My Blog

Author: cz6of

  • Sparrow Cookshop

    Sparrow Cookshop

    Say Hi to Monica Pope!

    About Sparrow Cookshop

    Dubbed the “Alice Waters of the Third Coast,” Texas-reared chef Monica Pope has been revolutionizing Houston’s culinary scene since she debuted her first restaurant in 1992. As a high school student, she dreamed of “opening a restaurant and changing the way Houston eats.” Pope shares her passion for connecting local farmers and us, the co-producers, by hosting interactive cooking classes and Pop Ups in a Field or any beautiful place. Pope has enjoyed national recognition in the form of a James Beard Award nomination and a spot competing on the 2010 second season of Top Chef Masters on Bravo. She is still the only female Texas chef to be named a Top Ten Best New Chef by Food & Wine magazine thanks to her food philosophy, “eat where your food lives”.

    Hailed by Travel & Leisure magazine as “one of the most ingenious restaurateurs around,” Pope first learned to cook from her Czech grandmother and went on to earn her Chef’s title from Prue Leith’s School of Food and Wine in London, UK. After working in Europe and San Francisco, she returned home to Houston to open the Quilted Toque, which was followed by a succession of acclaimed restaurants, including Boulevard Bistrot, t’afia and Sparrow Bar + Cookshop. Pope is the founding chair of Recipe for Success Foundation’s Chefs Advisory Board. She most recently co-founded the organization, I’ll Have What She’s Having, with some bad ass doctors & chefs to help raise awareness and funds in support of women’s healthcare in the hospitality industry.

    When did you first get started?

    My first job at Cafe Annie was in 1982.
    My first restaurant was 1992.
    I started Houston Farmers in 2004 and subsequently hosted Midtown Farmer’s Market at Tafia.

    What inspired you to start your business?

    I have wanted to change the way Houston eats since I was 17.

    What is your favorite thing to make/produce?

    Granola!

    Where are you from/where did you grow up?

    I was born in Germany but grew up in Houston.

    Share a fun fact about yourself you’d like your customers to know!

    I have two special needs dogs, Baby & Peyton.

    Shop Local, Win Prizes

    Get your FREE Don’t Buy Food From Strangers Loyalty Punch Card at the GOFM Info booth to learn more!

  • Starboard Side Cafe

    Starboard Side Cafe

    Say Hi to Riley & Molly!

    About Starboard Side Cafe

    With 17 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Riley Ludwig has always been passionate about owning his own business. He enjoys connecting with people and believes in the power of a delicious meal to bring people together, regardless of their differences. Cooking has been a lifelong passion, starting from when he was young, and he is inspired to share his culinary creations and family recipes with others.

    He works alongside Molly Ludwig, his wife & business partner since day one.  Molly works part-time, is a mother of twins full-time, and still finds time to support their business on weekends.

    When did you first get started?

    I have been planning for over three years, officially forming the business this year, in January 2024.

    What inspired you to start your business?

    I have always wanted to start my own business. When my daughters were born, I began thinking about the example and legacy I was leaving for them. I realized that nothing was holding me back from pursuing what I have always felt I was meant to do.

    What is your favorite thing to make/produce?

    Anything and everything breakfast!

    Where are you from/where did you grow up?

    I was born and raised in Houston, Texas, graduated from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, and visited Galveston Island whenever I could.

    Share a fun fact about yourself you’d like your customers to know!

    When I’m not spending time with my wife and identical twin daughters, I enjoy playing and writing music, rock climbing, and woodworking in my spare time.

    Shop Local, Win Prizes

    Get your FREE Don’t Buy Food From Strangers Loyalty Punch Card at the GOFM Info booth to learn more!

  • Squiggle and Dash Ceramics

    Squiggle and Dash Ceramics

    Say hi to Jessica!

    About Squiggle and Dash Ceramics

    Jessica Ninci is an artist and ceramicist from Houston, Texas. She earned her MFA from the University of Houston in 2013 and her work has been exhibited in various spaces including the Galveston Artist Residency, Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, and the Museum of Fine Arts Houston. She occasionally teaches art classes at various local institutions and practices her craft in her home-studio in Galveston, Texas – where she’s lived for the last 7 years. Her work is inspired by a love of form, color, and native flora and fauna.

