Spend a Couple Hours »Queen Anne Farmers Market

qafarmEvery Thursday 3pm to 7:30pm from June 6 to October 31, at Crockett Street and Queen Anne Ave. N

Seattle is a city rich in Farmers Markets. This week we headed to the lovely neighborhood of Queen Anne, a quaint area that tops our list of areas to eventually call home.

The Queen Anne Market has the usual suspects of fresh produce (Rainer cherries! Huge fennel! Bright strawberries!) as well as a food truck alley that introduced us to Tandoozy, a naan bread topped with tandoori, rice, spicy sweet potato and lentils (pictured) as well as handcrafted lemon lavendar sodas from The Soda Jerk.

The event is super kid friendly, with tots in every direction and there’s lots of hills to park your wagon or stroller and let the kids dance to music that inspired mine to pull out moves I’ve never seen before. A fun time.

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Posted on June 7, 2013

Spend a Couple Minutes »The Ballard Farmers Market

Screen-Shot-2013-06-02-at-7.29.15-PMBallard at 22nd Ave, Seattle, WA

Several people have recommended a visit to The Ballard Farmers Market and it’s easy to see why.This friendly street fair boasts fresh produce, bright flowers, seafood, meats, wines, baked goods and more.

I can personally recommend the fresh donuts, the incredible Pete’s Perfect Toffee, the selection of delicious cheeses from Mt. Townsend Creamery, sourdough from Tall Grass Bakery, and the local green onions.

It’s such a pleasant environment that even the gimmicky street musicians have a certain charm.

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Posted on June 2, 2013

Desserts »The Pie Lady and Son

at The McGolrick Farmer’s Market

We missed Smorgasburg this week, but the McGolrick Park Farmer’s Market began this morning and I am bringing you some of the best bites. Let’s begin with pie – pie, pie, delicious pie.

The Pie Lady and Son offers several fresh baked varieties and in different sizes – a five incher works perfectly for two very hungry or four regular people.

While chocolate fudge pie sounded intriguing, the summer weather begged for cherry. It is sweet, a touch tart, and the walnut crumble is an excellent companion to vanilla ice cream. So yummy, such summery perfection.

And honestly, the proprietor, who really makes pie with his mother out of Nyack, is such a sweetheart, you’s be inclined to buy anything from him – lucky for us it’s fabulous pie.

 

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Posted on June 3, 2012

Restaurants »Bon Chovie

At Smorgasburg

Oh, Bon Chovie, how I love thee. If I had to pick just one bite at Smorgasburg this would be it. But how to decide between fried (always opt for heads on) and the fresh boquerones? Well, usually only one or the other is available so the choice is made for you.

If I was ever called upon to brag about my life as it stands, I think the fact that I can walk down to the waterfront with my awesome baby and husband and eat up fresh anchovies would be a major talking point.

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Posted on May 22, 2012

Drinks »Arnold Palmer Slushie

from Kelvin Slush

I’ve been wanted to try the Kelvin Slush for some time but have never been lucky enough to happen upon the Vendy-winning truck. Fortunately, Smorgasburg delivered the natural, icy treats to my doorstep.

The sign for Arnold Palmer slushies stopped me in my tracks. It sounded like heaven. Granted, heaven ended up a little more sugary than I expected, but it was still a noteworthy, refreshing summer treat.

 

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Posted on May 19, 2012

Desserts »Homemade Pop Tarts from Anarchy in a Jar

at Smorgasburg

Jim and I aren’t the only ones that look forward to our Smorgasburg Saturdays.

When I ask Van if he’s ready to eat a pop tart by the water his eyes light up and he shakes his head yes vigorously.

The pop tarts in question are not those grocery store guilty pleasures though. No, Van loves the homemade ones from Anarchy in a Jar.

They have mixed berry, blueberry and strawberry and all are delicious. I know because I usually manage to get a bite in before he’s wolfed them down.

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Posted on May 7, 2012

Restaurants »Lonestar Empire

at Smorgasburg

Last week we tried and loved Mighty Quinn’s but they’re not the only brisket party in town. Lonestar Empire boasts a juicy meaty sandwich themselves with excellent toppings like pickled onions and jalapeño (both optional but a great idea).

More than worth the few extra bucks? The mustardy smashed potatoes that taste like summer barbecues.

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Posted on May 5, 2012

Restaurants »Mighty Quinn’s

At Smorgasburg

If you’ve been to Smorgasburg you know Mighty Quinn’s. It’s the one with the huge smoker and – invariably – the longest line.

So when we got to the fair super early we had to take advantage of its relatively short line. Sure, it meant a brisket sandwich for breakfast but, wow, what a brisket sandwich!

