Tag Archives: Farm Fresh Products

10.27.11
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Sampling the Food at Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market
85 Pike St,
Seattle, WA
(206) 682-7453

I pretty much had nothing but seafood in mind for my major meals during my stay in Seattle, and no trip is complete without a trip to Pike Place Market. This place is where anyone can buy fresh wares from both the sea to sky. Fruits, vegetables, meats and seafood were abound, and while I’ve seen enough of the flying fish act before, I was not going to wait around for the next time it’d happen so I can grab a photograph.

I wasn’t going to be that much of a tourist, but I did finally get a chance to wander the market, poke around at Golden Age Collectables, and find a few new kiosks offering food samples or some interesting artistic wares. There is an area where any vendor can set up shop and sell their products. On the day that I went, I talked to the fine folks at Stewart’s Meat Market, and learned they offer up jerky in other forms too. They sell game meats, and I just wonder what kind of red tape I’ll have to deal with to get ‘gator, crocodile or rattlesnake past Canada Customs.

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09.30.11
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Eatin’ up the Food and Arts scene in Vancouver

I spent yesterday at the Vancouver Art Gallery’s “The Colour of My Dreams” Surrealist art exhibit as my way to celebrate another year in transition. After the show, I was thinking of hitting a nearby restaurant, but time was tight and I should’ve made my way home. By chance, I happened to be at the Vancouver Farmers Market that was set up at Thornton Park, next to the Main St. Skytrain Station. This event runs at different locations throughout the year, and in this case, I was in the right place at the right time. This particular market runs from June 1st to October 5th.

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07.18.11
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A Salt Spring Summary

9b8e2-james2bat2bembeJ: Ed and I hit the road (or just the water) for a 24 hour stay over on beautiful Salt Spring Island. We met many wonderful different people from the interesting Dr. Delightments to the downright cranky employee at Morningside Organic Bakery Cafe & Bookstore. And even a horrible motel and heatstroke couldn’t dampen my spirits for exploring the sights and sounds of Ganges.

With luck on our side we landed ashore during the Tuesday market.

E: The timing couldn’t be any better. We arrived late morning and James needed to cool off. Either I can’t take this boy anywhere, or I have to remind him that heavy jackets are not required–except for wandering around late at night when the ocean air really comes in.

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02.28.11
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These Little Piggies Went To the Vintage Fair

The Little Piggy
D2-1284 Gladstone Ave,
Victoria, BC

(250) 386-1020

J: After a day at the Victoria Vintage Fair, all the browsing made me hungry. It was almost the flip of a coin between Little Piggy and Stir It Up. Fernwood has a number of great eateries but when your nearly skint after spending $25 on one of Sir Walter Scott’s works, Little Piggy is more within one’s financial grasp.

E: But you didn’t see me haggling, James. I managed to save a little so I could take us both out for some good eats.

Victoria’s sudden bout of winter weather didn’t stop James and I from having a merry ol’ time in Fernwood. While dodging snow flurries, we headed into Little Piggy for a taste of Mexican. Mind you, near the end of the day, James was almost looking like a merry old snowman himself.

For $16.50, we feasted on tacos and tostados. I asked for an extra one since I was feeling hungrier than a walrus.

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06.08.10
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Sea Bluff Farm – Fireweed Honey

Unfiltered Fireweed Honey
Sea Bluff Farm
565 Wootton Rd.
Metchosin, BC
(250) 590-7415

Much can be said about consuming the golden smoothness of unfiltered fireweed honey. I purchased a large bottle ($20) from Sea Bluff Farm and I hope there’s enough to last me awhile. I could see the lighter yellow of the honey inside the mason jar. To me, unfiltered means all natural, including all the stuff the bees leave behind, so why mess with a good thing?

While Fireweed is considered the most sought after honey available, I definitely wouldn’t ignore other types. The taste of honey can vary depending on the region and the process used by the beekeeper.

Since I’m British in descent, I decided to have my first taste by using the tried and true toast with tea method: A cup of Red Rose and two slices of buttered toast. I spread a good amount of honey on my toast but I refrained from drowning the two slices. With unfiltered fireweed honey (or at least with Sea Bluff’s) you need to avoid being overpowered by the natural sweetness. The delicate taste will trick you.

I settled in for a bit of heaven. I quietly wondered if bees have tea breaks? Has a bee ever been fired for dipping into the company vat? Do ants go to discos? The strange things one thinks when under the influence of tea and honey.

Shopper’s Tip: When purchasing honey in the province of B.C., it is always a good idea to support our own bee keepers by purchasing their products.

For more information on local beekeepers or beekeeping visit the Capital Region Beekeepers Association.