Spring Break Guide: On The Cheap

Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Wednesday, March 28th, 2012

Save some money and have a ball. / Photo credit: Shutterstock/ Yan Lev

We know times can be tough (could gas be any more expensive right now?) but with the break from school and classes, it’s about time to enjoy yourself without breaking the bank. (If you are hitting the road, check out our post for a few travel tips). Here are a few inexpensive ways to enjoy all that lovely free time:

Free:

 - Hit up a local farmer’s market. Browse through all the yummy local produce, smell the pretty blooms and maybe even pet an animal or two. We love Cox Farms Market in Centreville with its great selection of jams, great playground area for the little ones and spring container gardens. The market opens for the season on April 5th. 

- Get cultured at a local museum or art studio. We are lucky to have over 50 free museums and historical sites in NoVA.  The Artisphere always has a ton of shows and exhibits that won’t cost you a penny. View Luis Sierra’s take on The Wizard of Oz with a prism twist, the Congressional Art Competition selections and more. McLean Project for the Arts is currently showing a youth art show and the Torpedo Factory has tons of great fiber and glass exhibits throughout the month. Or head to The Udvar-Hazy Center* in Chantilly for an up close look at air and space crafts. *While admission is free, parking is $15 so plan to visit after 4 pm. 

$5 or less:

 - Catch a flick at the Drafthouse. With a wide variety of films on screen (The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, The Sitter and more), Arlington’s old school cinema showcase has $1 movie nights. Bypass The Hunger Games and that means date night could be $2, plus change left over for some Reeses Pieces or Milk Duds. Movies on Mondays are $1, Tuesday nights are $2. Head there Wednesday through Sunday night? Tickets bump up to $5.50. 

- Make like the 80s and hit a roller skating rink. Reminisce over middle school birthday parties and holding hands during slow songs at Skate-N-Fun Zone. Tuesday nights at the Manassas are just $5 a person, including skate rentals, play zone and four tokens. They also have laser tag on Wednesday nights for $4, plus $1.99. Although it’s technically above the $5 max, it’s still a heck of a good deal. 

$10 or less:

 - Hunt for marshmallows. Really get into the spring of things (pun intended) by heading to Great County Farms for their 9th annual search for the fluffy white goodness. The marshmallows are usually ready for picking on or around April 1st. To make it even better, Great County Farms also has daily Easter egg hunts for the kiddos. With four separate hunts (separated by age groups), there’s no egg shortage here. Advanced tickets are recommended and can be bought online here. 

- Jump and then jump some more. If you like trampolines, you’ll love rebounding. What’s rebounding? Glad you asked – it’s basically a room full of connected trampolines that allows you to freely run, jump and flip for 60 minutes at a time. Rebounderz in Sterling has the market cornered on this fantastic idea. With under $10 deals running from Monday through Thursday nights, you may just have to go more than once. 

$20 or less:

- Get your roller coaster fix. For a limited time, Six Flags will be offering up deeply discounted tickets ($20 per person) for the park’s opening day this season. With more than 100 rides to choose from, this deal’s too good to pass up. Tickets are available online here (select “buy tickets now” under daily tickets and choose opening day) and at the Main Gate on March 31st. 

- Grab a few drinks at a tiki bar and bask in the sunshine. So you can’t head to Bora Bora? No problemo. NoVA has plenty of hot spots with cool drinks that will have you forgetting you’re still landlocked. Clare and Don’s Beach Shack anyone? For a full list, check out over here. 

For more spring break goodness, check out our Ultimate Spring Break Guide, Gut Check’s recommended eats, SWAG’s spring style deals and steals, plus stop by our blog daily.

– Lorin Drinkard

Lick Your Screen: Eat Your Roots Edition

Posted by Stefanie Gans / Friday, February 24th, 2012

Beets │The Farmers Table 2012│2709 West Ox Road, Herndon

Photo: Sally Traynham

Local is Better: From Northern Virginia to Dubai

Posted by Sally Traynham / Wednesday, January 18th, 2012

On weekends during spring, summer and fall, many Northern Virginians, myself included, flock to farmers markets in search of fresh, local produce. During winter we miss the abundance of fresh herbs, vegetables and fruits that are offered at these beloved stands.

This past week, I had the opportunity to travel to Dubai where I was able to quench my farmers market thirst by visiting a budding farmers market, the first of its kind in Dubai. The market takes place every Friday on a beautiful terrace of Souk Al Bahar and features fresh herbs, vegetables, hot peppers and fragrant spices along with prepared items, such as beautiful breads, kale chips, pastries, confections and an assortment of jams.

You might be thinking, “A farmer’s market in Dubai? Isn’t it mostly desert?”

While you are certainly true about the latter, you might be shocked (I know I was) that there are actually about 38,000 farms in the U.A.E. Many are located within Dubai, while others are rooted in neighboring cities like Abu Dhabi.

With today’s worldwide focus on local foods and reducing carbon footprints, this farmers market has the locals ecstatic. Why? Because many of the locals’ favorites, such as freshly squeezed juices, salads and pickled vegetables, feature fresh produce and fruits at their simplicity. With the market, they can now get these products at the peak of freshness from neighboring farms without a middleman. After experiencing many of these local delicacies first hand, I am not surprised by Dubai’s jump on the farmer’s market bandwagon.

