27 replies to this topic

[monavano]

The Alexandria West End Farmers Market opened on Sunday. It's open Sundays from 9-1, rain or shine, May-Oct.
There are 26 vendors signed on by Julie Bryant, former ownder of Cameron Perks. The vendors are a mix of food purveyors and artists, with the emphasis on food. Some vendors I recognized from the Alexandria City and Del Ray markets.
J&W Valley View Farm was a real standout to me with a bounty of produce and strawberries. I purchased large bunches of parsley and cilantro, bok choy, spring onions, spinach and rainbow chard for around $11.50. So far, the onions and spinach have been so, so fresh and good.
Quarts of strawberries were going for $5. I got some from another vendor from Westmoreland County, VA.
Bigg Riggs, WVA and Tom the cheese guy (from the Del Ray market) were there too.
Hilldale Farm had brown eggs and will have organic chickens in 2 weeks.



The market has a handful of bakers, too.
I'll be returning to see how the market develops over the season. I just hope for Frank's sake that the scary balloon-making clown lady isn't there.

[Billy DeLion]

Thanks for getting the word out on this market ! I'll give it a try next Sunday.

[dcaCRL]

Made my first trip of the year to the West End market this past weekend, and was pleased to see it's grown quite a bit since it's first go last year. Got organic brown eggs from Hilldale Farms - not sure if organic tastes any better than their regular ones, but I like to support farmers who go through the hassle of getting certified. And for folks looking for berries, Westmoreland Berry Farms was there with a full table -- blue, black, red & black raspberries, sweet cherries and strawberries:

Smith Family Farm meat was new to me (not to be confused with Smith Meadows meats at Del Ray and many other markets), and offering tasty sausage samples. It was nice to see an actual market manager and some recipe suggestions at the booths -- something I wish we could have at my usual Del Ray market.

[monavano]

I went on Sunday and in addition to everything dcaCRL said! I checked out On The Gourmet, a Cheesetique on wheels, if you will. Epicurean goodies, farm fresh eggs, Keswick cheese (yay!) and local organic meat. I picked up lamb chops which I'll defrost for dinner this week.
OTG is at the West End Alexandria and Falls Church market. They update the website to give you an idea of what they will be carrying.
Check out my post here.
http://houndstoothgo...ll-of-goodness/

[dcaCRL]

I went on Sunday and in addition to everything dcaCRL said! I checked out On The Gourmet, a Cheesetique on wheels, if you will. Epicurean goodies, farm fresh eggs, Keswick cheese (yay!) and local organic meat. I picked up lamb chops which I'll defrost for dinner this week.
OTG is at the West End Alexandria and Falls Church market. They update the website to give you an idea of what they will be carrying.
Check out my post here.
http://houndstoothgo...ll-of-goodness/

The On the Gourmet truck is too cute. I was at West End again yesterday but forgot to ask if they had Keswick's ricotta, which is my favorite and no longer carried at Cheesetique.

Also at West End this weekend, Bigg Riggs of WV with sour cherries and "patriotic potatoes" (red, white & blue) for the 4th. I made a rookie market mistake and bought 4 baskets of Rainier cherries at Westmoreland before making my opening lap -- of course they were $2 cheaper at a different stand. Oh well.

[ema]

I was not awared that there is a farmer's market so close to where I live, so thanks for posting. I went there yesterday and got corns from two different vendors (75 cents each) and peaches ($4 per box). The bicolor corns with smaller kernels tasted more sweet and tender than the white corns. The peaches looked small, but they were some of the most fragrant and juicy variety I have ever had, completely different than the dry and hard stuff you get from super markets.

[monavano]

What a pleasant morning to be at the markets! The West End market was full of corn, peppers of all kinds, beans, tomatoes and stone fruit. Westmoreland Berry Farm still had blueberries , blackberries, and raspberries.
I picked up Roman beans/Italian string beans, red and green peppers, jalepenos, tomatoes, nectarines and corn. I can already attest to the sweetness of J&W's white corn--I popped an ear in the micro as soon as I got home .
I also saw something different-purple tomatillos. Does anyone know if these are about the same as green tomatillos? I was tempted to pick some up to char and make salsa, but am afraid I hesitated.
Thanks!