Tender, flavorful, meaty with a sauce that has the perfect balance of tang and smoke. It’s a cross between vinegar and tomato based owning influence to no one particular region. No wonder its such a favorite.

The chefs take a lot of pride in their food (and look at those forearms!) and are happy to chat BBQ with their eager customers.

Next time I’ll even brave the longer lines to try their lamb which is only available later in the day. It’s sure to be worth the wait.

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Posted on April 25, 2012

Spend a Couple Hours »Witches March

Williamsburg Kiddie Halloween Parade

I have to admit, Van the most scrumptious French pumpkin and I, the makeshift Pinocchio pooped out of the Witches Walk before the parade even began but we had a blast seeing all the fabulous and adorable costumes.

Huge kudos to those parents who managed such great handmade costumes like the dumpling (complete with chop stick legs!!) and les family of old fashioned bank robbers pictured below.

For every little one I got a photo of there were at least ten more to say awwww about. We had become quite a formidable crowd by the time we left (to the absolute horror of single dudes caught in the wave of strollers).

Thanks to Flying Squirrel for hosting.

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Posted on October 31, 2011

Spend a Couple Hours »Queens County Fair

Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway

Pigs, chickens, alpacas and beer! Here, here!

The Queens County Fair may not be the biggest in the country (we plan on going to that one some day) but we had a great time.

Nice to show Van actual animals that he’s read about in books and nice for Jim and I to enjoy one last outdoor Oktoberfest ale in a plastic cup.

We just missed a pig race and were too early for the arm wrestling but will probably be more into the scheduled activities next year when Van’s a little older.

Have always loved the Queens County Farm Museum and their various special events (see Thunderbird American Indian Mid-Summer Pow Wow).

A nice piece of rural living only a short drive away.

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Posted on September 19, 2011

Restaurants »La Buena Gazpacho

At Smorgasburg

La Buena Gazpacho from chef Alexandra Raij is so crazy delicious, I wish I had had gallons to enjoy over the Summer.

Perhaps a date night to one of her restaurants, Txikito and El Quinto Pino should be on our agenda…

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Posted on September 17, 2011

Spend a Couple Hours »Renegade Craft Fair

in McCarren Park June 11-12

It’s been a few years since I’ve attended the Renegade Craft Fair and I must say it has grown.

Even if some things can be repetitive (how many silkscreened tees with silly octopus on it does one person need?), the wares have gotten much better and varied too.

We found lots of things we liked and even walked away with a couple things: an awesome cheeseburger onesie for Van and a tiger embroidery from Coral and Tusk that will make a lovely gift for someone special (who will remain unnamed in case s/he’s ready this).

But whether it’s adorable ceramics, impressive original art, or one incredible necklace with a beaded antique crest (which was outside my meager budget) there’s likely something here for everybody.

It’s a nice way to spend the afternoon and will be up tomorrow from 11-7.

Be sure to stop by the free photo both!

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Posted on June 11, 2011

Spend a Couple Hours »Brooklyn Flea Part 2

27 North 6th St., Williamsburg, Sunday 10-5

Brooklyn Flea Market week two and Jim’s plan to “eat everything” was not too far off from what happened. We skipped stuff we’d already had either at the market or elsewhere which still left plenty to get full on. Good thing we had at least some restraint and split everything…

Beginning with one amazing donut (you know, breakfast first!). It came from Dough, a Cobble Hill shop that features unique flavors like Hibiscus and Blood Orange. I decided to try a simple glazed yeast however, to get a general feel for their goods. I hate to say it, but it rivals Peter Pan. I can’t wait to have another next week.

But the deliciousness didn’t stop there, no! Next we were on to Mile End‘s smoked cured brisket sandwich. A marvelous and simple sandwich that is juicy, smokey, and meaty. Do not skip the mustard, it adds a great kick. One of the best savory dishes at the market.

Asia Dog offers a large menu of unique Asian inspired toppings, we had a temporary lapse in restraint and went for the pork belly cucumber. It was intense. Maybe too intense. Next time I’d opt for the bahn mi hot dog or another less fat pork topped choice.

After all this we still were hungry (the key is not to eat before hand) and I was on the fence about making our last sandwich the Red Hook Lobster Roll, just because of the comparatively high 15.00 price tag.. but with Shaun’s urging that it was totally worth it, we relented and ordered Maine style. It was incredible, over flowing with big lobster chunks that tasted fresh and with just a hint of mayonnaise – the key to a good roll. Too many are just loads of mayo with tiny bits of lobster hiding among the celery. Here they do it right. Another best bite contender, especially with the summer months coming.

To wash everything down we tried Brooklyn Soda Works Root Beer, a spicy, none too sweet beverage that will quench the thirst even if you dislike soda.

