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Monday, July 19, 2010

Christmas in July and A Market visit

Last week was perfect for the Farmer's Market which is luckily just a block down from where I work in Tacoma. Just look at that blue sky. They close a block of a downtown street for the market.



Besides fresh produce this market has some great arts and craftsy stuff including this beautiful glass. Being the hometown of Chihuly, glass arts are big here.


There are a few neat little plant stalls. Don't you just love these hens and chicks? Looks like a living patchwork quilt.


Plenty of herbs and other growing things too.


There is quite an assortment of fresh veggies. I thought this chard was too pretty to not snap a photo.


There are usually a couple of seafood vendors. This year there are fresh oysters!


Can't forget about the flower vendors. Incredible bouquets at cut rate prices


Look at this amazing all white, fit for a bride bouquet


I fit my walk to the market in at lunch time, so I always pick up something to eat. Lots to choose from. I was sorely tempted to have these...


But opted instead for what's become my favorite of the market...A chicken, tomato & pesto crepe from Paprika Catering.


The crepes are made by sweet little Kristi who runs her own catering business when she's not at the market. If the rest of her food is as good as her crepes (and I'm sure it is) she probably puts on one heck of a spread.


I didn't take any pictures of my market haul, but it included Rainier cherries, an insanely good peanut butter cookie and fresh green beans..seen cooked here with some tasty marinated then grilled london broil


So remember that oyster sign at the market? No...I didn't buy any, butl it planted a seed and when I saw they had a special going on fresh oysters at the grocery store this weekend (48 cents per oyster) I couldn't resist. Then I saw the lobster tails so I had to get one of those too. Now mind you I am the only one in the house that will eat seafood, so this was my personal feast.

I grilled it all with a little seasoned butter, parsley and chives. The oysters went on the grill unshucked and they steamed open..then I put the butter on as they finished cooking. The lobster was split and buttered before going on the grill.



How do you like my beautiful platter? That's the Christmas in July part! My brother Larry gave it to us for Christmas and I've been waiting for just the right time to use it. What better time than for my little seafood fest for one! The crabs make the handles


And shrimpies on the side


And lemons to make it smell good (Right Randy?)


Christmas in July I tell you!


13 comments:

Pondside said...

Yummy!
Thanks for the trip to the market...and for the seafood inspiration.

Foley said...

That is one seafood feast I would help you with!! Can't even imagine havng a Farmers Market like that in my area - between you and Cathy you're so lucky.
Love the platter - and you had a great meal to display on it.

Carol said...

I'm allergic to the plate, LOL! That is some super feast you made, Suzy! I love the oysters and the tails! Lucky girl! and so jealous about that Farmer's Market! I'd be playing hooky from work for hours!

Beth said...

What a great market. Love the blue sky! It reminds me of when we were at the Pike's Place Market in Seattle last summer; we spent a couple of days there prior to crusing to Alaska. Sweet memories! You live in a beautiful area of the country.
Blessings, Beth

Julie said...

I love the farmer's market here. Nothing quite like that one, no fresh seafood :( but wonderful anyway. I become very sad around the first of October when I know market season is coming to end but for now, we go every weekend we can.

Beautiful platter, too!

Katerina said...

I love seafood. Farmer's market is always an experience for me.

Kathleen said...

What a fun trip to the market! Love the crepes!

Debbie@Mountain Breaths said...

I do know someone that loves oysters dearly :-) And I am the only lobster fan in the house, so I had my own lobster feast on Sunday. You have a spectacular farmers market. Your brother has great taste. That platter is gorgeous! Love the crepes.

Kathleen said...

That looks like fun! I want to know the prices on the Bouquets, Kitchen! :)
Your dinner looks wonderful, and I love the platter!

~ ~ Ahrisha ~ ~ said...

OMG you are makin' me hungry. Love seafood and those oysters! Great post about ice cream, nice research. Thanks for stopping by.
~ ~Ahrisha~ ~

Pam said...

That's one great looking market ~ lucky you! We definitely do not have all of that great seafood at ours. Great meal also!

SavoringTime in the Kitchen said...

Oh, how I wish my farmers' market sold seafood like that! My mouth is watering just looking at the lobster. What a perfect platter for serving that beautiful seafood!

Unknown said...

We only have a Farmer's Market one time a year in our town and it is not as awesome as your. It looks like you had so much fun! I just found your blog and will be back checking it often!

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