Friday is by far and away the best day to visit the Union Square Greenmarket, less crowds than on Saturdays and some of the purveyours, cheese, wines, vegetables and other fresh produce, fish, meats, and homemade pastries and breads!
I was especially excited to visit yesterday's greenmarket because I had read the past week's New York Magazine's Urban Forager column on Ardith Mae Cheeses and Todd and Shereen Wilcox, a NYC based couple who followed their dreams. Abandoning the hussle and bussle of the daily chaotic life of New York city for a farm in hills of Pennsylvania -- really following their dreams! It is always so inspiring to hear the stories of people like the Wilcoxes who really went for it, decided to truly follow their passions!
Needless to say yesterday was their debut at the Union Square Greenmarket, even though they have been selling in smaller quantities around town at other more neighborhoody greenmarkets, this was their first day out in front of the "big guys." Trust me, they did not disappoint in anyway! All of their cheeses are goat's milk based and each more delish, unique and truly lovingly produced than the last.
They only produce seven different types of cheese but with a small variety comes the opportunity to excel at each and every one. I only tried four of the cheeses and purchased two to enjoy in the comfort of my own home but I will tell you all of their availabilities and truly recommend sneaking away from the office on one Friday to visit Ardith Mae creamery at the Union Square Greenmarket, you won't be disappointed, I guarantee!
Their cheese offerings are as follows:
1. Of course they have the classic fresh chevre, with a few variations available. Creamy, lactic, fresh, fully melting in your mouth, you can't go wrong here.
2. Feta - which I didn't try, but I am sure is fantastic!
3. Doolan - soft rippened, small little rounds of goat cheesey goodness that are apparently firm and nutty. They were sold out of these when I went around lunchtime yesterday, but they sure sound delish!
4. Mammuth - also soft rippened but softer and creamier. These come in hockey puck sized rounds and are the perfect mix of soft tangy lactic-ness with a slight hint of age.
5. Bigelo - Soft rippened and ash coated, their answer to Valencay. This pyramid was somewhat firm from being aged, yet still sweet and tangy and my favorite! I definitely got one of these to take home and enjoy later.
6. Henry - one of their two harder cheeses, this semi-soft raw milk cheese was also sold out but is apparently supposed to be one of their superstars!
7. Bevan - the second of their harder cheeses, this washed rind raw milk cheese was stinky, nutty, buttery, gooey and delish! I couldn't resist bringing home some of this to enjoy with a nice glass of wine.
All in all, you can't go wrong with any of their offerings! Check them out the next time you are in the Union Square Greenmarket on a Friday!
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