Fernandina Farmers Market - Calendar & Information

Mingle with local farmers and business owners as you wander through a dizzying selection of farm direct fruits and vegetables harvested just before Market day, as well as a variety of organic products, and specialty foods. You'll also discover gourmet baked goods from crusty breads to delectable desserts, and prepared foods such as jellies, relishes and marinades. The Market is also the perfect location to choose from a wide variety of specialty tropical plants and landscaping plants, including orchids, herbs, and garden flowers.

When: Every Saturday, 9am - 1pm, except we are closed for the Shrimp Festival which is the first Saturday in May.

Where: Corner of Centre Street & 7th Street North in the beautiful downtown historic district of Fernandina Beach. There is plenty of parking available.

Market News for February 21, 2009: “The Tale & Taste of Eight Flags” will be featured at the Fernandina Farmers Market during February and March. Beginning with the French who arrived on the Island on May 3, 1562 through when the last and final flag, the Stars and Stripes, was hoisted in 1862, the Market will honor the tale and taste of one country each Saturday. Join the Market on February 21 for the French Flag Day tale by the Amelia Island Museum of History’s representation exhibit of the Island during the French take over and occupation of Amelia Island. Enjoy the taste of France with a traditional crepe cooking demonstration by Candlelight Crepes.
Also at the Market this Saturday, Gabriela's Tamales and cracker cookin' from Checkers will include Shrimp Creole, Spicy Cheese Biscuits, Southern Caviar and smoked mullet dip. Due to weather, Sweet Grass Cow and Goat Cheeses was unable to be at the Market on their regularly scheduled 2nd Saturday of the month so they will be at the Market this Saturday. The following regular vendors will be out on Feb 21 and will return on Feb 28: CrabCake King, Jeff The Coffee Vendor, and Neal's Kettle Korn.

Returning:
2/28 - An-Believable Eggrolls & wraps
3/7 - Thompson All Natural Pork
3/7 - Cats Angels joins the Market for this Saturday only

Fernandina Farmers Market

Georgia Arbor Day - City of St. Marys

GA Arbor Day
City of St. Marys
February 20, 2009 10 AM


Introduction
Jerry Lockhart, Chairman
St. Marys Tree Board

Welcome
Rowland T. Eskridge Sr.
Mayor - City of St. Marys

Presentation of Tree City USA Designation
GA Forestry Commission

Planting of the 2009 Live Oak Tree
St. Marys K-Kids & City of St. Marys

St. Marys and Kingsland - Restauranteur offers touch of home at Celtic Dragons Bistro

RESTAURANT OWNERS Scott Bobbins and Theresa Bobbins-Hye named their new eatery after the dragons that protect the Celtic cross.
Courtesy of Tribune & Georgian
By Jill Helton
Published: Wednesday, February 11, 2009 9:10 AM ESTNew restaurant owner Theresa Bobbins-Hye is bringing a homespun touch to her menu with the tried and true recipes of her own family kitchen.

Bobbins-Hye came from a family of 10 and remembers how her brothers missed her Irish mother's cooking while they were away in the military. She hears the same thing from many of her customers stationed at Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base.

"Seeing those guys come in here, I know what they are yearning for," she said.

Celtic Dragons Bistro, which recently opened at Kings Bay Commons Plaza off Kings Bay Road in St. Marys, currently serves breakfast all day as well as an array of lunch items. The restaurant has applied for an alcohol license and eventually hopes to expand to dinner hours.

In addition to standard breakfast and lunch fare, Celtic Dragons Bistro offers some authentic regional cuisine, such as the Philly Cheesesteaks made "with the Whiz," just like in Philadephia. It also serves pork roll, a New Jersey favorite that uses ham cured with a different method.

Her homemade french fries and fried potato cakes also have become an instant hit among her patrons. They served 200 pounds of french fries during the first week of business, Bobbins-Hye added.

Daily specials are also available.

