Around DC: The Eastern Market

It's crazy to admit that I spent most of my life living in the DC area and never once made the trek to Capitol Hill for the Eastern Market, the oldest fresh food public market in the city. Fortunately, I remedied the situation last weekend. My mom, sisters, Max, and I navigated into town, squeezed into a too-small parking space, and spent a couple of hours weaving in and out of the numerous craft, jewelry, and produce stands. It was the perfect way to spend a steamy Sunday and we left with lots of local fruits and vegetables, as well as some pretty baubles and inexpensive friendship bracelets. The peaches, corn, and tomatoes were all in their absolute prime of the season, and complemented various dinners throughout the rest of the week. I definitely recommend visiting the market if you find yourself in the DC area. I can't wait to go back next time I'm home!

Miniature eggplants in pretty shades of purple.

I'd never heard the term 'ecoganic' before.

Heirloom tomatoes that later made juicy BLT sandwiches.

Rows upon rows of colorful friendship bracelets. 

Vendors as far as the eye can see!

Panama hats in a variety of textures and colors.

Softball-sized peaches that Chef Max turned into pie for Sunday night dinner.

Gummy sharks at the candy shop inside the market.

Tiny, piping-hot doughnuts fried to order before being sprinkled with cinnamon + powdered sugar.

Architecture Appreciation

Living in Rhode Island has really made me enjoy some of its older buildings and history, like this library in downtown Pawtucket. It looked especially regal on this perfect sunny fall morning.

Trim the Tresses

Best way to end a grueling week? With a relaxing color and cut at my favorite neighborhood salon, of course! I was long overdue for a trim and I'm always amazed at how much better I feel afterwards. Crossing my fingers that this forecasted snowstorm completely misses us this weekend. I'm not ready for winter yet!

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular

I just got home from the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, an annual event that takes place at Providence's Roger Williams Park Zoo. It was amazing, to say the least. There are over 5,000 hand-carved pumpkins scattered throughout a trail with themes and music playing throughout. This is the third year in a row that I've gone and it seems to get better each year!

One of my favorites this year was this beautiful dragon that represented the Chinese New Year as part of the "Around the World" section of the show. First of all, it was huge and so detailed. I feel like the picture doesn't even look like a real pumpkin! It was a fun way to get into the Halloween spirit and now I can't wait to carve a pumpkin this weekend. Read more about the exhibit and check out lots of photos here.

I Know How Alexander Feels

You know, from the book Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Good thing the neighborhood pizza joint knows how to make up for it. Our waitress arrived at the table with two pitchers full of ice to keep the drinks cold (and flowing)! I love having a go-to local spot to enjoy dinner and a glass of wine after an exceptionally long and trying day.

Sunrise, Sunrise

Good morning from the State House in Providence!

Market Fresh Dining

Today was spent enjoying specialty cocktails, craft beers, and local eats with friends at Armsby Abbey, an amazing and unique restaurant in Worcester. I enjoyed the ripest and most delicious heirloom tomato salad with fresh basil, baguette croutons, and parmesan. I love places that really take advantage of fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Crafty Cocktails

Tonight was spent out at a fun, local dive in Providence called the Red Fez. They're in the process of renovating and the downstairs restaurant has a cozy cabin feel to it. I had a delicious watermelon and feta salad with peppery arugula which paired well with their crisp vino verde. They always surprise me with their inventive dishes and individually crafted cocktails. I can't wait to go back and try more of the menu!

Wonders of WaterFire

One of the best parts about summers in Providence (in my opinion) is WaterFire. It's a unique, free event that takes place in Waterplace park with lots of local food vendors and live entertainment. We walked around for a while tonight, and my favorite part by far was the park decorated with illuminated blue stars. They were so magical and looked like they were suspended in midair. I can't wait to go again next month!

The Mysterious Garlic Scape

Last weekend, I wandered around my local farmer's market, sipping an iced coffee and picking out loads of fresh produce, berries, and cheeses. One particular stand had what appeared to be thin, curlicued scallions, sold individually. When I asked about them, the nice lady behind the table informed me that they were garlic scapes. Hmm...I had never seen or heard of such a thing. As soon as I got home, I did a little research so that I would be more prepared next time. This article was the most helpful (and it didn't hurt that it comes from my old local paper!).

Fast forward to yesterday morning, when I marched back over to the same stand and purchased 8 garlic scapes to turn into garlic scape pesto. Not just any ol' pesto. The most flavorful and delicious garlic scape pesto ever. It's tangy and nutty and bursting with fresh onion-y garlic flavor and I can't wait to spread it on everything in sight. I used the simple recipe from the above article and you better believe I'll be buying more of those babies next weekend for round two. I want to make a big batch and freeze it because the season for scapes is so short (usually only through mid-July).

fresh garlic scapes straight from the farmer's market


taking a spin in the food processor with toasted walnuts and parmesan cheese


finished product slathered on hearty wheat toast with fresh cracked pepper

I strongly urge you to track down some garlic scapes and try this recipe. They're also supposed to be good sauteed in an omelette, stirred into scrambled eggs, or simply roasted in the oven. Let me know if you try them!

Food Truckin' PVD Style

I was so excited to open the local paper today and read a whole article dedicated to Providence's food trucks! To my surprise, there are already several hawking their cuisine around Providence, with more to come this summer! I can finally follow in Tiane's foodie footsteps! I think I'm most excited to try the Hewtin's Dogs Mobile, which is conveniently parked every Saturday at the farmer's market right down the street from my apartment.

Have you tried any of your local food trucks recently?