"Eat Local" is a pretty trendy phenomenon right now, which I am totally on board with. I think it's fantastic that people want to know where their food and ingredients are coming from. I also love that communities are willing to come together and support the hard work of farmers.
Both of my favorite restaurants in the Top 30, Trophy and Kimbap use this approach. Farmers Markets play a large role in "Eat Local," especially for home cooks that want to support the movement. Even better, a lot of these local farms are practicing sustainable growing, and trying to minimize their carbon footprint. Delicious produce and helping the environment, what's not to love?!?!
These are all reasons why I've included Farmers Markets on my Top 30 list. When I am in town, this is my favorite Saturday morning activity. I love to meet and chat with all the farmers and vendors, learn about seasonal produce, listen to cooking and preparation tips and of course, taste all the goods!
Summer is the best time for Farmers Markets because the colors of the produce are vibrant. I swear a few weeks ago, when I walked through, I could smell the red from all the strawberries!
There is more than just produce at the Farmers Market though, I pick up fresh NC seafood, organically grown meats and poultry, eggs, fermented foods, honey and even a locally made bitters and soda from a company called Crude. This is one of my new favorite stops, especially now that the weather is getting warmer. This past Saturday, I tasted some of their Watermelon and Basil soda - so refreshing!
Another favorite vendor is Locals Seafood, a company dedicated to bringing seafood from North Carolina fisherman inland (aka to me)! The last few weeks I've picked up soft shell crab, which we all know is a new favorite. The season is about over, so now I am getting excited for NC shrimp and red snapper! Now I pre-order and pick up at the Market to ensure I get what I want. Amazing how fast their supply goes on Saturday morning!!
Usually by the time I have left, I have a good portion of my grocery list for the week. I have thoroughly enjoyed attending the Western Wake Farmers Market recently, so plan on frequenting that market this summer. However, the Durham Farmers Market is a very close second, mostly because they have food trucks and music playing!
As Michael Pollan says, "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants."
I will be back tomorrow with a sweet and salty salad.
Both of my favorite restaurants in the Top 30, Trophy and Kimbap use this approach. Farmers Markets play a large role in "Eat Local," especially for home cooks that want to support the movement. Even better, a lot of these local farms are practicing sustainable growing, and trying to minimize their carbon footprint. Delicious produce and helping the environment, what's not to love?!?!
These are all reasons why I've included Farmers Markets on my Top 30 list. When I am in town, this is my favorite Saturday morning activity. I love to meet and chat with all the farmers and vendors, learn about seasonal produce, listen to cooking and preparation tips and of course, taste all the goods!
Summer is the best time for Farmers Markets because the colors of the produce are vibrant. I swear a few weeks ago, when I walked through, I could smell the red from all the strawberries!
There is more than just produce at the Farmers Market though, I pick up fresh NC seafood, organically grown meats and poultry, eggs, fermented foods, honey and even a locally made bitters and soda from a company called Crude. This is one of my new favorite stops, especially now that the weather is getting warmer. This past Saturday, I tasted some of their Watermelon and Basil soda - so refreshing!
Another favorite vendor is Locals Seafood, a company dedicated to bringing seafood from North Carolina fisherman inland (aka to me)! The last few weeks I've picked up soft shell crab, which we all know is a new favorite. The season is about over, so now I am getting excited for NC shrimp and red snapper! Now I pre-order and pick up at the Market to ensure I get what I want. Amazing how fast their supply goes on Saturday morning!!
Usually by the time I have left, I have a good portion of my grocery list for the week. I have thoroughly enjoyed attending the Western Wake Farmers Market recently, so plan on frequenting that market this summer. However, the Durham Farmers Market is a very close second, mostly because they have food trucks and music playing!
As Michael Pollan says, "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants."
I will be back tomorrow with a sweet and salty salad.
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