One of my favorite things I tasted while in Dubai was a simple, tall glass of pomegranate juice. It was deep ruby in color and had the perfect balance of tart and sweet with a blaring freshness from being squeezed moments before.

As locals were showing me around, I had the opportunity to eat food that was truly authentic to that region. In Dubai every meal is a feast created from yogurt dips, hummus, pomegranate-dressed salads, fresh bread, fried lamb pieces, lentils, stewed okra, chicken and rice, tabbouleh and stuffed grape leaves. As the weather during this time of year is absolutely perfect, holding consistently around 75˚ with a slight breeze, everyone sits around for hours on end to enjoy the food and each other’s company.

[tips for the food desk]

Crop Rapport- West End Farmers Market

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, November 10th, 2011

The West End Farmers Market in Alexandria

This past Sunday dawned bright and sunny as I made my way into the West End farmers market in Alexandria.

Warm sunshine, a crisp breeze- seriously this day could not be any better. And what better way to spend it than walking the “streets” of your local market?

What I like most about the West End market is that it’s not just a one trick pony; local craftsmen, jewelry makers and medicinal herb stands cozy up to fresh local produce. It’s sort of a crafts fair-meets-market situation. And that makes it all the more interesting.

So yes, the weather was gorgeous but that doesn’t mean I don’t need my coffee fix. Luckily there was Guata Java, a small organic coffee stand with the option to have it “regular” for $2 or with condensed milk for $3. I tried it with the condensed milk- sort of Vietnamese style and I was glad I did.

No trip to the West End market is complete without fresh squeezed orange juice from Fresh Joseph’s. “Fresh” Joseph Clemente also sells homemade mozzarella, scones, and macaroons but the juice is the real winner here. Squeezed right before your eyes from a pile of bright, dewy oranges, this is the perfect way to start the day… after your coffee, of course.

Fresh squeezed OJ = Oh Yeah!

Fresh Joseph’s has been a staple at the farmers market for close to 30 years. A family business since 1984, he has been serving up homemade goodies from his professional kitchen with a smile ever since.

If you’re feeling really gutsy, try their flavored homemade hummus! Now if there’s two things I love, it’s hummus and curry- and Fresh Joseph’s put the two together. Not for the faint of heart, this hummus really sizzles as a snack on crackers, pita or vegetable sticks. But I warn you- you must like curry in order to like this product! The prominent curry flavor is warm with spices with a light underlying heat on the back of the tongue. Delicious!

A tasty and healthy snack!

Now, if Alexandria is anything, it has to be one of the most dog-friendly cities in Northern Virginia. The market was teeming with all different breeds happily trailing after their owners. And if you happened to bring your furry friend with you to the market, as I did, you might want to take a little extra time and visit the huge dog park located directly across the street, next to the library. It’s relatively clean with lots of grassy room to run and filled with friendly dogs and dog owners alike.

Alexandria Dog Park

The West End Market has something for everyone: organic, fair-trade coffee; The Dressed Up Nut selling spiced and candied nuts; glass artists, jewelry makers and oil painters; the organic meat man with bacon and sausages; the couple featuring homemade soaps and oils; fresh cut flowers and, of course, delicious, seasonal produce.

The market closes for the season on November 20th so take advantage of it while you can!

The West End Farmers Market - 4800 Brenman Park Drive, Alexandria
Open Sundays from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. through November 20.

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Northern Virginia Farmer’s Market and Hours:

