This is a lovely little farm right next door. How idealic… Like Alice in Wonderland, I’ve often wondered what was tucked away on the little driveway where I used to only see a few greenhouses.

I thought it had been bought when the greenhouses disappeared and it looked like the land was tilled up. I mistakenly believed it had been bought by a developer as much of the land around my neighborhood is quickly being developed. And then one morning on my way to get milk at the grocery store, I saw a little sign for Solace Farms by the gate along with signs for Fresh Eggs. Are you serious?!  Ok, I had to check it out…

I met Ayup the crazy Afghani. That is how he introduced himself to me, so of course, it’s hard not to remember that. And something in my enthusiasm for the farm and the questions I was asking made him start to wander around, showing me fun stuff, completely interrupted from his farm tasks. But oh how fun. I couldn’t contain myself as he introduced me to a leafy green they were growing that tasted spicy and pungent like wasabi or horseradish. Like a crazy foodie, I rolled up the rest of the leaf and tucked it into my purse to share with my someone when I got home.

Having come for fresh eggs, Ayup proceeded to go get me a dozen eggs retrieved by the beautiful free range chickens roaming the property. How wonderful. I knew they would be good and I just giggled at the luck of having discovered such a perfect find literally in my own backyard. The posts in this blog will attest to my search for just such a wonderful local ingredient and to get it steps from my own door was almost too much for one morning. Ayup didn’t have change to cash my $20 so he just gave me the eggs and told me to come back soon. Pleased as punch, I took my gift and headed out for milk as I had intended.

Solace Farms… something so perfect about that name. My recent visit proved just as fruitful as the first and I took home a bounty of local produce fit for a gentle garden bee like myself. Orange beets, purple carrots, crimini mushrooms, sweet corn and my beautiful organic, free range eggs. A Saturday morning visit also provided an opportunity to meet Missy and Ashley, the family who owns this farm. Of course, Ayup came over to say hello. He happily discussed this morning’s produce knowing that I was just as appreciative of it as they were and was a little bit tickled that I remembered his name. But who could not? Can’t wait to go back and see their friendly faces next weekend.