At The Dupont Farmer Market March 8, 2008
(a market patron snatches up a gorgeous bunch of jewel-toned carrots at Farm at Sunnyside)
Well, after a month or more hiatus from going to the Dupont Market, Frank and I returned on a warm March morning to find the most dedicated of patrons lined up at their favorite vendors to get the pick of the day. Atwater’s Breads etc. had a lineup of 15 or so people, while Keswick Creamery’s stand was surrounded by those grazing on the free samples while waiting to buy cheese and eggs. And yes, it was me that bought the last carton of one dozen gorgeous white, brown, sand and green-blue eggs just after the bell was rung! Not surprisingly, the next long line that I saw was queued up at the flower stand in the bank parking lot. A warm day in late winter leaves one yearning for fair weather, while the colors and smells of a hand-picked bouquet of flowers helps to shed the winter blues.
(Quaker Valley Orchards delicous jams)
What a joyous sound– you know, the opening bell? I like arriving early to the market and really get excited watching the stands being prepared for opening, and deciding upon my strategy after purusing all the goods and prices. After scoring eggs and a feta sampler pack from Keswick, I restocked on one of my favorite morning treats, which is Quaker Valley Orchard’s Sour Cherry Jam. Next, Frank bought a few Gold Rush apples and we rounded out our purchases with a couple Teriyaki buffalo sticks (think Slim Jim) from Cibola Farms, a generous bunch of perky flat leaf parsley from Sunnyside Farm and a basket of black trumpet mushrooms from the Mushroom Stand.
(bright orchids and Atwater breads fresh from the truck)
Our bag was heavy, we were happy and thus departed the market for the Italian Store to stock up on pantry goods, prepared frozen foods (the canneloni is a fantastic heat and eat meal) and of course, a Philly sub. Hoagie really, but I’ll go along with the lingo here.
OK. Time to eat and cook with the bounty we got on Sunday. Stay tuned!
(market patrons come and go to the Dupont Market)
Until the next At The Market, eat and buy local when you can.
That’s so funny you took the last cartoon of eggs! Looks like a great market and it was a nice warm weekend to go. I love outdoor markets too because they are great places to take photos.
Hi Dskco- the vendor with the eggs just starting selling them again. She said the hens are just getting started and should be more productive in the future. I can’t wait to poach or soft boil one and eat the deep orange yolks.
Ah, back to the farmer’s markets. I visited the Courthouse market a few weeks ago, but it was a bit too early (unless you’re into apples). I’ll have to check out when the Del Rey and Cameron Station markets open this year. Can’t wait to churn out some pasta or risotto primavera.
BB