    When did you first get started?

    I’ve been working in the arts since leaving graduate school in 2013. My focus on ceramics however, came somewhat later in 2014 when I took ceramics classes in Austin at the Texas Contemporary.

    What inspired you to start your business?

    First, as I was teaching full time, it was a hobby. I kept gaining momentum and making more sales, and eventually decided to take on a full time ceramic practice.

    What is your favorite thing to make/produce?

    My favorite thing to do is throw any form on the wheel. I’m primarily a hand-builder, so wheel throwing is relaxing.

    Where are you from/where did you grow up?

    I am from the South of Houston and grew up very near Galveston.

    Share a fun fact about yourself you’d like your customers to know!

    I love to garden at home. I grow vegetables and a lot of native plants.

    Shop Local, Win Prizes

    Get your FREE Don’t Buy Food From Strangers Loyalty Punch Card at the GOFM Info booth to learn more!

  • What’s at Market: 2/25/24

    What’s at Market: 2/25/24

    This Sunday:

    • STEP into the new year with Parks & Rec who’ll host a free workout class at 10am! Stop by their booth to check out what McGuire Dent Rec Center has to offer.

    • Join Sasha Francis to apply for your free Planned Natural Landscape Permit. Grab some seeds & some info and turn your lawn into a native wonderland for birds, bees, and butterflies!

    • RCC Imagination Station is back up and running on the every 4th Sunday rotation! Create something fun while learning all the good things Resource & Crisis Center is doing for our community.

    Live Music: Louis Morales

    FRUITS, VEGGIES & Plants

    Daphodill Farm

    Grow4Health

    Mushroom Factory * Also has Eggs

    Sustainable Garden

    FARM GOODS & PREPARED FOODS

    3rd Coast Kombucha

    BZ Honey + Thirsty Bee Meadery

    Coastal Bake Shop

    Corduroy Coffee

    Food of Life

    Fresh Continental Delights

    Kickin’ Dips & Salsas

    Melat’s Provisions

    Momma’s Tamales

    Pecans by Karen

    R&D Natural Living

    Reishi & Health

    Smash n’ Squeeze

    Underwater Oven

    ZoZo Fresh

    MEATS & EGGS

    Clawtel Ranch

    The Farm at Bald Hill

    Jolly Farms

    ARTISAN PRODUCTS

    4PetsSake

    Angie’s Garden

    Everyday Soap Company

    VJ Farms

    CRAFT Artisan VENDORS

    Full of Intention

    Kristen Anne Fibers

    Rocks Naturally

  • Sustainable Vegetable Garden

    Sustainable Vegetable Garden

    Say hi to Elyzert (Ely) Ngouelet!

    About sustainable vegetable garden

    My name is Elyzert Ngouelet, born in the Republic of Congo, Central Africa. I grew up in the back side of the country, in a small town named Mossendjo, where growing vegetables and breeding are the main activities. I came to America in 2007, attended Houston Community College ESL program from 2008-2010, and attended Houston Community College (Instrumentation and Processes) industry from 2010-2014.

    When did you first get started?

    In 2016 with the assistance of USDA through a small financial aide for material acquisition.

    What inspired you to start your business?

    Attending various orientations on business in Houston Community College inspired me to grow vegetables as a business as it was possible with small financing.

    What is your favorite thing to make/produce?

    Cotton Seed meal is my favorite fertilizer.

    Where are you from/where did you grow up?

    The Republic of Congo.

    Share a fun fact about yourself you’d like your customers to know!

    Don’t eat, feed your body.

    Shop Local, Win Prizes

    Get your FREE Don’t Buy Food From Strangers Loyalty Punch Card at the GOFM Info booth to learn more!

  • Sweet Life Jelly Company

    Sweet Life Jelly Company

    Say hi to Deena!

