As per usual, I started this article with a look at the seasonal calendar for inspiration…as do we all, right? So now here we are, in our particular corner of the world smack in the middle of the three most bountiful months of the season. Whether you are looking for sweet and juicy or crispy crunchy…July through September is a veritable smorgasbord of whichever you’re jonesin’ for. This is the Farm Throw-down…the Omnivore Olympics…and everyone’s a winner!
If you were at the Tucquan table last weekend, the word of the day was nectarine. Just like the first peaches of the season, these babies were a rosy red and bursting at the skins.
Tomatoes in several sizes and colors…Monolithic red to the mysterious green zebra. Sure, they’re all great for salads and sandwiches, but those really big round ones? They beg to be thrown slice by thick slice into a pan with olive oil or butter for a quick sauté, plated gently and smothered in an herbed milk gravy*. Serve along side a steaming platter of corn on the cob and who needs the meat course. You’re welcome.
Note: do your ripe tomatoes a favor and slice them with a knife sharpened over at the Hot Knives tent. Like butta.
*Milk gravy may sound simple, but there’s an art to it. It requires patience without panic. Go to The Google and pick any one of the recipes there. It will, at some point, look like you majorly messed up…but just ride it out and trust in the process. Sooo worth it. Of course, if you were raised below the Mason Dixon Line, IYKYK.
Yellow summer squash and green zucchini, melons and ‘lopes, beans and greens, potatoes and eggplant, onions and garlic, and all of it local. All of it here now. So step right up and don’t be shy. Get your gastro-game on….bring a fork…and don’t forget to thank the farmer.
Of course, it isn’t ALL about produce. People are beginning to talk…Turns out we have a pretty fair sampling of ready-to-eat street food along the midway. Savory to sweet to sippin’ good . Meats by Meetz has developed a healthy following for his barbecue …get some for now and some for dinner. Doleah’s empanadas, the always popular My House Cookies and Big Sky bread. Hank’s Cinnamon Buns and Aunt Verlea’s pound cakes. Kyle’s Kay Way Juices. So, if you go home hungry, it’s not our fault.
Be sure to check the schedule each week to see what’s on tap…oops!, I almost forgot Conshohocken Brewing.
FYI: For the time being, the popular Mitchell & Mitchell Wines can only be here each second week of the month. So be sure to make a note. I’ll keep you posted.
I hope you were here last week to catch a rare sighting of the Lost Northern Tribe and their crazy Cajun kinda rhythm. My feet never felt so fancy free. We were honored to have the venerable Professor Porter keepin’ rhythm on the wash board, inviting the kiddies to help him…and me…get on down.
In the Music Tent: Next week we switch gears and relax and refresh to Grey Dog Down, with Lansdowne’s own Russell Ferrara and Kim Robson on flute and guitar.
In the Artist Tent: GMA Turned Bowls If you are needing a wedding or housewarming gift that will be proudly displayed for years to come…Come here.
As we swing into August, I hope that this summer, despite the heat, has made memories of family, friends, and good times. Time moves so fast…and faster.
See you on Saturday.
Terry B.