskets). Throughout the season, their produce offerings will vary, depending on what's fresh.

Matarazzo Farm of North Caldwell offered a larger selection of produce, though it is not all grown on their farm. They work with sister farms throughout the state to offer a wider variety. On Thursday, their offerings included bok choy ($2), Swiss chard ($2), rhubarb, lettuces, tomatoes ($2.79/pound), potted herbs, fruit and flowers.

Town Center Property Manager Steven Lee was excited to see the Farmers Market open for business. He said that when the owners asked to move the market to Town Center two years ago, "it was like a lightbulb went off. It just makes so much sense."

Vito Lombardo of High Mountain Foods offered 40 types of ravioli. The most expensive was the lobster ravioli, at $18.99 for two dozen. His mozzarella sold for $7.99 per pound; bread $2 per loaf.

Dr. Pickle, a popular vendor offering pickles, was also on hand (pickles sell for $7/quart, $12/half gallon) and also had marinated mushrooms and peppers, green olives, and sauerkraut availalble (all $5/pint, $9/quart, $16/half gallon).

Local sweet shop "Ain't We Sweet" has been participating in the market for about six years. Owner Pam Mittleman says the foot traffic "could be better" but the Town Center location is definitely an improvement over the original location, behind Walgreens.

First year participant Michelle's Bakery and Cakery of Springfield offered  kosher desserts. A flourless chocolate cake sold for $38; a half-pound of rugelach for $6.50; gluten free cookies were two for $3. A tray of samples sat in the middle of the display, begging to be tried.

The crowd was sparse in the opening hours of the market, and short rain showers  likely kept potential visitors away.  But the market usually grows throughout the season.

One Livingston mom who stopped by around 2 p.m. said she saw the sign on the street and decided to stop by rather than heading to the grocery store.

"It's a treat," she said as she loaded lettuce and beets into her basket, "The produce is so fresh and local, rather than coming in from California or somewhere far. It's great."

The market is open from noon to 6 p.m. on Thursdays during summer and early fall.