The restaurant uses name-brand products and everything is sliced, prepared and cooked fresh to order.

"I don't believe in changing my recipes to save money," Bobbins-Hye said. "I pride myself on fresh ingredients and giving my customers value for their money."

Customers may wait a little longer for their orders than at many other restaurants, but Bobbins-Hye said the extra care taken by her staff is well worth the wait.

In keeping with her family philosophy, Bobbins-Hye employs several members of her family.

"Everyone puts their heart and soul into this restaurant," she added.

Celtic Dragons Bistro offers a unique seating area separate from the main dining room that features a table for 12 with a couch and television for more intimate family gatherings. They can also accommodate larger groups in the main dining room.

Hours of operation are 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Catering and delivery to a limited area are also available.

For more information, call the restaurant at (912) 882-1600.

Amelia Island Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events Courtesy of Amelia Island Tourism Development

3rd on 3rd at the Amelia Island Museum of History
February 20th, 2009
Each month, the Amelia Island Museum of History offers a presentation on the third Friday of the month. The presentations are on a variety of different ...Read More

Fernandina Farmers Market
February 21st, 2009
Enjoy a morning of food, fun and friendship. Visit with neighbors, make newfriends and meet our local farmers and businesses. The Market ...Read More

Tale & Taste of 8 Flags at Farmers Market
February 21st, 2009
Enjoy the tale and taste of the countries that have flown flags over Amelia Island since 1562. Learn about the people and history of each of these ...Read More

Pirates on the Run
February 21st, 2009
The Amelia Island Runners are holding a Pirates on the Run 5K/10K, walk and kids' run in Fernandina Beach. TBA.For details, visit www.ameliaislandrunners.com.

Fernandina Farmers Market
February 28th, 2009
Enjoy a morning of food, fun and friendship. Visit with neighbors, make newfriends and meet our local farmers and businesses. The Market ...Read More

Tale & Taste of 8 Flags at Farmers Market
February 28th, 2009
Enjoy the tale and taste of the countries that have flown flags over Amelia Island since 1562. Learn about the people and history of each of these ...Read More
National Golf Association's Hooters Professional Tour
March 2nd, 2009 to March 8th, 2009
National Golf Association’s Hooters Professional Golf Tour, presented by Hooters of America and Naturally Fresh Foods, is coming to the Amelia Island ...Read More

Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach Local News

Courtesy of Fernandina Beach Newsleader, Florida's Oldest Newspaper

Today's News


Click to enlarge
PIRATES WIN DISTRICT
The Pirates captured the District 4-3A title Saturday night at Pirate Gym, giving the Fernandina Beach High School basketball program its first district crown since 1976. FBHS defeated Ribault 67-45, the Trojans' first district loss this season. The Pirates got sweet revenge on Valentine's Day, avenging an earlier loss this season to Ribault and they also defeated the only other team to beat them on Friday night with a win over Yulee in the district semifinal. The Pirates (26-2) host the regional quarterfinal Thursday night at Pirate Gym. The Pirates include, front row from left, Jake Brogdon, Patrick Garvin, Carlos Holcey, Terin Dallas and Zach Rocheleau; back row, Andrew Vrancic, Chris Keffer, Tai Alford, Stacey Lynch, James Russell and Billy Hunt.

News Headlines



Friday, February 13, 2009 Edition

14th St. site cleared for Aging use
The city of Fernandina Beach and Nassau County are moving forward with a plan to find a new home for the Nassau County Council on Aging, which must relocate from its current Baptist Medical Center-owned location by 2011. At issue is a county-owned property on 14th Street, originally the site of Humphreys Memorial Hospital and later a county annex.

American Beach groundbreaking
A groundbreaking ceremony for the commencement of the American Beach Community Center project is scheduled at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the corner of Mary and Julia streets in American Beach.

Election season for city
Qualifying begins today for this spring's city elections. Two commission seats will be on the ballot.

