Farmers Update

I love going to farmer’s markets.  I can’t drive by a farm stand without stopping.  Obsessed with finding the best picks, I arrive as early as possible. Over the past two weeks I have visited farmers markets in Minneapolis, Reston, and Chicago.  While it may be 80 and sunny across the country, these markets are weeks apart in seasonal crops. 

In Chicago, the strawberries were finished two weeks ago but Minnesota still had juicy, fat berries.  Minnesota also had beautiful sugar snap peas but Chicago and Reston were long gone.  The Virginia market was the furthest along.  White peaches, yellow watermelon, bicolor corn, Sungold cherry tomatoes, and tiny Japanese eggplants - a chef’s delight!  Who could resist?  Not me – I always buy too much and later try to figure out what I can make.   

That's good news for Big Bowl guests.  This year promises to be the biggest and best at Big Bowl for locally grown produce.  Check out the Right Stuff Board or ask your server what’s new from the farmer this week.  Our chefs visit the market two or three times a week so check in often.