Annandale Farmers Market • 6621 Columbia Pike, Annandale – Thu, 8-noon 
Arlington Farmers Market • N. 14th St. & N. Courthouse Road, Arlington – Sat, 8-noon 
Ashburn Farmers Market • 44036 Pipeline Plaza, Ashburn – Sat, 8-noon
Ballston Farmers Market • N. Stuart St. & N. Ninth St. – Thu, 3-7 p.m. 
Brambleton Farmers Market • 22875 Brambleton Plaza, Ashburn – Sun, 9-1 p.m.
Burke Farmers Market • 5671 Roberts Parkway, Burke – Sat, 8-noon 
Cascades Farmers Market • 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling – Sun, 9-1 p.m.
Clarendon Farmers Market• 3100 Wilson Blvd., Arlington – Wed, 3-7 p.m.
Columbia Pike Farmers Market • S. Walter Reed Drive & Columbia Pike – Sun, 9-1 p.m.
Community Farmers Market • West & Main Streets (Sat), North St. & Old Lee Highway (Sun), Fairfax – Sat: 8-1 p.m.; Sun: 10-2 p.m.
Crystal City Farmers Market • Crystal Square Arcade between S. 18th and 20th Streets – Tue, 3-7 p.m. 
Culpeper Farmers Market • E. Davis & Commerce Streets – Sat, 7:30-noon
Dale City Farmers Market • Dale Blvd. & Minnieville Road, Dale City – Sun, 8-1 p.m.
Del Ray Farmers’ Market • E. Oxford & Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria – Sat, 8-noon 
Fairfax Farmers Market • 3720 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax – Tue, 8-noon
Falls Church Farmers Market • 300 Park Ave., Falls Church – Sat, 8-noon 
Fredericksburg Farmers Market• George and Prince Edward Streets, Fredericksburg – Mon-Sat, 7-6 p.m.; Sun, 12:30-4 p.m.
Frying Pan Farmers Market • 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon – Wed, 8-12:30 p.m.
Great Falls Farmers Market • 750 Walker Road, Great Falls – Sat, 9-1 p.m. 
Haymarket Farmers Market • 1500 Washington St., Haymarket – Sat, 8-2 p.m. 
Herndon Farmers Market • Lynn and Station Streets, Herndon – Thu, 8-noon
Kingstowne Farmers Market • Kingstowne Center & Kingstowne Blvd., Franconia – Fri, 4-7 p.m.
Leesburg Farmers Market • 20 Catoctin Circle S.E., Leesburg – Sat, 8-noon
Lorton Farmers Market • 8990 Lorton Station Blvd., Lorton – Sun, 9-1 p.m.
McLean Farmers Market • 1659 Chain Bridge Road, McLean – Fri, 8-noon 
Middleburg Farmers Market • 300 W. Washington St., Middleburg – Sat, 8-noon
Mount Vernon Farmers Market • 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria – Tue, 8-noon
Nokesville Farmers Market • 13005 Fitzwater Drive, Nokesville – Sat, 8-noon
Oakton Farmers Market • 3200 Jermantown Road, Oakton – Wed, 8-noon 
Old Town Alexandria Farmers Market • 301 King St., Alexandria – Sat, 5:30-11 a.m.
Old Town Manassas Farmers Market • 9201 Center St., Manassas – Thu, 7-1 p.m.; Sat, 7:30-2:30 p.m.
Nokesville Farmers Market • 13005 Fitzwater Drive, Nokesville – Sat, 8-noon
Purcellville Farmers Market• 751 E. Main St., Purcellville – Sat, 8-noon
Reston Farmers Market • 11400 Washington Plaza W., Reston – Sat, 8-noon
Smart Markets – Centreville • 5875 Trinity Parkway, Centreville – Fri, 3:30-6:30 p.m.
Smart Markets – Fairfax Corner • Grand Commons Ave., Fairfax – Tue, 3:30-6:30 p.m. 
Smart Markets – Gainesville • 13297 Gateway Center Drive, Gainesville – Sun, 10:30-1:30 p.m.
Smart Markets – Herndon • 460 Elden St., Herndon – Thu, 3:30-6:30 p.m.
Smart Markets – Oakton • 2854 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton – Sat, 10-2 p.m. 
Smart Markets – Reston • 11890 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston – Wed, 3:30-6:30 p.m.
Upper King Street Farmers Market • 1806 King St., Alexandria – Wed, 3-7 p.m.
Vienna Farmers Market • 131 Church St. N.E., Vienna – Sat, 8-noon
Wakefield Farmers Market • 8100 Braddock Road, Annandale – Wed, 2-6 p.m.
Warrenton Farmers Market • Branch Drive and Warrenton Village Center (Wed), S. Fifth & Lee Streets (Sat) – Wed, 7-1 p.m.; Sat, 7-noon
West End Farmers Market • 4800 Brenman Park Drive, Alexandria – Sun, 9-1 p.m.

– Jennie Whistler

Crop Rapport – Stone Soup Bakery

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, October 5th, 2011

Farmers Market in Burke

Even through the driving rain and cold wind that blew through the area last weekend, loyal patrons, decked out in galoshes and ponchos, shaking water from their hair still cheerily shopped the mini streets of the Burke farmers market. It’s heartening to see that even the foulest weather couldn’t deter those tried and true local clients, hurrying to get their fresh apples, fragrant herbs and bright vegetables.

Local, seasonal vegetables

Among the local produce vendors, intermingled with startlingly vivid flower stands and fresh-baked breads rests a small, unassuming tent piled high with fresh cookies, pies and brownies and manned by the cheeriest people, despite the nasty weather.

Owners Jennifer Graybill & Johnny Connolly

I’m talking about Stone Soup Bakery, a brand-new business run by local brother and sister team, Jennifer Graybill and Johnny Connolly. The bakery name, I’m told, is derived from the folk tale of the same title. “The message we took from the story is that if everybody contributes a little, it can make a whole lot,” Graybill said.

Well said. A duo that has always been baking, the two recently decided to take their wares public and have made their debut at the Burke Farmers Market. As of right now, all the cooking is done out of Graybill’s home kitchen and their products are sold only at this location.

An assortment of delicious goodies

This family is an example of team work at its finest; Connolly does the pie baking while Graybill creates the cookies and all of their products are made with as many local ingredients as possible. Because they work a lot with local produce, their flavors are more seasonal- right now apple and pumpkin pies are being highlighted in honor of Thanksgiving!