    About Sweet Life Jelly Company

    We are a family run small handcrafted jelly, jam and cooking sauce company. We offer classes in Jelly, Pickled Veggies and Charcuterie. We started out of a love of sharing food and experiences with friends and family. Our motto is Life is short make it sweet and our mission is to make every meal a memory. We want to make your whole life sweet not just your toast so we share recipes, ideas, teach you how to delight your friends and family with beautiful entertaining ideas. We also teach life skills and kitchen science so that you can have the knowledge that will allow you to always provide for your family. Now, here’s the spotlight on Deena White, owner of Sweet Life Jelly Company!

    When did you first get started?

    I have always canned with my mom. We had a summer and winter garden every year. I can’t remember when we didn’t put up our own food. Somewhere in the middle life got crazy but when the 4 kids were grown and out of the house all of a sudden I had no outlet for my creativity and I started making jellies and jams as gifts. I was working for a large Galveston based company in 2019 and when the executives came in from Missouri, I sent them home with jelly for Christmas. The orders started coming in and Sweet Life Jelly Company was born. A year later I quit my job and have been running my business full time ever since.

    What inspired you to start your business?

    The happiness that it brought to people to receive one of my handmade jellies and the joy it brought me to create and craft anything I could think of. 3

    What is your favorite thing to make/produce?

    My favorite thing to produce is always that new flavor of jelly that is rolling around in my thought process. Going from the nerve wracking wondering if it will be good to seeing it sell out because people love it makes this Italian Grandma so happy.

    Where are you from/where did you grow up?

    I grew up in New England. It comes through in my practicality, my it is what it is attitude and my independent spirit.

    Share a fun fact about yourself you’d like your customers to know!

    I hate baking. Cooking is about exploring, adventures in flavor and experimenting. This is especially true with Jelly. There is a basic recipe you must follow for safety reasons and for the jelly to be a good consistency but there is so much creative freedom! Baking is about science. It is precise and measured and it doesn’t make my soul sing. If I was Marie Kondo baking would get donated!

    Shop Local, Win Prizes

    Get your FREE Don’t Buy Food From Strangers Loyalty Punch Card at the GOFM Info booth to learn more!

  • Upcycled Island

    Upcycled Island

    Say hi to Kasey!

    About Upcycled Island

    Kasey Miller is a life-long Texas Gulf Coaster, who became an upcycler later in life, upcycling mostly through sewing, but also repurposing furniture and home dec. She began concentrating on sewing through the pandemic and her husband’s dementia. They lost him in January of this year, so she is starting this new chapter in her life, part of which is through vending at GOFM – and she loves it.

    When did you first get started?

    I started Yayamade probably some 15 years ago and changed the business name in 2022 to better reflect my products and philosophy of upcycling.

    What inspired you to start your business?

    I first made purses and aprons as Christmas gifts for family, and it grew out of that.

    What is your favorite thing to make/produce?

    Oh, gosh, so many things, but mostly unique handbags from different parts of jeans. I’m talking jean hems, jean seams, pockets. They can be combined in some pretty fun and interesting ways. I also love to make how-to videos on YouTube.

    Where are you from/where did you grow up?

    I was born in Galveston and grew up on the Mainland. I’ve wanted to live in Galveston for some time and bought a fixer-upper in 2018, doing a lot of the inside work myself. It took 2 years to move in, so I’ve been living here since May 2020.

    Share a fun fact about yourself you’d like your customers to know!

    I taught Whip dancing (West Coast Swing) for some 13 years (volunteer instructor) and co-managed a charity thrift shop for about 10 years.

    Shop Local, Win Prizes

    Get your FREE Don’t Buy Food From Strangers Loyalty Punch Card at the GOFM Info booth to learn more!

  • Verve Jewelry Co

    Verve Jewelry Co

    Say hi to Allysa De La Cruz!

    Verve Jewelry Co. was born through a love of fashion, accessories, and all things western & coastal. As a Tejano whose Mexican ancestors have been in Texas for centuries, I have a deep love and appreciation for my native Texas culture. A bandana is often seen as the symbol of western fashion, which is why I decided to use it as my primary medium for jewelry making. The shells in my jewelry are representative of where I grew up — on the Texas coast.