More News




Sports Headlines


Click to enlarge
Pirates, Hornets meet in Friday's district semifinal
The fat lady will be singing for two teams tonight. The season will come to a close for the losers in both District 4-3A semifinal games. The winners advance to the title game Saturday and, win or lose, both have earned a state playoff berth.



Opening day
A standing room-only crowd watched game one as the Bridge Family Worship Center took on Springhill Saturday, opening day for the Family Driven Softball League. Springhill won 18-6 with a strong defense led by pitcher Sean Hollis. Pastor Sean Gossett went 4-for-4 for Springhill. Steve Johnson led the Bridge with a 2-for-4 performance.

Surf season finale
The Eastern Surfing Association's First Coast Florida District held its final contest of the season Sunday.

More Sports


Around Town Headlines



Clubs & Organizations - 2008
AARP lobbies for senior citizen benefits at the national, statewide and local level and is a social group with service to others in mind. It meets 9:30 a.m. to noon the second Monday at the Community Room at the Fernandina Beach Police Department, 1525 Lime St. Call John Megna at 277-2143.

Slow Food - Restaurant Embraces Farm to Table Trend

Slow food ~~ Restaurant embraces farm to table trend

By Angela Daughtry, News-Leader
Slow food ~~ Restaurant embraces farm to table trend

By Angela Daughtry, News-Leader


Maybe it's about time we all just kind of slowed down.

Scott Schwartz, owner of 29 South, an upscale restaurant in downtown Fernan-dina Beach, is embracing a trend that may soon become a necessity: the Slow Food Movement.

Schwartz, along with his wife, Nan Kavanaugh, has become part of the international movement by partnering with regional farmers to bring his customers the freshest ingredients. The restaurant, which opened in 2006, also grows its own fruits and vegetables on the South Third Street property.

And not only does the movement offer better products for customers, it also supports the local economy and helps the environment.

According to the Slow Food website, the organization was founded in 1989 "to counteract fast food and fast life, the disappearance of local food traditions and people's dwindling interest in the food they eat, where it comes from, how it tastes and how our food choices affect the rest of the world."


The locally grown approach, which has been popular in California since the 1970s, has not quite caught on in this area, but Schwartz says he hopes other restaurants will get on the bandwagon.

"Our mantra is to buy locally if it's available," says Schwartz. It takes a little more effort, he says, and can be more expensive - but the taste and quality of fresh ingredients make it all worthwhile. It's the difference, he says, between lettuce picked in the morning, or lettuce that's been sitting in a truck for days.

Schwartz has partnered with local and regional farmers including Conner's A-Maize-ing Acres in Hilliard and Ocean Breeze Farm on Amelia Island, which both grow vegetables without synthetic chemicals or pesticides. The restaurant is also keeping some laying hens at Conner's, so customers can have the freshest of eggs. It's worth the hour drive to pick them up, says Schwartz, because eggs in grocery stores are often at least a month old.

Another partner is DelKat Family Farm of Hilliard, which raises all-natural beef and pork products without using antibiotics, medications or growth hormones. The farm's black Berkshire pigs, says Schwartz, are known for their superior flavor and marbling. The couple cures and smokes their own bacon at the restaurant.

"It's expensive, but worth it," says Schwartz. "We control everything, including letting (the animals) run around the yard. They're happy, not like when they're in pens on a commercial lot."



The restaurant also partners with Sweet Grass Dairy of southern Georgia, a 140-acre farm that offers award-winning cheeses from their own goats and pasture-grazed Jersey cows. Sweet Grass also uses no growth hormones or stimulants in their cows, so the ingredients are much more pure than store-bought.

29 South also offers their customers local shrimp whenever possible, and has just added a beekeeper, Naked Bee Honey Farm of St. Augustine, to the roster of partners.

