I have been hitting the North Market every Saturday morning since the beginning of April, mainly to support the few, the intrepid, willing to brave the chilly spring mornings and sometimes thin crowds to sell lettuce, ramps and green garlic. I was finally rewarded, as Central Ohio asparagus came in this week. I bought 3 pounds of it over the week when it arrived at Weiland's, and yesterday, as I rounded the corner of the market building, there on the corner was a stand with proud asparagus standing up in tubs. I have to admit I got a little misty-eyed at the bounty.
By the way, I have to apologize to my poor Mother, who loves asparagus, and made it her mission to coddle and love her very own asparagus patch into springtime goodness, only to move to North Carolina, where she still couldn't find decent (reasonably priced) asparagus at last word. I bought over 3 pounds. We are an asparagus household.
Also available yesterday were chives, green garlic, arugula, mesclun mix, flowers and herbs galore,
pesto, shallots, green onions, eggs, and hothouse - although local hothouse - tomatoes. I think one of the best ideas I saw were these dried tomates, available from Toad Hill Farms. "what a good idea!" I said to the farmer, who looked at me strangely. Oh, well.
I rounded out the day with a quart of chicken stock from North Market Poultry and Game; this stock is so unprocessed and full of natural gelatin it's basically aspic. They put the container in a plastic bag but it's kind of unnecessary due to the firmness. $5 for a quart of homemade stock heaven.
Once upon a time, Eric was our favorite bartender at the R bar in Clintonville; now he owns Bubbles Tea & Juice Company, where one can purchase any manner of freshly-squeezed juice. I opted for the pink grapefruit variety, and it lives up to its name. I don't even mind the pulp and occasional seed bit! I am ashamed to admit he's been open for a year and this was the first thing I've bought from him; the problem is, he's right across the aisle from Jeni's Ice Cream, and when it comes to fresh delicious juice or a scoop of lemon yo, well, there's really no debate. Fortunately it was 9 in the morning, so juice won.
Then I was off to Blues Creek Farms. Looking at locally produced, hormone-free, happy cow beef is
reason enough to eat locally and responsibly. The meat at Blues Creek comes from my old stomping ground of Marysville, Ohio, and is dry-aged and delicious. They also have the best bacon in the city, I think, not to mention all manner of pork, lamb and veal. Just look at this short rib. This puts anything at Whole Foods to shame, and it was about 30% less expensive than Whole Foods.
So, hopefully I have inspired you to get out there and see what Central Ohio has to offer. Next week should include even more farmers at the North Market, and it is also the first day for the Worthington Farmer's Market! I will bring a full report, of course. Happy Eating Locally!!
