SPRING AHEAD

The clocks have moved forward, the sun's out longer and for later and the shoppers at the Little Italy Mercato are bustling. Though the first day of spring may technically be this Sunday, the atmosphere is definitely blossoming, and the flowers are too! The last vestiges of winter - blood oranges, kale and chard - can still be found, but the new crops are creeping in. Suzie's farm has a curly abundance of frisée lettuce and sweet pea tendrils for sauteing or salad making. Maciel & Family's English peas are perfect blanched and added to your favorite pasta carbonara recipe. Colorful arrays of heirloom and rainbow carrots shout for attention at JR Organics. Sage Mountain offers plump spring onions and bright yellow tat-soi flowers, an edible garnish, that are sure to brighten your plate and a put spring in your step. It's about time your crisper drawer experienced a seasonal makeover!