One of the couple's most significant projects, however, is a large fruit and vegetable garden they have started on the restaurant property. The beds contain many types of lettuce, plus peas, radishes, kale and herbs, among other cultivars. They have also started a scuppernong arbor and are raising blueberries and Myer lemons. The couple hopes to make blackberry preserves to go along with the restaurant's signature pork chop dish. They also hope to make wine from the scuppernong grapes ,which will be given to customers as gifts.

Making the area into a garden, Schwartz says, killed two birds with one stone. "We had all this land," he says. "It was used as a parking lot and part of it was overgrown with weeds. We also had an issue with the city asking us to mow it."

Kavanaugh has been coordinating the garden project. She says that two servers, Megan Burns and Tim O'Conner, who work in the restaurant, had worked on a small organic farm, and helped her design the crop plan. The garden, says Kavanaugh, couldn't have been done without their guidance. The couple estimates it cost about $3,500 to start the garden, an amount that covered costs for cement blocks, mulch, compost, plastic weed barriers, seeds, a watering system and design consultants.

"Gardening is so nuts and bolts," says Kavanaugh. "It's so simple. It's just sun, water, seeds and weeds. There's very little to it."

Another important part of the movement is to preserve heritage breeds of both animals and plants. Schwartz used the example of the Creole strawberry, which was almost wiped out until someone saved some seeds. The Slow Food Movement's Ark of Taste program, which catalogs food products, has a seed bank that aims to preserve the best-tasting crops and save them from cross contamination by genetically modified products.

According to the Slow Food website, "Ark products range from the Italian Valchiavenna goat to the American Navajo-Churro sheep, from the last indigenous Irish cattle breed, the Kerry, to a unique variety of Greek fava beans grown only on the island of Santorini. All are endangered products that have real economic viability and commercial potential."

The result, says Schwartz, is meats, fruits and vegetables that taste the way they're supposed to taste.

"Your grandparents and parents will say it's the way it used to taste," say Schwartz.



Schwartz says he likes how the program supports the local economy, and also how it addresses the ecological consequences of shipping products over great distances. "It's a ripple in the pond, but when you look at how it affects the pond, it's unbelievable," he says.

"This is raising the culinary bar," says Schwartz. "We still have a long way to go, but we learn something new every day."

For more information, log on to www.29southrestaurant.com or www.slowfood.com.

adaughtry@fbnewsleader.com

Story created Feb 05, 2009 - 08:33:23 PST.




Maybe it's about time we all just kind of slowed down.

Scott Schwartz, owner of 29 South, an upscale restaurant in downtown Fernan-dina Beach, is embracing a trend that may soon become a necessity: the Slow Food Movement.

Schwartz, along with his wife, Nan Kavanaugh, has become part of the international movement by partnering with regional farmers to bring his customers the freshest ingredients. The restaurant, which opened in 2006, also grows its own fruits and vegetables on the South Third Street property.

And not only does the movement offer better products for customers, it also supports the local economy and helps the environment.

According to the Slow Food website, the organization was founded in 1989 "to counteract fast food and fast life, the disappearance of local food traditions and people's dwindling interest in the food they eat, where it comes from, how it tastes and how our food choices affect the rest of the world."


The locally grown approach, which has been popular in California since the 1970s, has not quite caught on in this area, but Schwartz says he hopes other restaurants will get on the bandwagon.

"Our mantra is to buy locally if it's available," says Schwartz. It takes a little more effort, he says, and can be more expensive - but the taste and quality of fresh ingredients make it all worthwhile. It's the difference, he says, between lettuce picked in the morning, or lettuce that's been sitting in a truck for days.

Schwartz has partnered with local and regional farmers including Conner's A-Maize-ing Acres in Hilliard and Ocean Breeze Farm on Amelia Island, which both grow vegetables without synthetic chemicals or pesticides. The restaurant is also keeping some laying hens at Conner's, so customers can have the freshest of eggs. It's worth the hour drive to pick them up, says Schwartz, because eggs in grocery stores are often at least a month old.

