Last year Read’s Book Store closed on Bridge Street. A part of everyone’s heart went when the little book store that could closed its doors. So where is Aisha now? Did you know that you can find Aisha’s culinary delights at the McGahey Farm stall at the Carleton Place Farmer’s Market every Saturday?
She is enjoying working with Ray, Peter and David of McGahey Farm in preparing soups, dips, jams and pickles from their farm produce. How great is that?
I asked Ray Elgersma from McGahey Farms to tell me a little about what she is creating for them. Aisha talks about her upbringing and cultural background having a huge impact on food preparation. Her childhood in Pakistan and her mother’s amazing cooking has given her a passion for her interest in food security and being a whole foods advocate. Aisha has directed or coordinated 3 food security programs (Good Food Box, Good Food for Healthy Babies, Community Food Advisor Program) here in Lanark County prior to her owning and managing Read’s Bookstore and Café here in Carleton Place the past 6 years.
Aisha describes herself as an intuitive cook, (she was a guest chef at the Local Independent Grocer) mentored by her mother who knew how to use seasonings and spices to bring the best from foods she prepares. She has used seasonal and local foods for the past 25 years even before it was trendy.
So Eat local. Eat what’s in season-determine what’s in season right now and dig in. You’ll be rewarded with high quality produce, packed with nutrition, at a lower cost. And your taste buds will definitely thank you for it!
Come visit McGahey Farms this week at the Carleton Place Farmer’s Market and see what Aisha has created for them.
lindaseccaspina 