I had the opportunity to taste their pumpkin pie, of which they are especially proud- and with good cause! The smooth, custard-y filling is made from half fresh apple butter and half pumpkin. It simmers in a mix of sweet and savory spices for hours before it’s poured over a ginger snap pecan crust. The crust is truly what makes this dessert special. It’s thick and flaky, with just the right amount of texture that just melts away in your mouth.

Pumpkin pie with ginger snap, pecan crust

You’re gonna want to order this bad boy in advance for your Thanksgiving dinner- or perhaps just for dinner tonight.

What’s more, you can order it for your Thanksgiving dinner and pick it up from them in the same location (Burke VRE parking lot) the Wednesday evening before Thanksgiving to ensure you the freshest possible dessert. That that, Sara Lee!

Get your order in now!

Their cookies are all moist and chock-full of delicious fillings. Whether it’s double chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin (my personal favorite), you won’t be disappointed- there’s something for everyone!

Fresh cookies by Stone Soup Bakery

Not only were the baked goods a delightful treat, it was a real pleasure talking with and getting to know this family. Not only are they creating wonderful desserts and baked goods, but they’re contributing a positive image to farmers markets everywhere. You could tell that they took great pride in what they were doing and that they truly enjoyed doing it. Fresh, local ingredients and friendly faces are what helps the local markets persist and thrive in today’s economy- and Stone Soup is doing everything right.

Come see for yourself! Visit Stone Soup every Saturday at the Burke Farmers Market. “We love being at Burke Market,” said Connolly. “We live here, sell our products here, and contribute to our home community.”

And that’s what it’s all about, kids.

Visit them on Facebook and “Like” their page!

Visit them in person:
Burke Farmers Market • 5671 Roberts Parkway, Burke – Sat, 8-noon

Stone Soup Bakery – 703.909.6089; stonesoupbakery@yahoo.com

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Northern Virginia Farmer’s Market and Hours:

Annandale Farmers Market • 6621 Columbia Pike, Annandale – Thu, 8-noon 
Arlington Farmers Market • N. 14th St. & N. Courthouse Road, Arlington – Sat, 8-noon 
Ashburn Farmers Market • 44036 Pipeline Plaza, Ashburn – Sat, 8-noon
Ballston Farmers Market • N. Stuart St. & N. Ninth St. – Thu, 3-7 p.m. 
Brambleton Farmers Market • 22875 Brambleton Plaza, Ashburn – Sun, 9-1 p.m.
Burke Farmers Market • 5671 Roberts Parkway, Burke – Sat, 8-noon 
Cascades Farmers Market • 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling – Sun, 9-1 p.m.
Clarendon Farmers Market• 3100 Wilson Blvd., Arlington – Wed, 3-7 p.m.
Columbia Pike Farmers Market • S. Walter Reed Drive & Columbia Pike – Sun, 9-1 p.m.
Community Farmers Market • West & Main Streets (Sat), North St. & Old Lee Highway (Sun), Fairfax – Sat: 8-1 p.m.; Sun: 10-2 p.m.
Crystal City Farmers Market • Crystal Square Arcade between S. 18th and 20th Streets – Tue, 3-7 p.m. 
Culpeper Farmers Market • E. Davis & Commerce Streets – Sat, 7:30-noon
Dale City Farmers Market • Dale Blvd. & Minnieville Road, Dale City – Sun, 8-1 p.m.
Del Ray Farmers’ Market • E. Oxford & Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria – Sat, 8-noon 
Fairfax Farmers Market • 3720 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax – Tue, 8-noon
Falls Church Farmers Market • 300 Park Ave., Falls Church – Sat, 8-noon 
Fredericksburg Farmers Market• George and Prince Edward Streets, Fredericksburg – Mon-Sat, 7-6 p.m.; Sun, 12:30-4 p.m.
Frying Pan Farmers Market • 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon – Wed, 8-12:30 p.m.
Great Falls Farmers Market • 750 Walker Road, Great Falls – Sat, 9-1 p.m. 
Haymarket Farmers Market • 1500 Washington St., Haymarket – Sat, 8-2 p.m. 
Herndon Farmers Market • Lynn and Station Streets, Herndon – Thu, 8-noon
Kingstowne Farmers Market • Kingstowne Center & Kingstowne Blvd., Franconia – Fri, 4-7 p.m.
Leesburg Farmers Market • 20 Catoctin Circle S.E., Leesburg – Sat, 8-noon
Lorton Farmers Market • 8990 Lorton Station Blvd., Lorton – Sun, 9-1 p.m.
McLean Farmers Market • 1659 Chain Bridge Road, McLean – Fri, 8-noon 
Middleburg Farmers Market • 300 W. Washington St., Middleburg – Sat, 8-noon
Mount Vernon Farmers Market • 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria – Tue, 8-noon
Nokesville Farmers Market • 13005 Fitzwater Drive, Nokesville – Sat, 8-noon
Oakton Farmers Market • 3200 Jermantown Road, Oakton – Wed, 8-noon 
Old Town Alexandria Farmers Market • 301 King St., Alexandria – Sat, 5:30-11 a.m.
Old Town Manassas Farmers Market • 9201 Center St., Manassas – Thu, 7-1 p.m.; Sat, 7:30-2:30 p.m.
Nokesville Farmers Market • 13005 Fitzwater Drive, Nokesville – Sat, 8-noon
Purcellville Farmers Market• 751 E. Main St., Purcellville – Sat, 8-noon
Reston Farmers Market • 11400 Washington Plaza W., Reston – Sat, 8-noon
Smart Markets – Centreville • 5875 Trinity Parkway, Centreville – Fri, 3:30-6:30 p.m.
Smart Markets – Fairfax Corner • Grand Commons Ave., Fairfax – Tue, 3:30-6:30 p.m. 
Smart Markets – Gainesville • 13297 Gateway Center Drive, Gainesville – Sun, 10:30-1:30 p.m.
Smart Markets – Herndon • 460 Elden St., Herndon – Thu, 3:30-6:30 p.m.
Smart Markets – Oakton • 2854 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton – Sat, 10-2 p.m. 
Smart Markets – Reston • 11890 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston – Wed, 3:30-6:30 p.m.
Upper King Street Farmers Market • 1806 King St., Alexandria – Wed, 3-7 p.m.
Vienna Farmers Market • 131 Church St. N.E., Vienna – Sat, 8-noon
Wakefield Farmers Market • 8100 Braddock Road, Annandale – Wed, 2-6 p.m.
Warrenton Farmers Market • Branch Drive and Warrenton Village Center (Wed), S. Fifth & Lee Streets (Sat) – Wed, 7-1 p.m.; Sat, 7-noon
West End Farmers Market • 4800 Brenman Park Drive, Alexandria – Sun, 9-1 p.m.

