Having a reputation for having the freshest and most unusual vegetables and fruits, to say nothing of fresh herbs and pure olive oils has been a part of Waterwitch Neighborhood Grocer & Gourmet since it opened. But visiting any morning you can’t help but notice you get an extra dose of friendship, some wise words, and even some history on any vegetable you want.
Take the fairy tale eggplant, for instance. It’s the time of year when eggplant is harvested in this part of the country, but at Waterwitch Neighborhood Grocer & Gourmet, they aren’t happy with offering just one variety. Not right there on the shelf next to the luscious large purple vegetable is this much smaller, thinner, and light lavender Fairytale eggplant. With some white stripes. In taste, they’re creamier than their big brothers, and with a nicer, more delicate flavor.
And it seems that no matter what herbs or spices your recipe calls for in cooking fairytale eggplant, or any other vegetable, the Waterwitch Neighborhood Grocer & Gourmet has them all, both fresh and plentiful, or dried.
Co-Owner Nancy Burton ( Nancy is Co-Owner with Eileen Ricco, who I haven’t met, but I’ve heard she is as terrific as Nancy) is also a wealth of information about all the produce she offers and she’s got a terrific staff who are eager to help, proud of what they do, and happy to see customers come in and chat. Nancy is also proud that all the vegetables she offers fresh are purchased locally and features all the best product grown from all Monmouth County farmlands.
But take the time to survey the counter as well. There’s a great calendar that offers a bit of wisdom each day. Loved one last week that suggested “never regret anything that made you smile.”
Of course the tables out front of the grocery also let you know it’s a great place to stop and enjoy a cup of their great coffee and see what’s going on across the street at Huddy Park.
If you want to try the petite eggplant, they’re really easy to prepare. They can be sliced, then stir-fried, grilled or roasted, tossed with pasta and tomato sauce, or breaded with crumbs or cornmeal and pan-fried or baked.
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