Fresh Thyme at the Taste of Westerville
The “Rookie of the Year” award at this year’s Taste of Westerville was open to every participant attending its first Taste, but the winner was a true rookie in the community.
Fresh Thyme Farmers Market had been open for only a few days when its store director, Richard Spires, brought his items to the Crowne Plaza Columbus North in April.
“We just opened the week of,” Spires says.
The goal was to introduce patrons to what Fresh Thyme does best – fresh, healthful food, with a design intended to be easy to navigate – so Spires put together a simple offering he thought would make those points.
“We just wanted to highlight our fresh products, so we made some fresh pineapple salsa and Fresh Thyme brand tortilla chips,” he says.
Organic produce is a major area of emphasis for the store, but it also has a full deli, bakery and butcher shop, among other typical grocery options.
“We bring healthy food to the masses,” Spires says.
Westerville’s is the third Fresh Thyme in central Ohio, following stores in northwest Columbus and Worthington. The Midwest-centered company is based in Chicago.
Six awards were given out at this year’s Taste, the most it has presented in recent years. Other winners, most of which have been previously profiled in Westerville Magazine, include:
- Polaris Grill for Best Presentation and People’s Choice;
- Yabo’s Tacos for Westerville’s Tastiest;
- Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn for Busiest Bee; and
- Smashburger for Crème de la Crème (recognizing desserts).
Garth Bishop is managing editor. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
Fresh Thyme Pineapple Salsa
Ingredients
- 1 pineapple
- 1 small sweet onion
- 3 Roma tomatoes
- 1 jalapeño (more or less to taste)
- 1 bunch cilantro
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil
Instructions
Peel and core pineapple. Dice pineapple, onion, tomatoes and jalapeño and place into large bowl.
Chop leaves of cilantro and add to bowl. Add olive oil and stir well.
Chill for at least 2 hours and serve with tortilla chips.
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