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!