Columbus Foodie

Well, today’s trip to the farmer’s markets was interesting, to say the least. We got another early start, and got to the North Market a little after 8am. We brought our beagle Sadie with us this morning, as she needs the exercise and we thought she’d enjoy it greatly. She sucked up to everyone who gave her a second glance. But then again, she’s a cuddle slut, so what should I have expected? I did run into Daniel (of Pure Imagination), who I haven’t seen for MONTHS, and we took a few minutes to catch up.

Wish Well Farms had morels again, probably the last week they will have them. I picked up about a half a pound, because I love them so and won’t be able to enjoy them again until next year ::sigh::.

Sadly, my main mushroom source at Toby Run wasn’t there today, so no shiitakes for me (although I did eventually find some at the Worthington market). Freshwater Farms was there (yay!), but no picallilly sauce, so a trip to Urbana is still in order.

Little did we know that today was the Race for the Cure, and we got stuck in the perimeter with no way out until the racers were past. So we got this view for 20 minutes:

Heartening to see so many people out there running/walking for themselves/loved ones/in general, but annoying from the point of view that the time I spent in the car was time I could have been using to get up to Worthington. I just wish they had left ONE road accessible in the downtown area.

But can I just take a moment to rant about Columbus drivers and what jerks some of them are? Originally, there was a guy in a Hummer in the lane to the right of us, and when he got to the road and saw he couldn’t get through, he got out of the car and started gesturing wildly at the cop who was standing there. So he gets back in his car, does a u-turn back on Spring Street (which for you non-Columbusites, is a one way street - he was going the wrong way), goes tear-ass speeding up the street, and then nearly hits someone who was driving the right way on the street. Nevermind that none of the roads out of downtown were open, and that we were situated at the intersection that would see the end of the procession first. And then there was the guy behind us, who started honking as if we had the option to go. And don’t even get me started on the passive aggressive jerkoff in Grove City, who cut us off mid-turn, so we honked at him. So here he is in front of us, and at the next red light, after it turns green he refuses to move. We decided not to play the game and tried to get in the other lane to get around him, and he starts backing up so we wouldn’t have room to change lanes. The light turns red again. Green light and he does the same thing. I’m telling you, it shows a lot of growth on my part, because 10 or 15 years ago when I was young and stupid, I would have let my inner trunk monkey out and opened up a can of whoop-ass on him. So yes, I did get the road-ragey adrenaline rush, but I didn’t act on it.

But I digress. We made it to Worthington about 40 minutes later than we originally intended (due to being stuck downtown for 30 minutes extra), but still had no trouble finding parking or the items we were looking for. I think as far as marketing season goes, we’re still in the early stages and the crowds aren’t super-heavy yet.

I did see some rhubarb (which I need for an event this week), but had already picked up some local rhubarb at the Greener Grocer in the North Market as I didn’t know if there would be any at Worthington.

New to me (and to the market too, I believe) is Betsy’s Brittle, who has delicious cashew brittle. I picked up a bag because if there’s something I can’t resist, it’s cashew brittle.

I was hoping that Mockingbird Meadows would have some of that lovely lavender-infused honey that was so delicious on pears the other night, but was informed that it would be the beginning of July at the earliest. I’m really looking forward to it. Here’s a picture of their lemon-balm infused honey.

And most of what else was to be found was herbs. I just planted one hell of a herb garden, though, so I didn’t need any.

Well, so much to do today. Right now, Paul is putting together my raised beds for my garden (I’ve got my herbs planted, still have my peppers and tomatoes and annuals and veggies to go), we may grill out in a couple of hours if it doesn’t start raining, and tonight is the Apron Gala at the North Market. Anyone else going?? I donated a gift basket full of my favorite products from area vendors (and a couple of other surprises) for the silent auction, so keep an eye out for it and bid on it if it appeals to you. It all goes to a really good cause.