Almost two hundred ago, the epicure Brillat Savarin wrote: ”Tell me what you eat and I will tell you who you are.” Because so much of what we eat today is grown in distant lands or on farms committed to the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, it is often difficult to know what we are eating and (physiologically) who we are.
Fortunately, at Boca Farmers Market and Grill, the emphasis is on fruits and vegetables that are locally sourced and organic. The new owners, Jose and Maria Karkour are planning a series of renovations to be completed in the near future. All of their produce is displayed in open stalls and reasonably priced.
If you can’t afford organic, the next best alternative is using locally grown fruits and vegetables. Locally grown produce at Boca Farmers Market doesn’t need to be shrink wrapped or pre-packaged because they are fresher, more nutritious and less apt to spoil than items imported from mega farms located thousands of miles away.
To experience the vitality of quality produce, step over to the restaurant section of the market where Chef Stephanie works her magic in a spacious open kitchen. Freshness is not an issue, because she draws upon the vast inventory of the market.
A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, Orlando, the Chef has refined her skills at Epcot in Disney World, as a personal chef for various clients as well as operating her own business. Her approach is very specific and everything she makes is customizable. She prepares signature dishes that have no added sugars, are low in sodium and gluten free.
Her menu has a number of tempting breakfast/bunch favorites. The Open Face with Hash ($8) brings together fresh eggs prepared as you like them placed over a superb heap of hash browns. Cuts of avocado and tomato ride along side a toasted bagel and a supply of turkey bacon.
The Tuna Wrap ($7) offers a feast of fresh ingredients enlivened by mustard, lime, white balsamic and apple cider vinegar. The inspired Smothered Stuffed Bells ($9) packs mushrooms, onions, carrots, zucchini, celery and rice into a large red bell pepper resting on a base of scrumptious mashed potatoes. Other fresh ingredients and spices make this a formidable dish Taco aficionados will be enthralled by all the flavor Chef Stephanie puts into her Caribbean Tacos ($10) overflowing with cuts of chicken, corn, black beans, quinoa and shredded carrots. Touches of cumin, chili powder and cilantro add just the right of zest. Her homemade Strong Bar crafted from thirteen scrumptious natural ingredients is the perfect dessert ending.
Boca Farmers Market and Grill has a huge assortment of quality products for your home and your grill. Chef Stephanie offers gourmet meal plans, delivery, take out and catering. Visit her website at www.bestrongeatstrong.com.
1949 Northwest 2nd Av.