    When did you first get started?

    The business was created March 2025, but the idea has been brewing for years.

    What inspired you to start your business?

    What really inspired me to start Verve was that I wanted to wear a bandana, but I also wanted to wear a necklace everyday. Why not marry the two?

    What is your favorite thing to make/produce?

    My signature bandana necklaces — the Carolina Slim & the Coastal Cowboy — are by far my favorite pieces to make.

    Where are you from/where did you grow up?

    Born & raised in Houston, Texas. Graduated from Dickinson high school, and still call the city of Dickinson my home.

    Share a fun fact about yourself you’d like your customers to know!

    My wonderful & supportive husband and I are high school sweethearts!

    Shop Local, Win Prizes

    Get your FREE Don’t Buy Food From Strangers Loyalty Punch Card at the GOFM Info booth to learn more!

  • VJ Farms Texas

    VJ Farms Texas

    Say hi to Alicia, Ross, Luis, & Pam!

    About VJ Farms Texas

    The story of VJ Farms begins in 1965 when our grandparents purchased this land with the G.I. Bill, the law that provided a range of benefits for some of the returning World War II veterans. Jiles, our grandfather, served in the U.S. Navy from 1942-1946 allowing him to purchase 72 acres in Anderson County that would initially serve as the family getaway. They spent many holidays meeting up with family near and far to gather and commune on the land. Grandma Verda was the youngest of 5 children and was very close with her siblings. The Grey/Marshall family reunion took place here on the farm once a year which gave us the opportunity to know and love our grandmother’s sisters, nieces, and nephews. This tradition would continue for 30+ years.

    In 1976, after 30 years of service, Jiles retired from the Exxon plant in Baytown, Texas and they decided to move permanently to the farm. Jiles built Verda a modest, yet nonetheless, her dream house. We feel very lucky this gift was passed to us and we feel certain that they would be proud of us today.

    We spent all summer and almost every holiday at the farm with our grandparents. We spent hours in the field or shop with Grandpa tending to cows, harvesting potatoes, fixing fences, and “tinking around” as Grandma used to say. Grandpa made sure there was time for a swim in the pond, a few casts from the Jon boat, or a trip down the zipline he installed in the backyard. We spent time with Grandma sewing, cooking, canning, and, of course, playing card games. We knew the farm took a lot of work and there wasn’t much time for sitting around. However, we never fully appreciated the true amount of work that went into the day-to-day operations and upkeep of a farm.

    Fast forward several years and here we are all grownup, our grandparents passed on many years ago, and now we had to figure out what to do with the property.

    Sweat, a little blood, more sweat, tears, and you guessed it, a little more sweat, and we’ve built ourselves a hemp farm. Not in a thousand years would Verda and Jiles expect their grandchildren to become hemp farmers. But here we are, taking the love, knowledge, and traditions our grandparents instilled in us and sowing them into a new hemp venture.

    Shop Local, Win Prizes

    Get your FREE Don’t Buy Food From Strangers Loyalty Punch Card at the GOFM Info booth to learn more!

  • Whypearl

    Whypearl

    Say hi to Jane!

    About Whypearl

    Jane is an interior Designer who likes to design jewelry, make ceramics, and paint. She had worked in oil paints for ten years, using them in her ceramics as well. She has a designer eye for jewelry, whether it be pearls or ceramic beads. She likes to make “impression jewelry” by gaining inspiration from paintings such as Van Gogh’s starry night and Monet’ s Garden, and capturing it in her jewelry pieces!

    When did you first get started?

    I first started in 2014.

    What inspired you to start your business?

    I created so many beautiful things & wanted to share!

    What is your favorite thing to make/produce?

    Tea pots and impression jewelry.

    Where are you from/where did you grow up?

    I come from China and I grew up in Shanghai.

    Share a fun fact about yourself you’d like your customers to know!

    I am excited to turn my hobbies into my business. Although the business may not last forever, the hobbies will!

    Shop Local, Win Prizes

    Get your FREE Don’t Buy Food From Strangers Loyalty Punch Card at the GOFM Info booth to learn more!

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