Food find: Eastern Market

I had heard so much about DC's Eastern Market that I was eager to head over yesterday morning. Located steps from the blue line's Eastern Market stop or a short walk from Capitol Hill, Eastern Market is a world famous as DC's last surviving 19th century market. Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., farmers, merchants and craftsman gather to sell their wares. In the past, Eastern Market was housed indoors, but that building was gutted by fire recently.

But you'd never know it walking around the streets today. Most of the action has been brought to outdoors stalls, with a building housing meat and cheese vendors indoors. You can buy all kinds of fruits and vegetables here and most are available for tasting as well. We certainly got out five servings per day walking around this place. If I had a working fridge, I would have gone nuts here -- there were strawberries, cheeses and all sorts of goodies that I didn't think could survive at room temperature.

The vendors are also eager to tell you about their products. I learned so much about West Virginia apples and different kinds of pumpkins. This market really is an experience, especially with the music waftering through the basil and tomato-scented air.

I bought a 1-pound tomato, a huge bunch of basil, an ear of fresh white corn and a sour dough bagette. I spent less than $8 and the finds were all fresh and delicious. So what should I do with my softball-sized tomato?