Farmers Markets

When in France, I love the weekly markets. You would know this, if you have followed this blog for anytime, as I have posted numerous entries, with gushing praise for the Sunday market in St. Antonin. My French friends do not always understand my enthusiasm. I am often asked, "Don't you have the same thing where you live?". My immediate answer is "NO". The French market is such a deep-rooted part of French life & culture, that, no, Americans do not have that same cultural connection.

That being said, my next response is always, "Yes, we do!". In my neighborhood we have a wonderful small local farmers market that sets up shop every Thursday afternoon from May- early Nov. Unfortunately they did not make it to the Thanksgiving weekend this year, but their are other larger farmers markets open this week in the Boston area.

I took these photos a few weeks back of our charming little market, when we were still having warmer weather. We were eating fresh corn right into the end of October, so good, so sweet. Now with the buy organic & buy local movements in full swing in this country, more & more Americans are seeking out their local farmers markets. Although agreeably, the produce is decidedly more expensive than supermarkets, the quality & taste can not be compared.

Here is something that might be unique to our local market, live lobsters. This lobsterman brings his days catch along with his wife's homemade relishes & jellies to sell. Farmers markets across the country are special in this way. Not only marvelous fresh produce but all manner of other local products of exceptional quality. Cheeses, baked goods, preserves, our market even hosts a dairy, that still delivers milk in glass bottles, who comes just to give out samples of their rich, creamy, plain or ,yum, my favorite, chocolate milk.

So for all of my French friends that might read this, yes, we do, & here it is, our market.

And for all of my American readers, where ever you may be, remember to support your local farmers markets, buy organic when you can, shop locally & have a very happy, healthy Thanksgiving!

An Artist Reception at Nourish

Last night Nourish Restaurant, in Lexington, Ma., hosted a reception for their latest exhibit of regional artists. The theme of this season’s show is “Food & Farming” which is in perfect keeping with the restaurant’s mission of responsibly sourced, nutritious cuisine. The exhibition was organized & juried by gallery owner Francesca Anderson, & local artists Barbara Lucas & Emily Passman . I was one of the participating artists, with my painting titled “Olives” on display. The evening was lovely, providing a chance to meet the artists, sample some of Nourish’s tasty appetizers, & to view all of the beautiful art. Restaurant regulars, as well as, art enthusiasts joined the artists to create a lively mix.
I felt especially proud to take part in this event, because I feel so strongly in the integrity of this restaurant. Being a vegan myself, I especially love that there are many options for me as well as for my non-vegetarian family & friends. Co-owner, Karen Masterson (who was kind enough to take a moment to pose for a photo with me), has an impressive history of commitment to social & environmental issues. In Nourish she has brought together all of her passions to create what I hope will be the restaurant standard of the future. Not only is she devoted to local, organic, sustainable products but provides a delicious & diverse menu as well. And on top of all of that, she also supports the art community. What could be a better combination than that?! Thank you Karen for a lovely evening.