It’s the season. Farm season, I mean. And here’s how I say “thank you” to South Jersey’s farm and farmers: with my food at the Tortilla Press Cantina in Pennsauken.
All over South Jersey, restaurants owe a debt of thanks to the farmers who work tirelessly to provide us with fresh produce. And the variety! As the season goes on, we’re privileged to enjoy crispy greens to succulent fruits—oh yes, can you say Jersey tomatoes!?
I can’t help but think, each time I skin, cut and puree one of these delicious items, of the hard work and time that goes into growing everything my customers enjoy when they sit down to a meal at the restaurant.
Springdale Farms in Cherry Hill was one of the first farms to grow Ramapo tomatoes; these delicious but fragile beauties are best enjoyed here in NJ because their beauty comes at a price—we enjoy the hell out of them in NJ, but they don’t travel well cross country.
My good friend Kevin Flaim of Flaim Farms in Vineland was one of the first farms to grow cilantro for me to use in flavoring and seasoning our Mexican influenced dishes.
Oh…did I mention Jersey corn? Yep, all 11 million bushels of it! At Cantina, we grill it in season (not boil it). We get ours weekly at the Collingswood Farmers Market. It doesn’t get any sweeter or better than that. If you haven’t tried it grilled in its ears with a sprinkling of lime and queso cheese, you really haven’t lived, but I digress.
In July, Schober Orchards in Monroeville will begin showing off their sweet Jersey peaches (did you know NJ is the fourth largest exporter of peaches to the nation?)
Right now at the Cantina we’re showcasing Jersey asparagus and strawberries which are both in season. But the season is short, so get some soon!
We’re lucky – and blessed – to live in the incredible Garden State and to work with South Jersey farms to bring this richness and wealth to our tables every year. So, this spring and summer, get your silverware and appetites primed for all the great food coming from our local farms and headed right for your fork.
What are some of your favorite South Jersey farms?
Chef Mark Smith is the owner and Executive Chef of the Tortilla Press Cantina, a Mexican-influenced restaurant located at 7716 Maple Avenue in Pennsauken, NJ.