At The Kingstowne And Del Ray Markets-July 18&19, 2008
Hey fellow market goers! Is it HOT enough for you?!!
Last Friday I decided that I’d go go the Kingstowne Market a bit later in the day, thinking it would be a tad cooler than at 4pm when the sun scorches the macadam and I wade around in a puddle of my own sweat. Good times.
So, Frank and I got to the market at about 6:15 and while still hot, we managed to enjoy ourselves for about 20 minutes or so. My first mission was to find fresh-picked corn. I checked out the corn crop at C&T farm (”Frosty” variety) and it seemed a bit small-in fact smaller than when I bought a half dozen more than two weeks ago (it was deeee-lish). I decided to see how big and fresh the corn was at Green Lever Farm was across the way. A sign said that it was “Argent Sweet” corn and they cobs were bigger so I decided to get a half dozen for $2.50. Bad move as it was awful- starchy and not sweet at all. I’m going to make a succotash with it instead of eating it off the cob as I would have liked. Oh well….lemons and lemonade and all!
From Green Lever Farm and Mount Olymus Farm, I bought fresh ingredients to make salsa verde-my new favorite condiment. At $2/pound, Green Lever had fresh tomatillos in their husks which I charred up on my cast iron grill and blended with onion, peppers and cilantro. I would imagine at the height of summer, with produce being so abundant and rather cheap at the market, that Salsas Las Glorias isn’t quite as busy. The thing is, you can easily make salsa as fresh as can be, right from the market, for about half the price.
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Saturday morning at the Del Ray market was hot, hot, hot! Marcella’s Bakery table had the usual saltenas and something new-cheese empanadas for $1.50. Frank and I split one and I’m guessing that they are best fresh out of the oven when the cheese is hot. After cooling down, it’s nothing more than dough and hardened cheese. I’d recommend sticking to their incredible beef or chicken saltenas, filled with onions, peas, egg, olives and savory broth.
Local Honey was at the market. I believe they are at Del Ray every third Saturday with honey that comes from VA, DC, and MD.
Berries and corn were nowhere to be seen, much to my surprise, although Toigo did have sweet cherries, plums and apricots that looked ripe and delicious. Perhaps it was because we arrived a bit late-just before 11am. Serve me right for sleeping in late!
Next on my list of things to get was mini rolls from Bonaparte Bakery. Perfect for making sliders. They raised the price 50 cents to $4.50 for 6 rolls, but it’s still better than the $6 they charge at Dupont. So, I’m all set to enjoy buffalo (Cibola) burgers on Bonaparte rolls with Gruyere cheese and salad tomatoes from C&T produce.
It’s going to be a lovely, local meal. I’ll be sure to report back about it.
Until the next At The Market, eat and buy local when you can. Enjoy the photos!
I’m surprised there was anything left at Del Ray by 11 given the lines at 8.30! Tom said Sunday that that was his best day ever at Del Ray. There were blueberries when I was there, from the folks in the front corner with the homemade salsa, but not too many.
The Courthouse market in Arlington is getting to be a madhouse. In May, you could get there right at 8 and still find parking but now.. you GOTTA be there by 7:45 AM or you have to ride around with the other rabid shoppers trying to stalk folks who had the good sense to get there early.. ShoeBox Oven is always great and I got Swiss chard but it wilted in my fridge by Sunday. Kingstowne is nice because there’s always parking even though I really wish there were more bakeries or other sweets but I can always count on the kettle corn. I’ll have to try Del Ray based on your pics and suggestions. Tks!
Hi Philly Girl (I’m from Philly too!)-I read over on Don Rockwell that Courhouse and Dupont were crazy this weekend. I’m not sure if it’s still available-but I used to park at the Chamber of Commerce building on 14th st.
At Del Ray, you have Bonaparte Bakery and Graces Pastries (along with many pies that other vendors make). for sweets