Get Ready for Spring with Farm Fresh Foods, a Fast-Casual Healthy Eatery, and a Chef who's the Perfect Guide to a Gluten-Free Lifestyle!

Farmers markets are a fun way to not only pick up your next ready-made meal or produce and spices from local farms and businesses, they're also a great way to learn something new. One of our friends, who is the founder of Forest Farmers Market AND Moneta Farmers Market in Virginia, happens to know a thing or two about that. Dorothy, who you can learn more about her when she joined us in October 2023 on episode 250, let us know about the new season for Moneta Farmers Market, what's been going on throughout the winter season for Forest Farmers Market, and (more importantly) what we can look forward to for this coming Spring through the Fall! So, if you're planning to travel or if you live in the area--be sure to tune in to find out all the exciting news for Virginia's perfect place to shop, eat, and have fun while you learn!Speaking of fresh--Dori Fleekop sat down with us to chat about his new fast-casual concept, Bites & Blends. Although 'fast-casual' restaurants are associated with unhealthy foods, Dori's new eatery is abundant with healthy options. We love a frozen treat when the weather starts to warm up, and what better way to enjoy something sweet than grabbing a nutritious smoothie, bountiful salad, or scrumptious panini! Perhaps you're looking to kick-start your diet to get ready for swimsuit season--Bites & Blends is here to help jump start that diet with grab and go juice cleanses, cold-press juices, and nutrient-forward products made in-house! If you want to know how delicious being healthy can be, tune in to hear from Dori and then be sure to taste his healthy foods for yourselves!We've all felt sluggish after a heavy meal, so it's safe to assume that you know what you eat affects your body. Although there has been a long-standing trend on eating healthier and eating gluten-free (GF) not everyone has to. However, individuals who have been diagnosed with celiac disease need to follow a gluten-free diet in order to stay, and feel, healthy. Chef Monica Glass not only follows a gluten-free lifestyle, she has created and dedicated her culinary ventures within the GF community since 2009. As a well-known Pastry Chef, Writer, and wellness advocate, Chef Glass has created products and recipes that are indulgent and GF. Chef Glass joined us to discuss all of her GF endeavors, along with announcing her newly co-founded business: Verveine Cafe & Bakery. Verveine Cafe & Bakery will open its doors in the next few weeks, offering breakfast and lunch options for anyone living or visiting Boston, MA. And for anyone who wants to learn more about Monica and her healthy endeavors, stay tuned till the end of this week's episode to find out!