Another partner is DelKat Family Farm of Hilliard, which raises all-natural beef and pork products without using antibiotics, medications or growth hormones. The farm's black Berkshire pigs, says Schwartz, are known for their superior flavor and marbling. The couple cures and smokes their own bacon at the restaurant.

"It's expensive, but worth it," says Schwartz. "We control everything, including letting (the animals) run around the yard. They're happy, not like when they're in pens on a commercial lot."



The restaurant also partners with Sweet Grass Dairy of southern Georgia, a 140-acre farm that offers award-winning cheeses from their own goats and pasture-grazed Jersey cows. Sweet Grass also uses no growth hormones or stimulants in their cows, so the ingredients are much more pure than store-bought.

29 South also offers their customers local shrimp whenever possible, and has just added a beekeeper, Naked Bee Honey Farm of St. Augustine, to the roster of partners.

One of the couple's most significant projects, however, is a large fruit and vegetable garden they have started on the restaurant property. The beds contain many types of lettuce, plus peas, radishes, kale and herbs, among other cultivars. They have also started a scuppernong arbor and are raising blueberries and Myer lemons. The couple hopes to make blackberry preserves to go along with the restaurant's signature pork chop dish. They also hope to make wine from the scuppernong grapes ,which will be given to customers as gifts.

Making the area into a garden, Schwartz says, killed two birds with one stone. "We had all this land," he says. "It was used as a parking lot and part of it was overgrown with weeds. We also had an issue with the city asking us to mow it."

Kavanaugh has been coordinating the garden project. She says that two servers, Megan Burns and Tim O'Conner, who work in the restaurant, had worked on a small organic farm, and helped her design the crop plan. The garden, says Kavanaugh, couldn't have been done without their guidance. The couple estimates it cost about $3,500 to start the garden, an amount that covered costs for cement blocks, mulch, compost, plastic weed barriers, seeds, a watering system and design consultants.

"Gardening is so nuts and bolts," says Kavanaugh. "It's so simple. It's just sun, water, seeds and weeds. There's very little to it."

Another important part of the movement is to preserve heritage breeds of both animals and plants. Schwartz used the example of the Creole strawberry, which was almost wiped out until someone saved some seeds. The Slow Food Movement's Ark of Taste program, which catalogs food products, has a seed bank that aims to preserve the best-tasting crops and save them from cross contamination by genetically modified products.

According to the Slow Food website, "Ark products range from the Italian Valchiavenna goat to the American Navajo-Churro sheep, from the last indigenous Irish cattle breed, the Kerry, to a unique variety of Greek fava beans grown only on the island of Santorini. All are endangered products that have real economic viability and commercial potential."

The result, says Schwartz, is meats, fruits and vegetables that taste the way they're supposed to taste.

"Your grandparents and parents will say it's the way it used to taste," say Schwartz.



Schwartz says he likes how the program supports the local economy, and also how it addresses the ecological consequences of shipping products over great distances. "It's a ripple in the pond, but when you look at how it affects the pond, it's unbelievable," he says.

"This is raising the culinary bar," says Schwartz. "We still have a long way to go, but we learn something new every day."

For more information, log on to www.29southrestaurant.com or www.slowfood.com.

adaughtry@fbnewsleader.com

Story created Feb 05, 2009 - 08:33:23 PST.

Nassau Humane Society - Fernandina Beach Dog Park Open!

FLEA and TICK Sale

Friday February 20th 7:30AM-3:30PM
Saturday February 21th 7:30AM-3:30PM

Start the New Year with a tax deduction. We are looking for salable merchandise to support the homeless animals at our shelter. We will accept art, antiques, furniture, housewares, jewelry, sporting goods, tools, toys,and other items. Sorry, no computers or clothing. Drop off items at the shelter. For large items, please contact Guy Sasanfar at 206-4092 or guysasanfar@comcast.net.


