Swirl that locally produced vino, slice that Fiore de Nonno fig burrata! Guest Nibble scribe Jenna Stark tells us about Union Square’s new specialty farmers’ market.

Something delicious is coming your way! Our good friends over at Union Square Main Streets are launching the neighborhood’s first specialty food farmers market, called Swirl and Slice. The new market celebrates and showcases wine, cheese, and other specialty foods produced by Massachusetts farmers that are not often prominent in traditional farmers’ markets. Swirl and Slice takes place on the plaza every Thursday night from 5:00 pm-8:00 pm starting Thursday, June 14, and running through September 20.

As someone who has already sampled the market’s offerings, I guarantee you will not be able to leave the square empty-handed. Food lovers will delight in filling their baskets with local cheese, bread, pastries, jam, nuts, gourmet chocolates, and other locally produced specialty foods. But if these items don’t whet your appetite, you can quench your thirst through the market’s abundance of locally made wines, meads, cordials, and non-alcoholic beverages. (The mead makers from Green River Ambrosia, left, will be among vendors.) As you shop you can relax to the dulcet tones of local jazz bands as the sun sets over a warm summer evening. The market is perfect for planning a picnic or weekend away, or just enjoying a nice night in Union Square.

Swirl and Slice will also feature the Tasting Table for you to learn more about the products offered at Swirl and Slice and how to make the most of them at home. Presented with Terrior Studio and hosted by local chefs and food experts, the Tasting Table offers 45-minute workshops on topics such as wine basics, how to set up a cheese plate, or how to sweeten up your date night routine (with honey!). Sign up for a workshop today on the Swirl and Slice website

Swirl and Slice is building upon the success of Union Square’s vibrant Saturday farmers’ market. Both markets are run by Union Square Main Streets, a local non-profit that aims to promote the Union Square business district and surrounding neighborhoods through community collaboration. We look forward to seeing you at the market!

Somerville Arts Council Editors’ Note: Since 2005,  we have received ongoing funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council to spur the cultural economy of Union Square. With this grant, our ArtsUnion project was born. It has been thriving ever since, with outdoor festivals and markets, new street furniture and banners in the square, new arts-friendly zoning, lots of food-related programming—and this Nibble blog. Union Square Main Streets has been one or our most active and supportive partners. Among other things, they curate one of ArtsUnion’s most beloved events: the epically gooey Fluff festival. Thanks USMS!