Great local produce is relatively easy to come by these days. But meat products, not so much. So I was excited to learn about Farmer John Boy, a New York farmer with a stand in Pound Ridge, who supposedly had phenomenal meat products.
Set up on the sidewalk in front of a local antique shop, Farmer John has quite the curb appeal, drawing loyal followers from New York and Connecticut. Word on the street was that one of his specialties was pulled pork. And as my luck would have it, Farmer John just happened to be kicking of the season with a curbside BBQ last weekned, featuring none other than his pulled pork. Well I love to find great local products, so of course I had to make a trip out to sample! Plus, pulled pork is my boyfriend’s fave, so I took the opportunity to impress him with my local find.
We got to the small market a few minutes before John had unveiled his masterpiece, so we sampled some jams from Conant Valley Jam Company, another local vendor, and then ventured inside the antique shop for a quick browse. I ended up walking out with a fabulous retro apron for only $6!
As soon as we walked back out to the sidewalk, the pork was being pulled. We hoped in line (which formed pretty quickly…always a good sign) and ordered our pulled pork sammies.
Farmer John warmed the bun on the charcoal grill, piled on some pulled pork and topped it with cole slaw and bar-b-que sauce.
The bbq sauce is John’s own brew, and it’s a little different every time. But the basis is always ketchup, homemade apple cider vinegar and homemade smoked maple syrup. His coleslaw is a simple blend of shredded cabbage, chopped pickles, vinegar, a little mayo, salt and pepper.
As he was masterfully “throwing” our food together, John’s brother, Bob, was yelling from over yonder that it looked like he was making the sandwich for himself. John later told me that it’s true… this is how he makes the pulled pork sandwiches for himself at home, and that the process is as much an event as a meal. I’ll second that!
He handed us our plates, we grabbed a seat on a nearby bench, and settled into our much awaited lunch.
Now I am no pulled pork connoisseur, but Farmer John’s sandwich was scrumdiddlyumptious! Succulent strands of smoked meat, a fresh crunch of coleslaw, topped off with the smokey-sweet bite of his bbq sauce. A little slice of Southern heaven in quiet ‘burbs of Westchester County.
Currently Farmer John offers an array of meat products, from smoked salmon to duck eggs to sausages to fresh chickens, and artisan breads made by Brother Bob.
Smoked salmon and fresh chicken are next on my list. John promised that once I tried on of his fresh chickens, I’d never go back to store bought. Once the season gets rolling they will also offer a variety of fresh veggies and some “serious melons” come August.
Farmer John Boy’s market stand is open Sundays from 11-4pm, at 65 Westchester Ave in Pound Ridge. Go on, git yourself there! And tell Farmer John that Jen sent you!
