A Real Bakery and Eatery

I recently sampled a selection of delectable, scrumptious, wonderfully delicious baked goods at Market Roost on Main Street.  Baked goods is probably not the right word for what I found.

I didn't know quite what to expect at this combination of fine pastry shop, eatery, and caterer.   My daughter was arriving home for spring break and I thought it would be the perfect excuse to grab a few treats.  After all, the poor dear must be famished.

I'm half Italian and really have a soft spot for canolis.  These look gorgeous!

I did't actually get the canoli because I'd been dying to try their creation called the Cronut.

I also grabbed a few of these Linzer tarts and some Carrot Cake to round out our dessert indulgence.  While I was there Carol was slicing up some kind of a brandy spice cake? or was it rum?  

It looked soooo good!

In fact everything looked like it was straight out of a magazine foodie shoot.  Carol and Norman Todd are the owners and hosts of Market Roost.  Carol is a Master Pastry Chef.

The interior reminds me of a French street cafe complete with market umbrella.

The large wood sideboard adds extra charm and warmth to the room.

Chef Norman, who is a Culinary Institute graduate, seems to really enjoy cooking and everything in the case looks super delicious. 

The Bistro Pizza looks so tasty.  I can't wait to go back and try some of the lunches and entrees.  Restaurant Week in Flemington starts next week and will be the perfect opportunity for a lunch out.

This chowder looks wonderful too.

Market Roost was  listed as one of NJ's Best Breakfasts this past January.  Hello Egg's Benedict!  yum...

You can really tell that Carol and Norman take great pride in their establishment.  Fresh flowers were everything and there's even a nice selection of accoutrements for your next gathering or hostess gift. 

So how were the Cronuts?

  

All I can say is that though this may have been my first Cronut, it will most certainly not be my last.  Carol told me to warm them in the oven briefly prior to serving. 

 They were quite simply the most divine, buttery, warm goodness.  In fact the description I gave my neighbor prompted her to run right over to Market Roost the next day.

 No trans fats or cookie cutter store bought cake here.  This is a fine pastry establishment.

  I wish I had taken a picture of the dessert plate before it was all polished off!  It was Simply Superb!

Flemington Arts and Great Greens

I popped in to The Somi Fine Art Gallery this weekend and I was so glad I did.  They just happened to be having an art opening for the work of Ann DeCamp later that day.

What a stroke of luck!

Ann's show was highlighted in the New York Times.

Her photographs are so full of life and color.   The name of the show is Havana: Rhythms of Life in Cuba.  I highly recommend visiting the gallery to see her works.  They also happen to be quite affordable.  

In fact I found many pieces of artwork that were beautiful and within my budget.  Do you ever find art galleries to be just a bit intimidating with art works priced higher than your car?

Somi is nothing like that and has a warm and welcoming atmosphere.  It felt like a wonderful little museum.  I'm still yearning for this little gem by Nancy Zarbock.

I also really love these pieces made by an Italian artist being featured inside the old kiln.

It's so much fun stepping inside the old kiln.  It feels quite magical, and the echo is great.    You must stand right in the center and look up.

This painting by artist Cara London is as fresh as a summer's day.  Art just makes you feel good and this one says relax and enjoy the sunshine to  me.

I fell in love with this guy by Dorothy Fine.  He has a certain je ne sais quoi, don't you think? 

You could design a whole room around this gorgeous painting by Tracy Fitzgerald.  So alive, it's definitely a room maker.

via pinterest

Somi also has a new artist C. Aubrey McWatt to stop in and see.  I'm adding Somi and the farmer's market to my weekly itinerary. 

The place was hoppin last Saturday!  The music was playing and there was a great selection of both edible and non edible local goods.  I felt like I had a nice little vacation right in my own backyard.  People were smiling and little kids were eating greens right out of the bag!  

I felt quite satisfied with my visit and proceeded to enjoy my fresh greens and delicious yogurt right out of the tub, yum.  

If you're at loose ends on a Saturday head over to the Stangl Market.

The Arts are Alive

and

so are the Greens!

What's a Stangl?

I was out and about with my best friend for a little shopping this weekend and decided to take her over to Blue Sky Boutique located at Stangl Factory.  

