Kelly the Culinarian: Food find: Eastern Market

Sunday, October 7, 2007

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?

17 comments:

Pooja Na(i)rayan said...

Kelly.
Thanks for stopping by. The tometo looks great. If I were you I would have made a mean pasta sauce.

Brilliant Asylum said...

That is a perfect looking tomato. I love a good Caprese salad! Thanks for the tour.

ZoeyBella said...

I'm tempted to say "stuffed and baked" but I'm sure you'll come up with some amazing idea that will have me craving whatever it is you decide to make ;)

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

If I were you I would stuff the tomato with taboulleh!!! Isn't it priceless to find some reasonably priced shopping!!!

Taylor said...

I'll have to check the Eastern Market next time I'm there...I've never been.

daphne said...

looks like a good place. tomato huh... i will go for a salad!

tigerfish said...

I always end up with more than what I've planned for in my week's groceries when I visit a farmer's market.

stay-at-home mum said...

I love strolling around markets like the eastern market. You never know what you will find. That tomato looks perfect for a wonderful salad!

Retno Prihadana said...

Nice slides Kelly. The tomato looks really fresh..just eat it!

People St.Clair said...

What a wonderful way to spend a saturday. There were so many wonderful things.

Sylvia said...

Wonderful post Kelly ,this kind of markets is the kind of places that i really enjoy.And,what a perfect tomato

Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) said...

Did get there on my last visit to DC -- a very fun place to shop!

Swaruchy said...

Looks like a must-go place :-))

A Mature Student said...

Is that a beef tomato you are holding in the photo? It is rather expensive here.

I love shopping in markets but sadly I don't get many opportunities to go to one over here. :(

Lori- the Pleasantly Plump Vegan said...

that tomato looks like a good one for stuffing and baking!

Mansi said...

wow, kelly, the slide show looks great! as for yuor tomato, I'm sure you have a hundred things in mind, starting with bruschetta:) actually, how about baking my herb bread??!!:)

waiting for your entry to my AFAM-Peach event:)

Marianne said...

It's been some time since I've made it to Eastern Market but I know it's a great place. I'm sure it's overflowing with natural bounties right now.