I know...it's been forever!! It's also been forever since I visited the WSM. This is a travesty of geography. Ya see, many years ago, I lived a mere 20 minutes away. Now, it's closer to an hour. Still, the time had come to make the trek.
My desire was stirred by a recent article in the Cleveland Plain Dealer regarding new vendors. The one I was most excited about was the crepe maker!!! So, when DH and I set foot in the building, I immediately started searching for any sign of the "crepe man". When, through the forest of meat guys I spied the sign I squealed and started dragging DH towards the other side of the building. As I neared the crepe man's stand (conveniently located next to the coffee vendor) my heart sunk. There was no man there. Tears formed in my eyes as I read the sign. "Closed on Monday". I whined for several minutes while ordering a mocha.
I perked up quickly when I spied an apple fritter the size of my head at a near by bakery stand.(I'll try and find out the name next time I visit) To say it was the best fritter of my life would not be an exaggeration. It was light and appley with the perfect amount of cinnamon. All others pale in comparison.
We made many trips around the many stands before deciding on some great looking stew meat and beautiful butterflied pork chops. The meat we purchased makes our local grocery store selection look like slop. I can't wait to make a lovely stew this week. DH will be making his newly famous, Jamie Oliver inspired chops. mmmmmmm
The highlight of our trip was the fresh pasta stand. I don't even remember which flavors we purchased but they are amazing!!! I have never experienced pasta like this before. We made it as directed with just a bit of garlic infused EVOO. The flavor was mild, but still stood out, if that makes any sense at all. I'd like to try a very light alfredo sauce next time, not that it needs it. The stand next to the pasta is Urban Herbs. Here we stocked up on all the whole herbs that we've been seeing in recipes and haven't had. I can't wait to try them.
Still...the highlight of my trip was when I happened to spy the dried fruit lady. She has a produce stand outside with the rest. However, she devotes a little section to dried fruit. What's the big deal? you ask. Kiwi, cantelope, peaches, strawberries for Pete's sake!!!! I don't even like dried fruit. Or at least I didn't. I can't say that anymore. I stopped in my tracks at the site of dried up kiwi. I couldn't even fathom the idea. I asked for a sample, as I took a bite, she handed me a straweberry and said "Try them together". Dried fruit perfection, I say!!! SO I bought a pound, and also included the afore mentioned cantelope and peaches. Delightful, I tell you. I must now go eat some...
I'm back. My fingers are sticky. MMMmmmmmmm
I told you all that, to tell you this. You must go to the West Side Market. No excuse is acceptable. Save your pennies. Dig under the couch cushions!! And for the love of Dorothy... try the dried kiwi!!
Oh, but if you want crepes, don't go on Monday.