Dog Park is now open!

Dog lovers, stop by to see which membership is right for you and your best friend. The Nassau Humane Society Dog Park is located beside the NHS Shelter directly across the street from the Fernandina Beach Airport. For more information phone the shelter at 321-1647. Click here for brochure.

Cat Adoptions - PetSmart RiverCity
Our cats are at Petsmart seven days a week!
Cat adoptions every day or by appointment!


Dog Adoptions - PetSmart RiverCity
1st & 3rd Saturday of the month! 11AM-4PM

“Puppy Kisses”Every Saturday is “Puppy Kissing Day”
10AM - 4PM
Redbones Dog Bakery and Boutique
809 South 8th Street.
Hold an adorable, adoptable puppy from the Nassau Humane Society.
Donate $1 and get slathered in puppy kisses.
Call Redbones at 904-321-0020 for more information.

St. Marys, GA Weekly Scoop for February 5-11, 2009

St. Marys Weekly Scoop
February 5 - 11, 2009

LOVE IS IN THE AIR!!!

Come Check Out Purrcy The Huggable Lion
Purrcy is available for $12.95 with a 3 card purchase (regularly $25)

Sheila's Hallmark
Free Card
When you come in by 2-8-09 with the coupon below (up to $2.50 value)

Where & When
117 City Smitty Drive
St. Marys, GA 31558
10-8 PM Mon-Sat
1-5:30 PM Sun
912-882-6555
SCORE
Counselors to America's Small Business

A Score Branch has been created and will aid business owners and start-up businesses in Camden County. Counseling sessions will be held every Wednesday from 10-2 PM at St. Marys Economic Development located at 400 Osborne Street by appointment only. Please call 912-882-3583 to reserve a time. Existing businesses can benefit on advice on cash flow, marketing, and new businesses can be advised on concept feasibility. Score is a national organization with 10,000 volunteers and works closely with the Small Business Development Center and Small Business Administration.

Now @ 2 Sisters Cafe

Themed Cookie Bouquets or Fresh Floral Designs (For Pickup or Delivery)

Pre order the perfect gift for guys or girls!
(112 B Osborne Street, Downtown St. Marys 912-729-8550)
St. Marys Community Market


Saturday's 9 AM - 1 PM
206 Osborne Street (Tribune & Georgian Parking Lot)

Sweetness makes a perfect gift - come visit our
new homemade chocolate vendor
just in time for Valentines Day. See you at the market!
www.stmcmarket.wordpress.com
Downtown Dining

J's Restaurant & British Pub, 711 Osborne Street, St. Marys. Visit J's for dancing, live music, Karaoke and much more. Call 912-882-5280 for a listing of each nights events.
Marianne's Sterlings Southern Cafe, 220 Osborne Street, St. Marys. Join Marianne and staff for Thursday Rib Night, All you can Enjoy Friday Fish special, and Saturdays All you can Enjoy Fried Shrimp! Call 912-882-3430.
Visit all of our downtown restaurants for your dining pleasures!



Coming soon....
Mardi Gras in St. Marys
An annual event for St. Marys that is sure to please! Come enjoy the parade, live music, shopping and more. The parade will begin at 10 AM and the music will last all day.

Don't forget to get your tickets early for the costume ball on the evening of the 21st of February. You can purchase your tickets at Once Upon a Bookseller and at J's Restaurant and British Pub both in Downtown St. Marys. Call 912-882-7350 or email sdsplat@juno.com.

Where & When
Downtown St. Marys, Georgia
February 21, 2009
St. Marys DDA
400 Osborne Street
St. Marys, Georgia 31558
912-882-8111
Free Card
Free Card from Sheila's Hallmark when you shop by February 8, 2009 with this coupon. This offer is only valid at Sheila's Hallmark in St. Marys, GA and has a value of $2.50 or less.

Offer Expires: 2-8-2009