Today I (Ingrid) was up at the Pawtucket Winter Farmers Market to pick up our chickens and eggs from Pat’s Pastured. You may remember that name as Josh and I have mentioned Pat’s Pastured a lot – I think the most recent was in relation to our new favorite chicken – the Poulet Rouge. We signed up this past fall to take part in a six month chicken and egg CSA (community supported agriculture). Basically, you pay for the food up front and then you pick up your goods at prearranged times. So once a month for six months Josh and I get four chickens and two dozen eggs and it’s been great. Pat emailed us earlier this week to remind us that today was pick-up day at the markets and also told us that he’s run out of chickens for market customers but the CSA members would still be getting their chickens. The farmers markets have been so successful that some vendors, like Pat, have been running low. But you know what that is causing? There are new vendors selling these products at the market. I noticed a new chicken vendor today who wasn’t there at the beginning of the winter market. So if you’re looking for chickens, just mosey your way all the way down the hall of vendors at the winter market – you should find someone who has them! But be sure to stop by Pat’s Pastured – though he may not have chickens right now, he has lots of other yummy products!
January 23, 2010
January 24, 2010 at 12:42 AM
I am so thrilled that the market has been as busy as it has the past couple of weeks. The “new” chicken vendor is Baffoni’s, and they have a farm and little shop in Johnston; we’ve bought chicken from them at the shop.
It’s funny how in “normal” stores we get upset when they are sold out of items, but when it happens to at the winter market, we are happy. I guess that’s what it means to know your farmer.
January 24, 2010 at 10:58 AM
Hi Ann – Thanks for the name – we’ll have to check out Baffoni’s soon. It is true that there is a different feeling when shopping at a farmers market. Walking around with a chocolate almond croissant helps to take everything in stride!
February 7, 2010 at 2:30 PM
We have been very public with our love for Pat’s birds (and eggs, and pork, and turkey…), but we’ve been really pleased with Baffoni’s chicken as well. And it’s great to be able to get it fresh, not frozen!
February 8, 2010 at 9:41 AM
It is nice not having to factor in time for defrosting!
April 8, 2010 at 10:11 PM
Hi Ingrid, I was wondering if you could share some of your experiences with purchasing chickens from the different farmers. My family and I are just beginning, we have a batch of Poulet Rouge almost full grown now. I was just wondering what you liked/didn’t like from the different ways you have purchased- fresh, frozen, CSA, etc. My email is adamkristin1 (at) cox.net. Thanks! I would also love anyone else’s opinions if you are reading!!