Charlotte County Florida Weekly

Chef Jeanie Roland is guest chef at Worden Farm


Jeanie Roland COURTESY PHOTO

Jeanie Roland COURTESY PHOTO

With award-winning culinary chops — including seven James Beard nominations and “beating” Food Network star chef Bobby Flay — Jeanie Roland is a formidable force in any kitchen. Her Punta Gorda restaurant, The Perfect Caper, has been a favorite on the Gulf Coast for two decades.

Now Chef Roland is going to ply her expertise at Worden Farm, an 85-acre organic farm 12 miles east of Punta Gorda that grows a huge variety of greens, vegetables, fruits, flowers and herbs. That’s a lot of pretty places to choose from when it comes to setting the table, and a lot of delectable edibles for Chef Roland to incorporate into the menu.

The event is scheduled from 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 23, at Worden Farm, 34900 Bermont Road.

It will be an experience just to see what she whips up in the field kitchen. Before the feast, attendees will enjoy an educational farm tour from farmers Eva and Chris Worden of Worden Farm, who hold doctorates in ecosystem management and crop science, and are organic farming experts recognized by the Organic Trade Association and the USDA. This is the third Worden Farm event, and it takes place in ideal Florida weather for outstanding outdoor dining.

Above: Eva and Chris Worden COURTESY PHOTOS

Above: Eva and Chris Worden COURTESY PHOTOS

Tickets are $385. To register, visit outstandinginthefield.com/ event-details/worden-farm. ¦

Life Realized Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., 501 W. Dearborn St., Englewood. Open rain or shine (option to use indoor space if weather necessitates). Fresh produce, fresh seafood, several food trucks and an assortment of vendors with unique products and little to no “overlap.” www.liferealized.org/ life-realized-farmers-market.

FRIDAY

The Burnt Store Marina Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday from mid October to the end of April, Cass Cay parking lot, 3200 Matecumbe Key Road, Punta Gorda. Fresh produce, seafood, jams and jellies, wholegrain mustards, fresh salsa and guacamole, empanadas, local citrus and more. www.facebook.com/BurntStoreMarinaFarmersMarket.

Left: Shoppers at Worden Farm

Left: Shoppers at Worden Farm

The Boca Grande Farm & Fish Market, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Boca Grande Ball Field. 305 Wheeler Road, Boca Grande. Produce, seafood, cheeses, pickles, orchids, cut flowers, native plants, prepared foods, soaps, candles, guacamole, smoothies, organics, meats and more. www.buylocallee.com.

SATURDAY

The Punta Gorda Downtown Farmers Market, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Taylor Street and Herald Court, next to the historic courthouse, Punta Gorda. Voted the best small market in Florida and 15th in the United States. Fruits, vegetables, pickles, jams, German bakery goods, fresh pasta, kitchenware, cupcakes, beef, fresh seafood, jewelry, candles, soaps, dip mixes, cheese, olives, orchids, kettle corn, coffee beans, exotic plants, natural facial products, smoothies and much more, plus live entertainment. EBT/SNAP accepted and the market gives $2 for $1 on purchase of Florida-grown produce, citrus or honey. www.puntagordachamber.com/punta-gorda-farmers-market, www.facebook.com/PuntaGordaFarmersMarket or call Jerry Presseller, manager, at 941-391-4856.

The Venice Farmers Market, 8 a.m.- 1 p.m., outside Venice City Hall, 401 W. Venice Ave. Prepared foods, health food, fresh food, local produce, organic products. Market staff and vendors have gone to great lengths to create a CDC compliant and safe socially distanced outdoor shopping experience for the community. 941-445-9209 or www.thevenicefarmersmarket.org.

SUNDAY

The Punta Gorda Historical Society’s History Park Farmers Market runs 9 a.m.-1 p.m. every Sunday, rain or shine, at 501 Shreve St., Punta Gorda. Local fresh produce, baked goods, seafood, plants, orchids, prepared foods, food vendors, unique gifts, indie and artisan products, live music and more. On the first Sunday of every month from December through April, there will be 10-12 vintage and antique dealers at the market. www.historyparkmarket.com.

Life Realized Farmers Market, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., 501 W. Dearborn St., Englewood. Open rain or shine (option to use indoor space if weather necessitates). Fresh produce, fresh seafood, several food trucks and an assortment of vendors with unique products and little to no “overlap.” www.liferealized.org/life-realized-farmers-market.

The Babcock Ranch Farmers Market runs from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. every Sunday in Founder’s Square. 42850 Crescent Loop, Babcock Ranch. www.buylocallee.com.

WEDNESDAY

Braves Farmers Market, 8 a.m.- noon, Atlanta Braves Spring Training Facility in North Port, 18800 S. West Villages Parkway, Venice (within North Port city limits). Vendors include Venetian Coffee Roasters, LMB Baking Company, Mr. Fun Guy, Tropical Island Foods, The Happy Pickle, Heritage Pointe Honey and more. www.bravesfarmersmarket.org. ¦

— Send farmers market news to bmassey@floridaweekly.com.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *