41 replies to this topic

[monavano]

Has anyone been to the Del Ray market recently? I've found it to be fairly limited and have been going to CH and Dupont, but would love to find the same great stuff a little closer.
Thanks

[goldenticket]

Has anyone been to the Del Ray market recently? I've found it to be fairly limited and have been going to CH and Dupont, but would love to find the same great stuff a little closer.
Thanks

I go nearly every week - it's the closest one to my house - well, Old Town Alexandria is probably closer, but I don't think it's all direct from the grower. I'd prefer to support the folks at Del Ray. It is a small market, but I think you can find almost everything you'll find at the larger markets, just maybe not with as many stalls to choose from. There's a variety of veggies, fruits, cheese, baked goods, mushrooms, flowers and plants, yogurt, eggs, meat, homemade pasta and sauce, condiments like salsa and mustard, delicious saltenas fresh from the oven from a bakery in Arlandria, and, as of recently, organic baby food!

You may have more choices at the larger markets, but a lot of them all have the same items, of similar quality, at similar prices. I like seeing the same folks every week and being able to count on the quality of their products.

[monavano]

I go nearly every week - it's the closest one to my house - well, Old Town Alexandria is probably closer, but I don't think it's all direct from the grower. I'd prefer to support the folks at Del Ray. It is a small market, but I think you can find almost everything you'll find at the larger markets, just maybe not with as many stalls to choose from. There's a variety of veggies, fruits, cheese, baked goods, mushrooms, flowers and plants, yogurt, eggs, meat, homemade pasta and sauce, condiments like salsa and mustard, delicious saltenas fresh from the oven from a bakery in Arlandria, and, as of recently, organic baby food!

You may have more choices at the larger markets, but a lot of them all have the same items, of similar quality, at similar prices. I like seeing the same folks every week and being able to count on the quality of their products.

Thanks Goldenticket!
I read your post this morning and decided to go to the Del Ray Market. The market did indeed seem far more dense than the last time I visited. Really packed every inch with vendors. I found it to be a great source for tomatoes( red, heirloom and green for frying), peaches, nectarines, peppers, corn, and a lovely raspberry bread from Grace's Pastries in Herndon. Good bounty for the week ahead.

Plus it was a wonderful morning to stroll around town.

[monavano]

Del Ray Market was up to speed today. I hadn't realized that Bonaparte Bakery is participating, but, there you go! I picked up a quart of strawberries and am using them in strawberry bread, which is about to go in the oven now. Also got asparagus at $3 a bunch. Radishes and cukes will be combined with nectarines for a salsa to go over tuna tonight.
Marcela's bakery sets up a small table where they sell absofrickinlutely delicious saltenas. Today, they had chicken. The sweet dough was golden and filled with a slightly spicy and hot stew. $2.50 gets you one with nuclear hot green pepper sauce on the side.

[monavano]

At Del Ray today, the peaches at Tioggo are reaching peak flavor and juice. No corn yet.
If I haven't mentioned it before, the saltenas from Marcelas bakery are perfection, with sweetness in the golden crust and a latent heat cached away in the chicken pot pie inside. If you like pain, get a free side of green sauce.
I noted a relatively recent newcomer to the market ; kudzu cookies. Individually wrapped cookies are thin, larger than a palm and have a nice balance of chew over crunch when bitten in to. Kudzu says she bakes to order and bakes for doggies too.

[monavano]

I'll start off this thread with a pic of my market take from Saturday. The market was bustling and is really as much of a community gathering spot as it is market. Very popular for dogs too! Not shown: Chicken saltena from Marcela's.

Del Ray veggies, fruit and cheese

So far, the Mirai corn from Toigo has been eaten boiled with salt and butter. The nectarines are going into a cobbler with sour cherries and blueberries, the squash was sauteed and topped with parm and the green tomato was fried and topped with melted fresh mozzarela and tomato sauce. I could turn into an ear of corn right now, but I'm gonna miss this part of the growing year!

Mr. MV hanging with some of the pups, gathering my purchases as I go.

Frank on the "husband wall"

[mktye]

Mr. MV hanging with some of the pups, gathering my purchases as I go.

I see he is parked on the "husband wall" where they all sit when overcome by market sensory overload.

[goldenticket]

[since my post got moved due to the 'red x' reply, here it is again]
Back to the market - the saltenas Monavano mentioned ARE delicious. The one quirk of buying them (at least in my experience) is that no matter what you order, it is never quite certain whether you are going to get beef or chicken. Last time I asked for one of each and wound up with 2 beef, last time I asked for beef I got chicken . Beef or chicken, they're both good, filled with meat and various veggies in a thin gravy. The spicy green (jalapeno) sauce that comes on the side adds another dimension of flavor.