I couldn’t help but get another jar of marmalade (this time grapefruit hibiscus) since my lemon vanilla is almost used up and we bit the bullet on the insane price tag ($7) for some Ragged Butte Bison Jerky to take home. It’s pretty awesome, but I don’t think I can rationizle speniding that kind of money on dried meat again.

Thank goodness this thing is only once a week.

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Posted on April 11, 2011

Spend a Couple Hours »Brooklyn Flea

Sundays 10-5 at 27 North 6th St.

I am so happy Brooklyn Flea has decided to set up within walking distance this summer. Not too psyched that it’s on gravel which made stroller pushing impossible – but lesson learned – next time we will use our carrier.

There were the usual selections of vintage goods and silk screened tees, with the dapper vintage tie seller Travis Sylvester selling particularly tempting bow ties at reasonable prices. But I was mostly indulging in the food stuffs.

For on the spot eating I enjoyed the Frgal Cakes, a pear crumble pizza of sorts that are traditional in Czechoslovakia. Also excellent was the homemade ricotta, arugula and fresh carved prosciutto bruschettas from Salvatore Brooklyn.

I brought Jim home a merguez sandwich from Brooklyn Bangers which was nice and flavorful with an incredible kicky sauce. A refreshing warm weather watermelon juice allowed me to almost ignore the bitter sudden gusts of winds that shook the proceedings.

For take home yumminess, I opted for Lime and Pickle mayonnaise from Sam Mason’s Empire Mayonnaise, which I haven’t tried yet, but expect to be wonderful and a jar of vanilla lemon marmalade from Momofuku Milk Bar and Friends which we just enjoyed on warm English muffins. So delicious and summery.

Can’t wait to return to try what I missed, including the Mile End smoked meat sandwich and local beef jerky.

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Posted on April 3, 2011

Places to Visit »Mercat Boqueria

in Barcelona

If you’re ever in Barcelona, you absolutely must – must – visit the Mercat Boqueria. Even if, like me, you’ve spent the previous night like a scene from the Exorcist with food poisoning, you’ll want to man up, drag yourself out of bed and go.

It’s vibrant, bustling and everywhere you look is a photograph waiting to be taken. Food nerds will wander around in wonder and shiver with excitement at the wild world of edible crustaceans, the rainbow of (in my case, life saving) fruits and juices, the parade of candies and chocolates, and the miles of sweet, sweet Iberian ham.

There are spots to sit and eat at, which you might be familiar with if you watched Andrew Zimmern chow down on bull testicles during his trip, but sadly I was not quite well enough for such adventures. I could not resist the ham, though, cut straight from the leg, a culinary treat that is unparalleled. The market has, at least in some form, been around since 1217 (!) and the official structure was built in 1853.

Click here for the rest of Mercat Boqueria

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Posted on January 24, 2010

Spend a Couple Hours »New Amsterdam Market

new amsterdam marketat the South Street Seaport

I ‘m giving you ample lead time to plan on attending the next New Amsterdam Market (Dec. 20) because I don’t want any of you fellow food lovers out there to miss out on such a unique, lovely, and delicious event. I do have one word of advice, though: do not fill up on Anella’s brunch burger before hand (as superb as it is), because if you’re like me you’ll have no will power against the tasty treats laid out before you (fresh shucked oysters,  how could I say no?!) and those foods you do manage to say no to, you’ll later regret not pigging out on.

Things we did try that stand out? Said oysters from the friendly W&T Seafood stand (we opted for the Moon Shoal), pulled pork on crisps from Jimmy’s, a lemon tart pie, and ice cream from the Bent Spoon.

Things I will go back for? Lobster rolls (despite a crazy long line), chocolate black truffle caramels, a black skinned duck, perhaps some balls (testicles), and pretty much everything else I missed the first time around. See you there!

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Posted on December 13, 2009

Spend a Couple Hours »Brooklyn Flea, DUMBO

brooklyn flea dumboSundays at 22 Water Street

It’s taken me years to make it to the Brooklyn Flea market, and we really couldn’t have chosen a nicer Autumn day for it. The golden sun over the bridge really brought out the hues in all the Native American blankets, fresh baked macaroons and taxidermy that abounded.

I had very little cash on me, which was probably a good thing for my finances, because I could have surely found lots of vintage items for myself and Jim. For the five I had in my pocket I did walk away with a great girl soul pop CD compiled by einsteinorockafeller@gmail. On another trip I’d be sure to bring more money and an appetite – the chocolates, baked goods, and lobster rolls all looked delicious.

The market takes place every weekend, Sunday in Dumbo, Saturday in Fort Greene, but make sure that if you are driving or taking a long train ride that you’ve looked up the correct Brooklyn Flea market. We ended up initially driving to a lonely lot in Park Slope with not much more than incense burners being hocked on the asphalt.

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Posted on November 29, 2009