– Jennie Whistler

Freeze Jag: Pleasant Pops

Posted by Warren Rojas / Monday, August 22nd, 2011

August is historically the steamiest, stickiest, sweatiest month of the year–brilliant move, Founding Fathers, building the nation’s capital on a swamp–in these parts. We’ve tracked down 31 frozen treats (one a day for the rest of this month) to provide you with some temporary, and often insanely delicious, relief.

The place: Pleasant Pops truck – www.pleasantpops.com; @pleasantpops

The prescription: Chongos paleta. There I was, sitting on a public bench, minding my own own business when the realization that I was being watched swiftly crept over me. When I turned she was almost on top of me, her hawk-like gaze tracking the every move of my diligent digits as I gingerly unsheathed my gently perspiring afternoon delight. “Where did you get that?” the obviously spellbound young woman begged me–quickly followed by “And do they take credit cards?” That passionate interlude was made possible by Pleasant Pops, the upstart dessert vendors who’ve chosen Mexican-style paletas as their refreshment medium. Their fruity exploits are legendary, but I was captivated by the sultry chongos, a dreamy pop forged from Mexican crema (sweet as can be) mischievously dusted with bright, sexy cinnamon.

Need a break from frozen dairy? Pleasant Pops mixes up their catalog every week, but if they’ve still got’em, we recommend  cooling off with: summer peach (absolutely exhilarating), cantaloupe or blackberry-mint (equal parts ripened fruit and steadfast mint). –Warren

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Keep tabs on the month long Freeze Jag trek here.

Freeze Jag: Sinmobile

Posted by Warren Rojas / Thursday, August 18th, 2011

August is historically the steamiest, stickiest, sweatiest month of the year–brilliant move, Founding Fathers, building the nation’s capital on a swamp–in these parts. We’ve tracked down 31 frozen treats (one a day for the rest of this month) to provide you with some temporary, and often insanely delicious, relief.

The place: Sinmobile – www.sinplicityicecream.com; @Sinplicity1

The prescription: Mango madness sinwich. Sinplicity founder Leland Atkinson has been a fixture at the Falls Church farmers market for quite some time now. But he’s only recently taken his sweets catalog on the road, dishing out artisan ice creams, sorbets and baked goods on random streets from a self-styled “Sinmobile.” When we happened upon the mobile munchies depot, Atkinson’s paean to luscious fruits–lemon-ginger, blood orange, magical mojito, blackberry & cabernet–appeared to be in full swing. Which made the mango madness sinwich a no-brainer. The house made sandwich is a frosty fruit fiesta featuring a happy marriage of mango sorbet and lemon custard (seriously citrusy, with a dose of tropicality) nestled between lime-infused macaroons. The wondrous cookies were flaky around the edges, cakey towards the center and pleasantly tart throughout.

Non-sorbet sinwiches include: the javariffic mud pie (fudge-cappucino ice cream surrounded by mocha macaroons) and willpower straining cow pie (brownie-studded chocolate ice cream bound by chocolate macaroons). Oh yeah, and they’ve got many of their signature “sins du jour”–dark Belgian chocolate, Madagascar vanilla, salty caramel, Thai peanut, strawberry shortcake, snickerdoodle were all on tap when we swung by–too.

–Warren

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Keep tabs on the month long Freeze Jag trek here.

Crop Rapport: Keeping it FRESH at Crystal City

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, June 29th, 2011

Emily Thompson May be a Crystal City Newcomer, but She Knows Her Cheese (Image: Johnisha Levi/Northern Virginia Magazine)

At 97 degrees yesterday, it was a scorcher more typical of this area’s July-around-the-corner weather than the balmy, breezy days that have soothed our disbelieving souls in recent weeks. But I was eager to step out to the Crystal City FRESHFARMS Farmers Market, just a stone’s throw from the Crystal City metro stop on the blue line.

