At The West End Alexandria Farmers Market August 17, 2008
(Red onion on the scale at J&W Valley View Farm)
For a beautiful and unusually temperate August day, the West End Alexandria Farmers Market had a small crowd shortly after 9am this morning. The products offered by the vendors were as wonderful as ever, however, and I do hope that the action picked up after I left. Especially, because the market will be closed next Sunday, for the Cambodian Festival, according to signs at each vendor’s table and market manager, Julie Bryant. Bryant, enthusiastic and socializing among the vendors and crowd, explained to Frank and I that “the festival takes over (Ben Brenman Park), with crowds of people, costumes, dancing and food.”
At J&W Valley View Farm in Westmoreland County VA, I bought more super sweet white corn, peppers, tomatoes (heirloom and vine ripened) along with onions. The (sort of) bad news is that their produce was a bit more expensive this week. Both tomatoes ($3 a pound–as was everyone else) and corn were up in cost, perhaps due to the fact that there is no market next week. The good news is that J&W expects that their corn will be available until the end of the market’s season. Yay!
(Fruits, berries and blossoms at Westmoreland Berry Farm)
Westmoreland Berry Farm was still rife with blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. I bought 2 containers of blackberries for $10, and a quart (a dozen) squash blossoms for $5. It’s time to master the blossoms, once and for all! I will probably fall back on a dish that I’m comfortable with–a frittata perhaps. I can’t screw that up…I think.
Fresh Joseph’s was pumping fresh squeezed orange juice, which I have enjoyed time and time again at the Old Town Alexandria Farmers Market on Saturdays. It’s been only recently that I have looked beyond the crates of oranges and to the other products that they offer, namely fresh mozzarella and baked goods, such as breads that come from a Mediterranean bakery (not sure if it is the Mediterranean Bakery). I purchased 2 large balls of mozzarella for $7 and a crusty ciabatta for $6. If ciabatta means ‘slipper’ in Italian, then whoever this ciabatta was made for has feet the size of Shaquil O’Neil. It’s huge!
(Ciabatta bread at Fresh Joseph’s)
Finally, I bought a log of fresh goat cheese from Tom the Cheese Guy. I wonder if everyone else calls him that? Anyway, he’s very nice and carries a variety of wonderful products from Amish Country in PA. Cheeses, baked and canned goods have a faithful following. I remember the first time I bought Tom’s fresh goat cheese, which is made by Apple Tree Goat Dairy in Richland, PA. I bought the goat cheese with herbs and paired it simply with sliced tomato and crostini. I was thrilled with the tangy taste, and have been a fan ever since. It’s good to know that you can buy from Tom both on Saturday at the Del Ray Farmers Market, and on Sunday at the West End Alexandria Farmers Market.
(Goat Chevre from Tom the Cheese Guy)
Once again, there will be no market next Sunday, August 24, at West End Alexandria due to the Cambodian Festival. Until the next At The Market, eat and buy local when you can.
That’s what we call Tom – and how he signs his emails, too! Love that goat cheese. I couldn’t believe there were two vendors with squash blossoms this week, when we’re headed out of town and I didn’t have time to cook them. Will have to enjoy them vicariously through you.
Thanks Foodie Tots. I have already used the chevre in a dish to be posted tommorow. I fried it and put it over J&W’s heirloom tomatoes with some of their corn. Incredible…..
I think I’ll use the squash in a frittata for tommorow’s dinner.Stay tuned…and have fun. Vacation??
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