Market Day

If you've been a reader here for any significant amount of time, you'll know that I have a slight obsession with farmers' markets. A foodie love affair, if you will. There's something so charming and natural about buying our food straight from the source that takes the chore out of grocery shopping.

This weekend we headed to the local monthly farmers' market in Camberley town centre for a little look around. I wasn't really planning to buy anything, but who can resist the siren song of crab pâté?!
Figs are also in season, round and ripe and dripping with goodness. It's one of the most bountiful times of the year, and a visit to a farmers' market really makes that evident. I just got a calendar with a list of other local markets in the coming month, so I'm really excited to check them out in the weekends ahead!

Dress: Similar here, Sweater: Olive & Oak, Shoes: JustFab, Crossbody bag: London Fog, Vintage necklace: my own

Juicy.

Have you ever tried "real" grapes? Not the ones on grocery store shelves; no, I'm talking about the mouth-puckering, vibrant smelling grapes used in juice and wine making. If you haven't, you should. Quick! While they're in season- get your hands on some. You won't regret it. 

A local vineyard brought juice and fresh grapes to the farmers' market this past weekend. I smelled their stand before I saw it, whipping around instantly at the distinctive scent. It took me back to childhood walks in the woods with my father, and the smell of the wild grapes along the edge of the water in the fall.

I spent all afternoon slowly eating a bunch, careful to save all of the seeds. I'll be really excited if I can manage to get some vines growing next spring. 

I love the label on this bottle. Maybe I won't refrigerate the next one, tee hee...

Please excuse my gross burn wound scab thing on my hand. Such is the life of the (unprofessional) chef.

Market Months

New York is chock full of amazing markets in the summer months. Local farmers, purveyors, artists and producers band together in different locations every day of the week to bring the concrete jungle a little bit of the gifts of the great outdoors. Immeasurable physical and social benefits in less than half of a city block, right at your fingertips.

This summer, I've challenged myself to avoid grocery stores. Other than purchasing non-grocery supplies, I haven't set foot in a "real" grocery store since the warm months began to give way to these bountiful outdoor markets. Seasonal, fresh, fruitful... what's not to love? My greatest feelings of accomplishment stem from making a really simple, delicious, amazing meal out of my semi-weekly finds. 

Fresh.

I've posted before about the Broadway French Market, where I stop by each Tuesday and Friday on my lunch break to pick up amazing local produce and eats. 

This Tuesday's haul brought Romanesco cauliflower, fresh onions, a beautiful bunch of radishes, and a stunning head of purple cabbage. 

Thanks to a few of my favorite spices and seasonings, they all came together into a wonderful meal. 

Knowing that I've made something delicious from fresh, local, organic produce makes me feel great before I even eat it. 

Find a farmers market! Go local! Go fresh!!

Broadway French Market

So, I feel kind of dumb. I've worked on this street for over two years now, and I had no idea that on Tuesdays and Thursdays, there is an awesome farmers market on Broadway, near Harold Square. I didn't have much cash on me, unfortunately, but I did come home with a few massive local beefsteak tomatoes and some picked-that-morning sugar snap peas.... And quite a few super yummy samples of everything from pickles to handmade strawberry mint lemonade. Yum!

First Signs of Spring

The beautiful weather this weekend was the perfect nudge to get back outdoors. So, we headed to Prospect Park to get some fresh air, soak up some rays, and stop by a farmer's market. The snow wasn't fully melted yet, but it almost felt like spring was finally here.

Dress - "Getaway Dress" at www.shopdisowned.com
Tights - Uniqlo
Jacket - Whish
Booties - Vince Camuto
Bag - Justfab.com