The first sight to greet you as you round the corner of Crystal Drive (between 18th and 20th streets) is the cheery green and yellow Sweetflow mobile. The farmers market here is a well-organized aisle of blue and white tent coverings gently shading the fruits of labor of 16 vendors.

The market is a relatively young one. Although it opened in 2009,  its current manager, FRESHFARM Markets has only been in charge of  Crystal City since 2010. This is FRESHFARM’s first Virginia venture; all its other markets are located in D.C. and Maryland.

FRESHFARM makes on-site visits to all vendors to ensure that Crystal City is a producer-only market, and that agricultural products are not simply being resold. FRESHFARM Markets also works in partnership with the Arlington Food Assistance Center in order to provide the Center with leftover produce from farms and producers at the end of the market day. This is a particularly important endeavor given the new 10-cent-per-pound produce fee facing area food pantries.

Market attendance is already up since last year. I (wrongly) anticipated that the market would be busiest after 5 p.m. when people start to leave work, but according to Cindy Olson, the farm market manager, the early bird gets the worm here. “It gets busy early,” she said. “Today, we were super busy at 3:30 p.m. with about 150 people [shopping].” Many of these shoppers look forward to the market as a good afternoon break and can’t wait until the end of the work day.

The Crystal City market is relatively small but offers a great cross section of options for the farmers market enthusiast. In addition to beautiful produce (cherries are in season and yesterday marked the debut of peaches), you will find locally pasture-raised bison (Gunpowder Bison & Trading), chicken, beef, pork, seasonal floral bouquets (from Gainesville, Virginia’s LynnVale Studios), fresh-baked breads by Atwater’s Bakery, and both goat’s milk and sheep’s milk cheeses. Today’s market also featured the tranquil vocals of Betsey O’Malley.

While visiting the market, I was particularly enticed by the sheep’s milk cheese produced by Everona Dairy. Emily Thompson expertly guides her customers through a selection of artisan cheeses, butter crackers (including herbes de provence, cinnamon, and cocoa varieties), and the dairy’s own version of membrillos, a spread of dried fruit and nuts formulated to enhance the flavors of the various cheeses. (Everona has future plans for a more traditional membrillo made with quince.)

Customer Steve Polk has become a regular at the Everona table and is practically a co-salesperson. He keeps returning for the Stony Man cheese: “It reminds me of a mild Parmesan, which I love. And it has a sweetness I can’t describe.” For me, the “perfect bite” is Everona’s Marble cheese (not a blue, but veined with vegetable ash), the cherry and peach membrillo (call it adult candy), and a corn spice cracker (that heats the tongue slightly):

The Perfect Bite (Johnisha M. Levi/Northern Virginia Magazine)

Steve is right when he warns that my purchases may last only three days. Try one day!

Next time you are looking for a Tuesday market in Northern Virginia, swing by Crystal City. If you are interested in volunteering to transport market donations on Tuesday nights to the Arlington Food Assistance Center, contact puwen.lee@afac.org for more information.

Want to learn more about eating local? Be sure to visit Crystal City next week between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. when Diane Welland, M.S., R.D.,  will be signing her book, “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Eating Local.”

