I have been trying to spread the word to my family and friends about the benefits of eating locally, but sometimes it's difficult to get regular omnivores to abandon old habits, especially when they are hungry at lunchtime. I have found a remedy: Table Local Market.
When I visited Table with my sister, mother, and aunt (who happens to be friends with the owner Cynthia Brennan), I was impressed by the atmosphere and quality of food available. Table feels light and clean even though it is filled with everything from charts listing the growing seasons for all types of produce to the most delectable chocolate truffles. There are standard breakfast and lunch items on the menu, but each day they are prepared using only the freshest, most local ingredients available. When we went, I sampled the delicious frittata that was light yet satisfying and the rest of my party delved into crispy, melty paninis filled with all types of local vegetables and mozzarella cheese. On the side, we could not resist the crunchy, lightly salted chips that had the texture of homemade corn tortilla chips. To wash it down, we enjoyed the freshly brewed iced green tea that was a refreshing complement to our hearty lunch. For dessert, because really a lovely lunch should never end without a lovely sweet treat, my sister sampled the moist, fudgy brownie; my mother tried the classic chocolate chip cookie; and I enjoyed every bite of a tiny, dark chocolate truffle.
One of the perks of Table is that patrons (and especially Table Members) are able to eat a locavore's lunch and catch up on some shopping they couldn't do at the farmers market and even take a class or two about cooking with seasonal, local ingredients. I did not participate in any classes, but the Lobster Fest on June 12 looks like fun!
The decor and environment of Table is eco-friendly and casual, clearly the intentions of owner Cynthia Brennan who has a background in and passion for design. I appreciated the long wooden table available because it lets people meet each other while ensuring enough space for all of the food! Another cute touch was the pot of sprouts that read: "eat me!" and was convincing enough at least for me and my aunt to try them.
Prices at Table are comprable to those at farmers market (for items like cheese, eggs, milk, and meat) and even comprable to the prices at regular sandwich shops. Yet, you can leave lunch feeling light, lovely, and local.
Table Local Market
www.tablelocalmarket.com
11 Babbit Road
Bedford Hills
tel. 914-241-0269