As we were driving up Beth said "What's a Stangl"? 
I just laughed.

We really enjoyed the factory atmosphere and vibe of Blue Sky, and my friend even went home with a few goodies.  She got a great top with leather accents that I'm so jealous of.   Hmmm, I may have to borrow that one.

We also stopped in for Second Sunday held, you guessed it, the second Sunday of each month.

I really enjoyed the pottery made by Steve of Gyldcraft.  This tray is made using an impression of an antique register grate.

Steve has been making pottery for about two years and trained at Kissimmee River Pottery also located at the Stangl Factory.

The organic look of these vases is wonderful.

Steve had me just about convinced I needed a new hobby by the time I walked away.

These leather bracelets made by Jersey Featherheads are great for summer, t-shirts, and Converse!

I wish I had a better picture of these photographs turned artwork made by Donna Herrmann.    The picture does not portray the luminosity and beauty of these photographs transferred to stainless steel.   The way the stainless shows through makes them really special.  Donna is a professional photographer whose resume' includes many local publications including The Democrat.

Last but not least was this rustic coffee table made by Mustache Jack.  I'd love this tucked up to a white linen sofa with a great modern artwork.  Opposites attract!

Well, we really had a fun afternoon at Stangl Factory.

Next visit will be to the Saturday Farmer's Market and Somi Art Gallery also located at Stangl.

So, now you know Beth, That's A Stangl!

To read more about Stangl History visit their site or better yet visit the factory, It's a cool old building.

The Kids are Alright

Did you know there's an independent DIY music collective in Flemington?    Sounds like a great way to promote music at the grassroots level, a real independent label.
From their website...

Start Something NJ is a music collective and label started in the fall of 2010. We strive to promote music we enjoy made by those who share our outlook on DIY and the punk community. While releasing mainly cassettes and CDs, we have co-released a handful of vinyl and aim to one day be able to put out more records. Every now and then, we print and distribute a zine.

Apparently there's a big punk community out there.   Flemington, NJ’s Casual recently released a split 7″ with Crybaby (PA) as a part of the exciting new Wax Pack Series. The idea behind “Wax Packs” is you collect split 7″s like you would collect trading cards.  Link here.

Now you may be out of the punk loop, not know what a wax pack is, or more into classical, country, folk, or blues but it does my heart good to know these guys are out there doing this kind of creative entrepreneurship.  Plus they all have really nice smiles.

If you're in the mood for a punk show with a little art and a bake sale then get out and show your support for Flemington's own.  

March 29th  - 6 pm

Stangl Factory

50 Stangl Road

Hunterdon County Tricentennial Celebration

The Hunterdon County 300th Tricentennial Committee has been busy organizing a  300th Birthday Parade to take place on March 22nd right down Main Street in Flemington.  That's just a little over two weeks away.  Marching Bands will fill the streets and hopefully bring a little spring to Main Street.  Fireworks are planned for right after the parade, as soon as it gets dark!   

ShopRite of Hunterdon has donated birthday cake, hot chocolate,  whipped cream, and even marshmallows for the event.   Thanks to ShopRite and the Colalillo family!  I really love going to the Flemington ShopRite on a busy Saturday.  I know that sounds crazy and your probably wondering why anyone would want to shop during such a busy time.   In the spirit of living in the moment and enjoying even the mundane task of weekly food shopping there's something special about the Flemington store that makes it so enjoyable.   It's all about Archie!   He's the bona fide town crier of ShopRite who creates a farmer's market feel to what could be a mundane task.  

We love you Archie!  Thanks for making us smile. 

Back to the 300th...

There are going to be lots of great marching bands at the parade.  Who doesn't love a good marching band version of Louie Louie.  Here's a video of the Marching Red Devils, Flemington's own from Hunterdon Central High School.  If you don't want to watch the whole video  pause and slide to minute 5.20 for the more lively marching style band action.  Woo Hoo!  Bring it on!

I don't know about you but I've had enough of winter, snow, and grey skies.  I could use a little hoopla, hot cocoa, and a nice night out on the town.  Let's all keep our fingers crossed for nice weather and melting snow.

See you at the parade!