-Johnisha M. Levi

Northern Virginia’s Farmers Markets and Hours

Annandale Farmers Market • 6621 Columbia Pike, Annandale – Thu, 8-noon
Arlington Farmers Market • N. 14th St. & N. Courthouse Road, Arlington – Sat, 8-noon
Ashburn Farmers Market • 44036 Pipeline Plaza, Ashburn – Sat, 8-noon
Ballston Farmers Market • N. Stuart St. & N. Ninth St. – Thu, 3-7 p.m.
Brambleton Farmers Market • 22875 Brambleton Plaza, Ashburn – Sun, 9-1 p.m.
Burke Farmers Market • 5671 Roberts Parkway, Burke – Sat, 8-noon
Cascades Farmers Market • 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling – Sun, 9-1 p.m.
Clarendon Farmers Market • 3100 Wilson Blvd., Arlington – Wed, 3-7 p.m.
Columbia Pike Farmers Market • S. Walter Reed Drive & Columbia Pike – Sun, 9-1 p.m.
Community Farmers Market • West & Main Streets (Sat), North St. & Old Lee Highway (Sun), Fairfax – Sat: 8-1 p.m.; Sun: 10-2 p.m.
Crystal City Farmers Market • Crystal Square Arcade between S. 18th and 20th Streets – Tue, 3-7 p.m.
Culpeper Farmers Market • E. Davis & Commerce Streets – Sat, 7:30-noon
Dale City Farmers Market • Dale Blvd. & Minnieville Road, Dale City – Sun, 8-1 p.m.
Del Ray Farmers’ Market • E. Oxford & Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria – Sat, 8-noon
Fairfax Farmers Market • 3720 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax – Tue, 8-noon
Falls Church Farmers Market • 300 Park Ave., Falls Church – Sat, 8-noon
Fredericksburg Farmers Market • George and Prince Edward Streets, Fredericksburg – Mon-Sat, 7-6 p.m.; Sun, 12:30-4 p.m.
Frying Pan Farmers Market • 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon – Wed, 8-12:30 p.m.
Great Falls Farmers Market • 750 Walker Road, Great Falls – Sat, 9-1 p.m.
Haymarket Farmers Market • 1500 Washington St., Haymarket – Sat, 8-2 p.m.
Herndon Farmers Market • Lynn and Station Streets, Herndon – Thu, 8-noon
Kingstowne Farmers Market • Kingstowne Center & Kingstowne Blvd., Franconia – Fri, 4-7 p.m.
Leesburg Farmers Market • 20 Catoctin Circle S.E., Leesburg – Sat, 8-noon
Lorton Farmers Market • 8990 Lorton Station Blvd., Lorton – Sun, 9-1 p.m.
McLean Farmers Market • 1659 Chain Bridge Road, McLean – Fri, 8-noon
McLeans’ Lifestyle and Farmers Market • 7920 Jones Branch Drive, McLean; Saturdays, 9-1p.m.
Middleburg Farmers Market • 300 W. Washington St., Middleburg – Sat, 8-noon
Mount Vernon Farmers Market • 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria – Tue, 8-noon
Oakton Farmers Market • 3200 Jermantown Road, Oakton – Wed, 8-noon
Old Town Alexandria Farmers Market • 301 King St., Alexandria – Sat, 5:30-11 a.m.
Old Town Manassas Farmers Market • 9201 Center St., Manassas – Thu, 7-1 p.m.; Sat, 7:30-2:30 p.m.
Nokesville Farmers Market • 13005 Fitzwater Drive, Nokesville – Sat, 8-noon
Purcellville Farmers Market • 751 E. Main St., Purcellville – Sat, 8-noon
Reston Farmers Market • 11400 Washington Plaza W., Reston – Sat, 8-noon
Rosslyn Farmers Market • Wilson Blvd. & N. Oak St.- Thu, 11-3 p.m.
Upper King Street Farmers Market • 1806 King St., Alexandria – Wed, 3-7 p.m.
Vienna Farmers Market • 131 Church St. N.E., Vienna – Sat, 8-noon
Wakefield Farmers Market • 8100 Braddock Road, Annandale – Wed, 2-6 p.m.
Warrenton Farmers Market • Branch Drive and Warrenton Village Center (Wed), S. Fifth & Lee Streets (Sat) – Wed, 7-1 p.m.; Sat, 7-noon
West End Farmers Market • 4800 Brenman Park Drive, Alexandria – Sun, 9-1 p.m.

Or click here for our full list of local farmers markets

Crop Rapport: Cibola Farms

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, June 15th, 2011

Jerry Settle of Cibola Farms (Image: Johnisha Levi/Northern Virginia Magazine)

If you frequent the Arlington Farmers Market on Saturdays, Cibola Farms is a familiar vendor. Cibola Farms was founded by Rob Ferguson and Mike Sipes in 1999. It “produces bison and free-range hogs and direct markets buffalo meats and free-range pork using sustainable management practices” and humane handling techniques.

The Cibola stand is the one dominated by multiple coolers holding a smorgasbord of pasture-raised bison and free range pork products. And if you have shopped at the market during the last year, you might have had the pleasure of meeting Jerry Settle.

Jerry, with his easy and warm smile, starts his morning when most of us are still dead to the world. He arrives at the farm at 4:00 a.m., packs up the truck, and leaves from Culpeper around 4:15 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. for the markets. He stops by Falls Church to unload buffalo and pork cargo for the farmers market there, and then heads over to the Arlington Market by about 6:30 a.m. (Cibola Farms also regularly sells at a third farmers market, in Dupont Circle.)

Once at the Arlington Market, he must wait until 7:00 a.m. sharp to set up the Cibola stand. None of the vendors can begin selling product until 8:00 a.m. Those are the rules.

You can buy an impressive array of bison and pork products at the market — everything from steaks, roasts, ribs, ground meat, jerky, bacon, ham and lard, sausage/hot dogs, and even soup bones. I have been eagerly working my way through the inventory on my Saturday morning visits.

Buffalo Ribeye Steaks (Image: Johnisha Levi/Northern Virginia Magazine)

Cibola customers are passionate and loyal. One customer of three years who is temporarily relocating to Georgia purchased coolers full of products to the tune of $150 because he just can’t go without for that long. Especially without his favorite, the summer sausage.

My personal new favorites now that summer has come around are Cibola’s American Buffalo Hot Dogs. Hot dogs are the perfect summer grill food, but I never much cared for pork dogs. That is why my husband and I were intrigued by the promise of Cibola’s buffalo dogs. We first purchased the dogs when we couldn’t find the Cibola buffalo chili that we’d regularly purchase for weekend lunch, and when we felt like something different than the buffalo patties.

