French ex-pat Jacques Kerner can now savor his favorite Breton pastry — the flaky kouign-aman — practically a hop, skip and jump away from his Boerum Hill home, thanks to the Foodshed Market on The Commons which officially marked its arrival in the tony nabe with a grand opening on Sunday and a sublime showcase of locally sourced artisan foods.
From dry-aged Angus beef, grains and yogurt to ice cream, jam and ciders — and practically every other belly-sating fodder in between — the indoor, year-round food mart is designed to cultivate the “soil to stove” experience for both foodies and novices.
“It’s close to where I live so that’s good,” said Kerner, a 30-year-old video game programmer whose discerning palate gave the round cake, delectably layered with sprinkles of sugar, a favorable ooh la la (mon dieu, we know how frantic the French are about their grub).
Kerner also opted for some “good local cheese” and farm fresh duck legs.
“I’m going to make duck confit,” he announced proudly.
The devotee said he would likely return to his new food haunt because of the exclusivity of the fare.
“It has things that are hard to find in other places,” he explained.
Opening day festivities also included a menu of kid-friendly activities, which scored a big hit with the Fodors of Flatbush.
“I liked the face-painting and the chocolate best,” shared four-year-old Lucy, sporting a strawberry on her cheek.
Victuals aside — and there are plenty of them, from organic dairy from Milk Thistle Dairy Farm to apples and pies from Breezy Hill Orchard — customers can learn about their food’s journey while they shop from the farmers who grow it. We’re told they’re more than happy to chat and answer questions.
The goal is for shoppers to leave thinking that their food is part of a larger cosmic play where industry, weather, transportation, distribution, people and their communities share equal roles. A message underscored by smartly posted signs showing the route ingredients have traveled, how they were grown and how they were processed to get from the planter to your platter.
“We hope to inspire Brooklynites to keep moving towards a more just and sustainable food system,” said Foodshed spokeswoman Elizabeth Knafo.
Foodshed Market at The Commons (388 Atlantic Ave. between Hoyt and Bond streets in Boerum Hill. No phone); open Sundays, 11 am to 5 pm; www.facebook.com/pages.