[dcaCRL]

I also saw something different-purple tomatillos. Does anyone know if these are about the same as green tomatillos? I was tempted to pick some up to char and make salsa, but am afraid I hesitated.

We asked about those and were told they were just a more flavorful variety than the typical green ones. I didn't get them either as I had a bag full of green tomatillos from the Friday market at home. Hopefully they'll have them again next week!

[monavano]

We asked about those and were told they were just a more flavorful variety than the typical green ones. I didn't get them either as I had a bag full of green tomatillos from the Friday market at home. Hopefully they'll have them again next week!

I think I'll try them out next week too. I've been making salsa verde and wanted a break from it for a bit. When I got home from the market, I made a salsa with nectarine. Very nice

[monavano]

The market was a bit slow yesterday and I too noted a rise in prices. Tomatoes were $3 a pound all around, whereas 2 weeks ago I could find them for $2.25/lb.
Corn was $.50/ear with no bulk discount.
Not that I'm complaining....the prices are less than DC and the produce is at it's peak.
I've been delving more into the products that Fresh Joseph's offers. They are very popular at the Old Town and West End market for their fresh orange juice, but they also sell fresh mozzarella (very good) and baked goods. I bought a gigantic ciabatta loaf for $6 that was crisp and chewy with good flavor. They get the bread from a Mediteranean baker...not sure if it's The Mediteranean Bakery...I'll ask next time.

[dcaCRL]

Uptown Bakers has joined the market, with some wonderful looking artisan breads.

[dcaCRL]

The West End market re-opens next Sunday, May 3rd! It's open 9am-1pm. New vendors this year include Wisteria Gardens micro-greens, honey, coffee, and North Gate vineyard - though the city won't allow sampling of the wine, you'll only be able to purchase it by the bottle. So pick one up, some fresh bread, Westmoreland berries and Tom's goat cheese and you have an instant picnic in the park.

This has really grown into the best market in Alexandria, in my opinion (sorry Del Ray!), and Julie & Susan the market managers are going all out to promote it this year. You can read more about opening day here.

[monavano]

Opening day tommorow!

[dcaCRL]

We ventured to opening day in spite of the downpour, and were pleased to see more than a few other folks doing the same. Strawberries here (and at Del Ray) this week. Quite a few new vendors this year, including Wisteria Gardens with pea shoots, salad greens & homemade hummus and salsas, and J-Wen dairy. I have a more extensive report on the blog, but hope to see many more people there as the weather (I hope!) improves this spring.

[KMango]

Yes, I braved it in the rain as well. Mighty glad I did, the vendors had the luxury of having time to chat. Wonderful market, grown so much since last year.

Several vendors mentioned that it's only the first Sunday of the month when the crafters are allowed to have booths. That was news to me, but makes sense.

Several flavors of hummus, asparagus, and collard greens later, I was on my way. Stopped off at Food Matters, of course, for a quick bite. Such a boon that it's a quick walk over from the market.

I'm still so delighted we have a Sunday market in this area. The Saturday markets are outstanding, but not always a schedule fit.

[monavano]

The West End Market is growing under the stewardship of Susan Birchler and Judy Bryant. New vendors include Wisteria Gardens (Berkeley Springs, WV), which had a terrific array of hummus, salsa, sauces and vinegar.
Perenial figures such as Tom the Cheese Guy and On the Gourmet were there too.
Many vendors had strawberries, and of course, asparagus is going strong. Lots of breads, pastries, produce etc.
The market is relaxed and friendly, and allows dogs. And llamas

[TheMatt]

I *will* make it this Sunday, dang it! The last two seem to have had their mornings filled with activities...and usually I'm searching for things to do on a Sunday!

[KMango]

Beautiful market today, despite petulant rain showers. Moody Mother Nature announces her presence.

Scored a batch of HUGE squash blossoms for $4. Will transform into a corn-broth based soup later today.

