West End Farmer's Market, Bute @ Comox
I am fortunate enough to have a weekly Farmers Market a mere stone's throw from my apartment. It makes overcast, chilly summer Saturdays that much better.
Correction: Carbohydrates in the form of bread and pastries make overcast, chilly summer Saturdays that much better. I stumbled upon Purebread Co., who come all the way from Whistler to do the market rounds. Their loaves caused carbo-related rapid breathing - especially the Lavender, Rosemary, and Honey. (Really, I mean, really?!) I went conservative and got the Four Cheese, which was fabulous toasted with butter.
I was given an almond croissant by the lovely lady vendor who told me it was "what we're famous for." An almond croissant is not something I'd normally go for but I am not one to say no. I had it when I got home and my pastry palpitations were off the charts; sublime, buttery goodness with the most ridiculous almond filling. This was not the sickly marzipan I was expecting. This was far more delicate, almost custard-like. And it was good. Very good. In fact it was so good that I am a little annoyed about having to wait until July 10th to get another one - that's Purebread's next appearance in Vancouver.
Garlic scapes are very "in" right now.
Apparently the "trendy vegetable" among the Farmers Market set is the garlic scape. I was intrigued, and at $1.50 for a bunch of 5 I figured I couldn't go wrong. They have an intense garlic flavour, and work well sauteed along with anything. I ended up adding them to some organic kale (2 varieties, $5/2 bunches!) and they were really lovely. They won't be in season much longer so if you see them I suggest buying a bunch and playing around with them. My Farmers Market insider told me that they freeze well - for $1.50/bunch you could easily buy a few, chop, freeze, and then toss into anything you like for a blast of fresh summer flavour.
Especially on overcast, chilly summer Saturdays.
