It all started with a new mom’s concern about feeding her firstborn “clean” and nutritious food. Ester Bishop and husband, Joel, went looking for a place to create their own farm, in a small town, away from the big city of Boston. They landed on a 16-acre parcel in Tiverton that was overrun with weeds and vines, and Gnarly Vines Farm was born.

Though Ester grew up visiting her grandfather’s farm in São Paolo, Brazil, she and her family had a steep learning curve with farming. First, they raised goats to clear the land, later adding pigs which “do a better job of it,” according to Ester. They also started with laying hens, and when the demand for eggs jumped from 12 to 300 dozen a week, they took a chance and started raising chickens for meat as well.

Through all that, as she learned the business side of farming and established their farm’s name at farmers markets and restaurants, Ester decided to branch out with a food truck and a catering business utilizing their farm products. And, most recently, the Bishops opened Eat Gnarly Market, a spot where they sell their grab-and-go foods like sandwiches and salads; packaged fresh and frozen meals; chicken, pork, lamb and beef from the farm; and select sundries from local purveyors. For some items, Ester brings a Brazilian touch to the menu, with beef and cheese or chicken and cheese empanadas, roasted beef rib and feijoada (“woods-raised pork, stewed in black beans” and served with kale salad and jasmine rice). Traditional dishes, such as feijoada, are also available in vegan versions.

2490 Main Road, Tiverton. 401.266.4292; EatGnarly.com