An obscenely heavy for it's size canary melon, and a shockingly vivid licorice root/spearmint leaf tea were other treasures.

Vendors all seemed to be going strong with an abundance of peak-season beauties. Hours remain 9:00AM to 1:00PM every Sunday.

[monavano]

This is just such an interesting market. There is a relaxed vibe with a mix that ranges from local farmers (with prices that are quite good!) with seasonal produce, to On the Gourmet (see my post here), to musical performers, yarn spinners, chocolatiers and now Indonesian "street food" from Satay Sarinah (a restaurant off of Van Dorn near Edsal)l. I like being able to grab coffee, fresh OJ, pastries, or now, something savory. I enjoyed chicken satay @$4 for 5 skewers--my dog did too!

[KMango]

A brilliant, sunny morning at market. A higher proportion of craft vendors, understandable given the waning season. While chatting with Chris Guerre (On The Gourmet), I learned of his new-ish storefront location in Vienna, Maple Avenue Market.

I saw the Maple Avenue Restaurant thread, but assume the two venues are unrelated. Has anyone been to the market at 128 Maple Avenue, and can provide an update on your impressions?

Otherwise, I never leave Cameron Station on a Sunday without gorgeous, local bounty. Honeycrisp apples joined me on the trek home, as did a couple of Stachowski masterpieces. Beets, turnips, and picture-perfect pie pumpkins wanted to come along as well, but stayed behind for other shoppers due to excessively abundant produce already in my fridge.

Next week will be the final edition of the 2009 West End Farmer's Market.

[Janet Kilian]

Food Matters Restaurant has a CSA pick-up on Saturdays from 11AM to 10PM in the same neighborhood. Too bad its not on Sunday when the Farmer's Market is open too!

[monavano]

First time at the Alexandria West End Market this season, and I was pleased to see a full parking lot and compliment of producers. Of note, Ole Pioneer Kitchen had a myriad of sausages, chorizo and bacon, including back (Canadian) bacon, Vera's Bakery (also at Del Ray) and Tom the Cheese Guy with lots of PA Amish products. Many producers bring their fruits and vegetables from Westmoreland County, Va, and their prices are quite good.
To wit:



Plus Millcreek Farm ground lamb from On The Gourmet, cabbage, cilantro, arugula, bi-color corn (12/$5, but bland ) and leeks.

Check out the purple okra!



eta: Shepherd's Haven Farms (Compton, VA) free-range eggs- $2.75/dozen

[lperry]

Check out the purple okra!

I cannot tell you how disappointed I was the first time I cooked purple okra. It turns green. Stupid water-soluble anthocyanins.

[monavano]

I cannot tell you how disappointed I was the first time I cooked purple okra. It turns green. Stupid water-soluble anthocyanins.

Like rhubarb
(I add a bit of red food coloring to bring the color to rhubarb compote etc)

[monavano]

eta: Shepherd's Haven Farms (Compton, VA) free-range eggs- $2.75/dozen

I just wanted to add that these eggs have been delicious-I'm hoping to get another dozen on Sunday.

[monavano]

The market is thinning out a bit as the end of the season approaches, but what they do have is quality stuff. It's so wonderful to know that I can get Stachowski meats here from On The Gourmet. I picked up merguez and sweet Italian sausage. Both are truly amazing and you pay the same price!
I also bought a beautiful, full head of butter lettuce, cilantro and turnips.
2 more weeks

[KMango]

Today was opening day for the Alexandria West End Farmer's Market. If anyone was able to make it, I would welcome a report of how it's looking this year.

(living vicariously)
(through others')
(acquisitioning)

[TheMatt]

Finally able to get to West End today. Picked up some macarons that called out to me, I'm excited to try the Birthday Cake flavor. I also picked up some greens (as it's about the best thing at the moment).

I also had to get some of my downfall: Pequea Valley Farms Maple Yogurt. Yes, Pequea is full-fat, high-calorie and expensive. And yes, maple is even more expensive on top of that, but it's an addiction. If you've never had it, get some!