Ashland’s Spring Farmers Market Touts New Vendors and Old Favorites

Did you ever dream of traveling to Bali or Java? If you can’t easily get there, no problem! The cuisines of these South Pacific islands have come to Ashland.
The Ashland Farmers Market (AFM), in its indoor spring market on Saturday, April 6, invites you to explore the street foods and spices of Indonesia, thanks to Ashland residents Marle and James Towne, who have started a new catering business, “Bali Marle.” Marle grew up in Java and loves to cook the foods of her country. On April 6, she will serve an Indonesian-style brunch of rice, eggs and bacon as well as chicken lumpia (spring rolls) with sambal.
Another new vendor at the April market will be Fraulein’s Bakery, with mouth-watering organic German pastries, sweet and savory tarts, apple strudel, and kuchen.
Seasoned and Spiced is returning to AFM after three years, bringing grain salads, Indian vegetarian side dishes, dips, and their famous mango lassi. In the intervening years they have been busy opening the successful Dates & Olives restaurants in Natick and Brighton.
Many familiar food vendors will be at the indoor market, too. La Maison a Gateaux will return serving savory and sweet crepes. In addition to food and produce vendors, there will be 12 artisans, including some new crafters, and Eric who will sharpen knives and tools while you shop.
The April market will be held in the Ashland Middle School Cafeteria, 87 W. Union St. (Rt. 135). For more information, visit www.AshlandFarmersMarket.org.