Audubon’s Hottest Give Us The Dish on Monday Night Magic

 
Sure there is a lot of glitz and glam surrounding local food systems, but we decided to move past that, dig a little deeper to learn about the nitty gritty that makes a good farmers’ market.  We thought, “Who better than the Celebs of Audubon to school us on local produce and authentic value-added product?” Read on to discover what gems bring these Audu-hotties out of the limelight and into the market huddle every Monday night from 6-10 pm in front of Stardust Video & Coffee.

Jason Seifer, Motivational Speaker/Social Media Rockstar.

What Does the Market Offer That Keeps You Coming Back Each Week?
Milk, cheese, fish tacos, companionship [editor’s note: Fish Tacos are happening tonight, companionship every night.]
Using the Audubon Park Garden District acronym (APGD), four words that best describe the Monday market?
Audubon People (are) Generally Delightful ; Or All Puns Garner Discontent

Ivy Assiter, Audubon’s Food Wunderkind, works on the weekends, a fact which more or less explains a propensity for having the club goin up on a Tuesday.

What are your go-to items at the market?

Order of Tanta-lizing fish tacos to split with my main squeeze.
Star Juice’s watermelon and mint juice.

The delicious sorcery that is Buttermilk Bakery – ESPECIALLY POP TARTS. (They know their way around some baked goods).

What is the first food you ate in your life?

I want to say carrots, but it was probably Bananas. Or Taco Bell.

Sarah Robinson, Pastor of Audubon Park Covenant Church
Favorite things about the Monday Market, which takes place from 6-10 pm?

Fresh veggies, the Heartsong Natural Soap, St. John River Honey, Isle of Salsa chimichurri sauce, Smiling Bison when they come out [monthly]... and the atmosphere!

Erica Abalos-Hernandez, (A new Mom!) First Lady of Redlight Redlight Craft Beer Parlour

[editor’s note: the following was delivered via text message while Erica fed the baby, meaning she is a multi-tasking boss. And she listens to Tupac, FTW.]

We’re big fans of the fresh fish of Wild Ocean. Also, we always make sure to have royal reds or rock shrimp on hand to spice up any weeknite meal. We’ll grab whatever greens are available for juicing or salads from any of the great growers. Everything always looks so appealing and fresh.

I love the bagels from Orlando Bread, and because I cannot resist sweets, Buttermilk Bakery’s berry pop tarts and the brownies from Flour Life are wondrous.

Yuri Gama, Academic, Urban Studies.

Why Are Farmers’ Markets Important to the community?

First of all, farmers markets are important because it empowers local commerce and neighborhoods due to its visibility. Secondly, they function as public hubs that strengthen a network among dwellers of the region. And third, they have the power of providing healthy food and products that generally we don’t find in corporate markets.

Which grocery items do you like to check off your list at the Audubon Community Market?

I like the diversity of products, and the music attractions. I like that Buttermilk Bakery, the coconut water, and the Orlando compost company.

Check out Yuri’s presentation on the Mid-20th century construction of I-4 and the subsequent relegation of Orlando’s African-American community to the Parramore District. Tuesday, July 28th, Juice Bike HQ. 6:30 pm