I'm so pleased to announce that our 2nd official Queens Swap, food swapping event is totally on. Riding on the coat tails of the first successful event back in May, this second iteration of an urban food barter concept will raise the bar yet again.
For starters, we have a new fabulous organizer, AJ from Handjobs for the Home blog, joining us. We loved AJ's contributions so much from the last swap, and he's been such a part of our blogger family (both at the Fooditka and We Heart Astoria) that it felt only natural to extend the olive branch. More than happy to accept, AJ has already made his mark on this program by suggesting a fantastic new venue and cooking up additional great ideas to make this swap even better than the last.
Here are all the pertinent deets of the swap, as well as the most important part - where to RSVP.
2nd Queens Swap - Saturday, September 17th from 4:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Fresh Start Market - 29-13 23rd Avenue, Astoria
In the spirit of enjoying the great outdoors, the swap will take place in Fresh Start's lovely outdoor patio space and will be limited to 20 ambitious swappers. So whether you've attended the last swap or are a newbie, I encourage you to take a look at our swapping tips page, which will help guide you.
If you'd like to swap with us this month, please RSVP here - there are only 9 spots left so don't wait, just go for it!
Ever heard of the expression "what's old is new again?" Words to live by, I think, as I often find myself falling in love with something old, refurbished, recycled, vintage - whatever you want to call it. We know that the old but good comes back to us in all aspects of life including in ways of thinking, fashion, speech, music & art, and undoubtedly with food. And that's why I'm here to tell you about an old idea of food barter, which developed into a new concept that I think you'll enjoy. It's called QueensSwap.
What's QueensSwap?
QueensSwap is a bi-monthly event that brings together passionate food enthusiasts, bakers, cooks, foragers (I think you get the hint) to barter (or swap) quality, homemade foods. The primary mission of the group is to not only share in the communal bounty of our culinarily rich region, but to also introduce each other to new tastes, smells, cuisines - and to meet one another.
Who's Behind QueensSwap?
Inspired by the passion of my good friend and We Heart Astoria colleague, Meg, QueensSwap is a harmonious collaboration between three ambitious and food obsessed women:
MEG, writer of Harmonious Belly blog, We Heart Astoria blog, and a staunch believer in the slow foods movement
CHARLENE, founder and editor of The Redhead Said, strategy extraudinaire and passionate baker
ME, your Foodista. I won't talk about myself - that would be embarrasing :)
Meg's inspiration behind this group came from the BK Swappers who run a successful food swap program in Brooklyn. Run by two awesome chicas, Brooklyn Homesteader's, Meg Paska and The Hip Girl's Guide to Homemaking, Kate Payne the group has been around since last year, holding a handful of wonderful events, the next one happening in April.
To find out about the intricacies behind food swapping, check out this recent New York Times article.
When Will QueensSwap Start?
Our very first food swap event will take place this May. Location and details to come, but get ready because it's going to be awesome and filled with lots of goodies.
How Do I Find Out More About QueensSwap?
Follow our steady progress on:
Facebook
Twitter and a website that's coming soon
Excited for you to join us! In the meantime, please chime in and tell us about the foods you'd love to swap. We're all ears...