The jams available from ?? (I'll update this when I check the jar) are also quite good - we've enjoyed the blackberry and cherry this summer.

And then there's Tom the cheese man - what can I say about him - it's always a treat to talk to him. The Amish cheeses he sells are reasonably priced and he offers a variety of flavors (spicy, herbs, etc). Be sure to try the cave aged varieties when he has them.

[monavano]

I just bought herbed chevre from the cheeseman last Sat. He was very nice indeed.

Here's a slideshow of my Del Ray pics for those who are suffering from BRX syndrome . After the market, we took a ride into Old Town and ate our saltenas by the water.

[monavano]

Del Ray market was bustling yesterday at around 10:30. I took the bichon for a ride, tied him a pole so he could cavort with other dogs as I shopped.
From Toigo: still really good nectarines and pears
D&S farm (Charlotte Hall, Md.): apple cider
Reva Va. farm- kale and butternut squash
Marcela's Bakery - chicken saltena

[monavano]

The Del Ray Farmers Market opened this morning. There were 10 or so vendors including:
D&S Farm (Charlotte Hall, VA)- jam, jelly, vinegar, syrup, produce in season
Smith Meadow Farm-meat, pastas, sauces
Three Way Farm (Warsaw, VA)-produce including the first asparagus which dissappeared quickly
Potted Herbs and flowers (didn't get the name)
Big's Family Produce-produce, eggs, baked goods
Tom's Place- Amish Country cheeses, baked goods and eggs
The Mushroom Lady
Bonaparte Bakery-sweet and savory baked goods, breads, rolls
Gracie's Pastries-sweet and savory baked goods, foccacia, breads
Marcela's Bakery-saltenas

The Irish Breakfast Band made the morning festive, while the Mayor and Alexandria officials dedicated 7 new signs celebrating Del Ray's history, in front of the sign adjacent to the market. Del Ray is celebrating its centennial.

Flickr photo set here.

[Sthitch]

One vendor had English and sugar snap peas on Saturday. My wife wanted the sugar snaps (which I don't really care for) and I wanted English. I would really like to thank the women in front of us that bought the last box of the sugar snaps and saved me from having to eat them. After a quick blanch the peas were firm, but not mealy, and were as sweet as candy.

[monavano]

One vendor had English and sugar snap peas on Saturday. My wife wanted the sugar snaps (which I don't really care for) and I wanted English. I would really like to thank the women in front of us that bought the last box of the sugar snaps and saved me from having to eat them. After a quick blanch the peas were firm, but not mealy, and were as sweet as candy.

That was probably Three Way Farm. They have gorgeous produce and a s#itload of strawberries now.

[Sthitch]

That was probably Three Way Farm. They have gorgeous produce and a s#itload of strawberries now.

Is that the one with its back to Mt. Vernon?

[monavano]

Is that the one with its back to Mt. Vernon?

Yes, next to Toigo and Smith Meadow Farm. They are my go-to stand! And so, so nice.

[monavano]

Three Way Farm had English peas. I'm thinking a soup garnished with fage-should have picked up some country ham to shred into it. Hmm....next time.


Peas on Pilgrim

[monavano]

I got to the Del Ray market first thing this morning. What a hot stinker this day is! I think a lot of other folks had the same idea. Get in and get out!
D&S Farm from Charlotte Hall, MD had gorgeous Ranier cherries at $5 a pint.


Three Way Farm had golden beets, golden zucchini (had not seen these bright zucchini before) and really fresh asparagus (among a lot of other nice produce).

A farm from Culpepper had nice baby arugula and crimson rhubarb. I've just about had my limit of rhubarb-but these were just too purdy to pass up. They also have salsas, granolas, tea mixes, soups and baked goods. They are the first stand on the left if you are looking directly into the market from the driveway (they have a jalepeno table cloth). Very, very nice folks.

[dcaCRL]

Had a rushed visit to the Del Ray market Saturday as we were on our way to the music festival, but it looks like summer produce is arriving in full force. D&S had peaches that were selling out quickly, tomatoes, squash and white corn were available from all the usual suspects. (LOVE that golden zucchini from Three Way Farm monavano mentioned - my toddler has been known to bite into it before we even get out of the market.) The mushroom lady will be on vacation next weekend (the 5th), just fyi.

[dcaCRL]

FYI - Del Ray's market officially reopens tomorrow! Mr. Biggs has already been back with greenhouse grown tomatoes, and the standard potatoes and greens. Can't wait for asparagus and rhubarb to arrive ...

[goldenticket]

The Del Ray Market season got off to a very soggy start on Saturday. We, along with a smaller-than-usual selection of vendors, braved the weather. Smith Meadow Farms was there, along with Bonaparte Bakery, Tom the cheese man, Mr. Biggs (if they're the folks in the back corner away from the street), along with a few others - I don't know their names unfortunately - another baker, the folks with lettuce and herb seedlings. Hopefully there will be good weather and the full complement of farmers next weekend.

