New Vendors Join Westfield Farmers Market

As promised, the Westfield Farmers Market is gaining momentum as the season gets underway. Joining this year’s new vendors, Sutton Family Farms and JD Gourmet, are Taqueria Authentica and Shonna’s Sweet Bites.

Offering fresh Mex tacos that have been a hit at the Summit Farmer's Market, the Bloomfield-based Taqueria Authentica features the following among its many items:

Carnitas - slow cooked pork with caramelized orange peel, 
salsa verde                                                

Pollo - grilled chicken breast with pico de gallo, 
crema Mexicana                                              

Carne Asada - grilled skirt steak with salsa verde          

Street-style Zucchini – with corn, poblano, tomatoes, crema,
queso fresco (vegetarian)                                   

Nopalitos – tender cactus with black bean paste, poblano, 
caramelized onion, pico de gallo (vegan); w/queso fresco 
(vegetarian)                                                

Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Heather Robinson said she is pleased to welcome another "newbie" to the market: Shonna's Sweet Bites. The baker will make her debut appearance Saturday.

"I am very happy about Shonna's Sweet Bites, with her delicious homemade cookies and cakes," Robinson said. "She is a busy Maplewood mom of two very little ones, who works in a full-time financial job during the weekdays."

On the company's Facebook page, Shonna writes, "Fresh from my oven, Sweet Bites is your baking solution for any occasion; dinner parties, birthday parties, showers, self indulgence. Sweet Bites offers a wide variety of delectable bites ranging from cookies, tarts, macaroons, cakes and more."

Sutton Family Farms, featuring an assortment of cheeses, yogurts and meats, is also a new addition this season, as is JD Gourmet, purveyor of oils and vinegars. 

While merchants were previously situated in Lot 3 of the South Avenue train station, the market is now set up closer to the intersection of South and Summit Avenues, still within the lot. 

Robinson said she's encouraging the community to start off its weekly shopping at the market and plan meals around its fresh offerings.