The Houndstooth Gourmet

Frank and I arrived at the Dupont Farmers Market just minutes after the opening bell rang. Tents were up to protect from the rain, which was fortunately done by the time the market opened. Winter produce still dominated the market, with gourds, tubers, radishes, turnips and leafy greans. Sunnyside Farm had amazing rainbow chard and large collards. The Farm at Sunnyside (not to be confused with Sunnside Farm) had two tables piled high with baby bok choy, leafy frisee, baby beets, turnips and carrots. All so amazingly fresh.

Keswick Creamery had already drawn a large crowd for their cheese products. I met Melanie, who owns Keswick Creamery. She is dedicated and hard working, living her dream on her dairy farm. I have always known that Keswick Creamery is popular, but they also have a true dedicated following of patrons who line up before the opening bell to get their favorite products. On Sunday, I sampled the Feta with Italian Herbs which tasted of basil and oregano. Alongside a small bucket of broccoli florets was a container of Keswick’s blue cheese dip. Amazing.

Creekside Farm and Orchard from Berkley Spring WV carries many “finished” products including a nice selection of soups. Last week, I sampled their split pea which was thick and smoky. This week, they had leek, cranberry bean and sweet sausage soup, which all looked delicious. Oh, and don’t forget that if you go to the market, bring any empty egg cartons to donate to them!

Toigo Farm had beautiful little cucumbers which were flying off the table. They were so green and sweet, I had to buy some. Also of note at Toigo is their heirloom tomato sauce. It’s tomato taste is deep and rich, and very low in sugar. It tasted great with their samples of crusty bread. Tip: Toigo is also very generous with samples year round!

Gardener’s Gourmet had lots of gorgeous green broccoli (also very popular at the market) and herbs which are beyond fresh. I bought a bunch of cilantro and dill. A LOT OF DILL. So much, in fact, if any HG readers have suggestions for their favorite recipes which use dill- I’d really appreciate it. I don’t want to waste any of the feathery fronds.

Tulips and lilies were also very popular as I saw many patrons with flowers in hand. I suppose they are ready for Spring, just like me.

After the market, Frank and I headed to Del Ray for brunch at Taqueria Poblano. A hot cup of decaf coffee warmed me up once inside. I ordered the taquito platter ($8.95) which had 3 crunchy pork taquitos drizzled with crema, refried beans, fresh guacamole and yellow rice. It was all very good, with the highlights being the fresh guacamole and their spicy pork. Along with free chips and fresh salsa, this is an amazing bargain.

Finally, while driving up Mount Vernon Avenue on our way to brunch, we spotted a young lady, Jackie, training on a bike just outside of St. Elmo’s Coffee House. She had a sign behind her stating that she was training for a triathalon to raise money for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Jackie said that her goal is to raise a whopping $5000 and she was already halfway there! She plans to train on her bicycle at at other coffee houses such as Murky Coffee in Arlington, and Misha’s in Old Town Alexandria.  Vistit Jackie’s website to track her progress and donate!

Until the next At The Market, eat and buy local when you can!

And……don’t forget those dill suggestions!

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Tags: District of Columbia, Washington, farmers markets //