We came away with some lovely eggs and fajita strips from Smith Meadows (I am continually amazed by the nearly purple color of fresh farm-raised beef), 36 lettuce seedlings - several varieties, and a loaf of bruschetta and a raspberry palmier (crispy, buttery, fruity yum) from Bonaparte. The bottom 6 inches of my jeans were soaked and my coat and shirt were wet all the way through - but it was still nice to get back to the market. I wish I'd known there were a few brave souls who continued to show up throughout the winter!

[Anna Blume]

a loaf of bruschetta

What is this exactly? Trader Joe's sells jars of bruschetta which also amuses the uppity me, though it's easy to figure out is meant as a spread for grilled slices of rustic bread (combined, singullar=bruschetta), but is this really some kind of plain Italian-style bread? Or something doctored, say like an artisan garlic bread?

(I love the eggs from Smith Meadows, too.)

[goldenticket]

What is this exactly? .... but is this really some kind of plain Italian-style bread? Or something doctored, say like an artisan garlic bread?

(I love the eggs from Smith Meadows, too.)

I wondered that too (wasn't my choice - the +1 picked it out). It's pretty much what you described - a plain, Italian-style white bread. Worked well for a BLT and egg (Smith Meadow, of course) sandwich.

Those eggs are great with their breakfast links too!

[dcaCRL]

Three Way Farm returned last weekend with a limited stock of asparagus that sold out quickly - promised much more this weekend and strawberries likely next week!

[monavano]

The market seemed to have just about its full complement of vendors today! Three Way Farm (ok....bring it on) had a huge cooler full of gorgeous asparagus. Moreover, Marcela's Bakery returned with chicken or beef saltenas. Mr. MV and I shared a chicken saltena once home:

[monavano]

Asparagus is still fresh as can be, and plentiful at 3-Way. They expect strawberries by next week. The farm from Reva, VA (first stall on your left as you enter the drive) thinks that he'll have rhubarb in 2-3 weeks.
I picked up another dozen eggs at the stall next to Toigo-fresh and big at $3 a dozen.

[goodeats]

About 1-2 blocks from the market is a great playground for kids to play with while you nosh on whatever breakfast selection you have decided for the morn. Based on the kid-friendliness of the Del Ray area, I'd be willing to drive there almost every weekend, as the playground is a bit farther and smaller at the Falls Church farmer's market.

I also love how you can go to the Farmer's market, get groceries, breakfast/treats, and decide if you need additional meats & cheeses, to pop on by the Let's Meat on the Avenue and Cheesetique stores, as they also open on 8am on Saturday mornings.

Strawberries were readily available at 3 vendors, as was asparagus and sugar peas still. Gebaby enjoyed the Mixed Berry scone from Vera's bakery, which was only 1 of the few vendors that had their banner or sign. Otherwise, unless I'm missing something, some of the farms don't have signs up, which confused me quite a bit.

A very shy gebaby hid behind me while peering to look over at goldenticket and her +1. What a nice way to start out Saturday morning!

[monavano]

Del Ray was packed on Saturday, which was great to see .
In the middle of the market is a terrific trio of bakeries-Bonaparte (Md.), Vera's (Annapolis) and Grace's Pastries (Va). Each has unique strengths and offers both sweet and some savory goods. In particular, Vera's tamale is a delightful packet of corn flavor, and Graces makes what I like to call a "pizza" foccacia that would make a perfect nibbly when entertaining.
I have often opined about Marcella's saltenas, but will now have to refer to them as empanadas. Looking exactly the same, the change in label (also announced on a chalk board) made these savory pockets of gravy, meaty, salty and sweet goodness fly off the table.
Yellow peaches from Toigo are baked into a peach and raspberry clafouti. Get 'em and get 'em now....the flavor and juice won't get much better than right now.
Bi-color corn from Three Way Farm went into a hash with sweet pototoes, bell peppers, onion, garlic, cumin, paprika and s&p.

[monavano]

Vera's Bakery continues to impress. We enjoyed a cup of joe from St. Elmo's and Vera's kibbeh followed by a raspberry and chocolate scone. Terrific breakfast.



Toigo said that peaches will be at market for another 2 weeks, and corn another 1 week, maybe 2

[mktye]

From my neighborhood listserv:

The Del Ray Farmers Market is now open year round -- located at the corner of Mt. Vernon Avenue and Oxford Avenue in Del Ray. During the winter months the market will be open 9 am to noon each Saturday.

