James Mater, aka Hummus Boss, offers up baba ganouj, bruschetta, avocado salad and, yes, hummus.
Curious locals braved the heat Tuesday to pay a visit to the Millburn Farmers Market’s newest addition: The Hummus Boss.
A steady stream of taste testers surrounded the kiosk, manned by proprietor and aforementioned “Boss,” James Matar. The entrepreneur, whose new venture is just under a year old, dished out samples of hummus, baba ganouj, and his signature showstoppers, an avocado salad and Mosaaha, which he explained is a slow-roasted mixture of baked eggplant, caramelized onions and chickpeas in a tomato reduction.
The chef, who said he is likely to hand out 500 spoonfuls of samples of his tasty Tapas in one afternoon, happily supplied his patrons with recipes and ideas on how to make the most of his Mediterranean cuisine.
“The avocado salad is perfect with some grilled shrimp over a bed of arugula or a mesclun salad,” he recommended, adding that the tomato bruschetta is great on toasted bread while his hummus is a worthy addition to any wrap.
Millburn moms, who sampled Matar’s specialties the last time he was in town returned, saying not only did they love his food, their children did as well.
“My three year old could not get enough of this hummus,” said a satisfied customer, purchasing two more tubs of hummus, priced at $5 each. Matar’s other fare retails for $7 a container. In August, the purveyor said he’ll be pleased to bring what he describes as “an incredible heirloom tomato bruschetta” to market.
The Hummus Boss joins the market on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, explained market manager Karen Cummins. On the first Tuesday of each month, visitors can have their knives, scissors and garden tools tuned up by Neil’s Sharpening Service.
Cummins noted that the Millburn Farmers Market, now in its 22nd season, was the Garden State’s first. She welcomed back loyal vendors Ort, E.R. & Sons and Alstede Farms as well as Gina’s Bakery, and Hoboken Farms. Paola’s Kitchen, featuring Italian dinners on-the-go, also returned to town and continues to offer gluten-free options. Gourmet Nuts & Dried Fruits, also new this season, and Dr. Pickle were popular with patrons looking for a different afternoon treat.
“It’s always so much fun,” Cummins said. “People stop in for breakfast on their way to work. The market has moved several times over the years as the parking deck was built but we’re back and hope everyone will come out and find us.”
The Farmers Market, located at Main and Essex Streets, runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Nov. 11. For more information, visit Downtown Millburn.org.
See more about the Millburn Farmers Market below:
Millburn Farmers Market 2014
Millburn Farmers Market 2014
Millburn Farmers Market 2014
Millburn Farmers Market 2014
Millburn Farmers Market 2014
Millburn Farmers Market 2014
Millburn Farmers Market 2014
Millburn Farmers Market 2014
Millburn Farmers Market 2014
Millburn Farmers Market 2014