The Del Ray Market farmers that will be there are Smith Meadows meats, eggs, fresh pasta and sauces; Amish cheese, yogurt, bakery goods, eggs and jams and jellies; winter vegetables; fancy nuts; pralines; and bakery goods.

Tom the Cheese Guy actually came the Saturday we had 18 inches of snow -- he was not able to get out until Sunday around 5:30!!!!!

The Del Ray Market is producer grown so the fresh vegetables and fruits will be back once that season kicks in.

[monavano]

The market is in full swing. New to the market is a vendor with all kinds of lettuce and tomato plants. Also new is Northern Lights Seafood*, the only business selling Alaskan seafood in the state of VA (I guess that makes it local?). Anyway, I'm excited to see how fresh their product is. I arrived late and they only had salmon, which Mr. MV and I don't eat.
My haul:
Strawberries and spinach from Three Way Farm, spring onions at the folks from Reva, VA, a beef saltena from Marcela's.

*their website is an unholy mess, but they are designing a new one.

[monavano]

The Del Ray market is just bursting at the seams- full of more producers than ever and many customers. And, go hungry-there's a plethora of sweet and savory goodies, from dulce de leche desserts and scones, to saltenas and kitfo.
I picked up white corn (very good for the start of the season), zucchini and squash, and a pound of lump crab (reportedly local).
Even if it's a bit farther than you'd normally travel to a market, Del Ray has so much to offer, including Cheesetique and Let's Meat at the Market, which open when the market does on Sat. morning.

[goodeats]

monavano - this flyer/contest is calling your name!!

Virginia Farmers Market Photo Contest

[monavano]

monavano - this flyer/contest is calling your name!!

Virginia Farmers Market Photo Contest

Excellent, thank you!

[Josh Radigan]

Excellent, thank you!

there is a new farmers market that is on Sundays, located right on Mt. Vernon/Ridge Road, next to teh old Duron Paint store, and as well next to Four Mile Run Bridge. I agree the Delray market si bursting with baby strollers and dogs, as well as parents.

[goldenticket]

there is a new farmers market that is on Sundays, located right on Mt. Vernon/Ridge Road, next to teh old Duron Paint store, and as well next to Four Mile Run Bridge. I agree the Delray market si bursting with baby strollers and dogs, as well as parents.

It even has its own topic

[monavano]

Del Ray was packed again!



I stopped at Del Ray after 14th St. market so I could get some Mirai corn from Toigo. Their corn was labeled sweet yellow corn, were rather small and cost .$75 each. No thank you.
I bought 8 ears of white corn from Schlagel's, and cinammon donut dots from a woman who sells donuts and pies and comes in from the Front Royal area. Excellent with coffee!
Also a saltena from Marcella's.
(also saw a new restaurant, Del Ray Pizzeria & Sports Bar on Mt. Vernon Ave. Not open yet)

[lperry]

Del Ray was open yesterday with three vendors. Right now it's eggs, meat, pasta, preserves, and baked goods. We picked up a loaf of bread and some fresh pasta and wished for strawberries and asparagus.

Edited to say - I'm terrible with names, but it was Grace's Pastry, Smith Meadows, and another one I've forgotten.

[monavano]

Del Ray was open yesterday with three vendors. Right now it's eggs, meat, pasta, preserves, and baked goods. We picked up a loaf of bread and some fresh pasta and wished for strawberries and asparagus.

Edited to say - I'm terrible with names, but it was Grace's Pastry, Smith Meadows, and another one I've forgotten.

Probably Tom the Cheese Guy.

[lperry]

Probably Tom the Cheese Guy.

It was someone with preserves, eggs, and honey.

[monavano]

Del Ray is in full swing, I'm happy to say. The Alexandria markets that go on life support all winter, POP and flourish right about now, and become a gathering place for friends and neighbors, especially Del Ray. Although it opens at 8am, the crowds become thick around 9:30 with citizens, dogs and kids.
I was Happy to see Three Way Farm (Warsaw, VA) flush with produce, and strawberries! I don't think that the strawberries' taste could get much better; perhaps a tad sweeter in the weeks to come, but they are literally ripe for the picking right now.



If you go, and I've said this before, be sure to grab just a nibble for breakfast and save room for Ashbank Farm's apple cider donuts and a cup of joe from St. Elmo's.

[monavano]

The market was overflowing with asparagus (seems to be a banner year!), strawberries, snap peas and more. We hauled 2 quarts of strawberries (Schlagel, $8), 2 large bundles asparagus (Three Way, $11) and enjoyed a 3 berry scone from Vera's Bakery.

[monavano]

Miri corn and tomato seconds from Toigo
More corn and bell peppers from Schlagel
Brisket from Smith Meadows
Lemon balm, Thai basil and Mountain mint
Cantaloupe and basil from 3 Way Farm
Marcela's beef saltena