The buffalo dogs have been custom made for the farm for the last nine years and sell for $9.50 per pound. (A pack of four dogs cost me $7.98.) Ferguson explained that the hot dogs are “emulsified meats (whipped up to a fine and tender consistency) and fully cooked” whereas the buffalo half-smokes that you will also see at the market are “coarsely ground and a raw product.” The dogs have become popular at the markets, especially when Cibola used to do cooking demonstrations. People started out skeptical, and then couldn’t get enough.

Buffalo is a good healthier alternative to pork or beef dogs as the meat is leaner, contains more protein, but with less calories and cholesterol.

Because of condo rules, I regrettably don’t have a real grill. But I “fire up” my grill pan for the Cibola dogs so I can get some “grill” marks and pretend. ( Ok, pathetic.) There is a delightful smokiness to the dog that stands up well to a combination of mustard and ketchup, but also allows the dog to be perfectly satisfying and flavorful sans condiments. The interior of these dogs have a darker/richer hue — not that artificial, eraser pink of the run-of-a-mill store-bought dog. I am also not a huge fan of natural casing hot dogs, so the fully cooked, casing free Cibola dog is ideal in my opinion. Unlike this Weiner, which is one that only a mother could love, Cibola’s buffalo wiener is obscenely good. And safe to Tweet about. (I wouldn’t lie!)

Buffalo Dogs (Image: Johnisha Levi/Northern Virginia Magazine)

- Johnisha M. Levi

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Northern Virginia’s Farmers Markets and Hours

Annandale Farmers Market • 6621 Columbia Pike, Annandale – Thu, 8-noon
Arlington Farmers Market • N. 14th St. & N. Courthouse Road, Arlington – Sat, 8-noon
Ashburn Farmers Market • 44036 Pipeline Plaza, Ashburn – Sat, 8-noon
Ballston Farmers Market • N. Stuart St. & N. Ninth St. – Thu, 3-7 p.m.
Brambleton Farmers Market • 22875 Brambleton Plaza, Ashburn – Sun, 9-1 p.m.
Burke Farmers Market • 5671 Roberts Parkway, Burke – Sat, 8-noon
Cascades Farmers Market • 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling – Sun, 9-1 p.m.
Clarendon Farmers Market • 3100 Wilson Blvd., Arlington – Wed, 3-7 p.m.
Columbia Pike Farmers Market • S. Walter Reed Drive & Columbia Pike – Sun, 9-1 p.m.
Community Farmers Market • West & Main Streets (Sat), North St. & Old Lee Highway (Sun), Fairfax – Sat: 8-1 p.m. (May-Oct); Sun: 10-2 p.m.
Crystal City Farmers Market • Crystal Square Arcade between S. 18th and 20th Streets – Tue, 3-7 p.m.
Culpeper Farmers Market • E. Davis & Commerce Streets – Sat, 7:30-noon
Dale City Farmers Market • Dale Blvd. & Minnieville Road, Dale City – Sun, 8-1 p.m.
Del Ray Farmers’ Market • E. Oxford & Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria – Sat, 8-noon
Fairfax Farmers Market • 3720 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax – Tue, 8-noon
Falls Church Farmers Market • 300 Park Ave., Falls Church – Sat, 9-noon (Jan-Mar); Sat, 8-noon
Fredericksburg Farmers Market • George and Prince Edward Streets, Fredericksburg – Mon-Sat, 7-6 p.m.; Sun, 12:30-4 p.m.
Frying Pan Farmers Market • 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon – Wed, 8-12:30 p.m.
Great Falls Farmers Market • 750 Walker Road, Great Falls – Sat, 9-1 p.m.
Haymarket Farmers Market • 1500 Washington St., Haymarket – Sat, 8-2 p.m.
Herndon Farmers Market • Lynn and Station Streets, Herndon – Thu, 8-noon
Kingstowne Farmers Market • Kingstowne Center & Kingstowne Blvd., Franconia – Fri, 4-7 p.m.
Leesburg Farmers Market • 20 Catoctin Circle S.E., Leesburg – Sat, 8-noon
Lorton Farmers Market • 8990 Lorton Station Blvd., Lorton – Sun, 9-1 p.m.
McLean Farmers Market • 1659 Chain Bridge Road, McLean – Fri, 8-noon
McLeans’ Lifestyle and Farmers Market • 7920 Jones Branch Drive, McLean; Saturdays, 9-1p.m.
Middleburg Farmers Market • 300 W. Washington St., Middleburg – Sat, 8-noon
Mount Vernon Farmers Market • 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria – Tue, 8-noon
Oakton Farmers Market • 3200 Jermantown Road, Oakton – Wed, 8-noon
Old Town Alexandria Farmers Market • 301 King St., Alexandria – Sat, 5:30-11 a.m.
Old Town Manassas Farmers Market • 9201 Center St., Manassas – Thu, 7-1 p.m. (Apr-Nov); Sat, 7:30-2:30 p.m.
Nokesville Farmers Market • 13005 Fitzwater Drive, Nokesville – Sat, 8-noon
Purcellville Farmers Market • 751 E. Main St., Purcellville – Sat, 8-noon
Reston Farmers Market • 11400 Washington Plaza W., Reston – Sat, 8-noon
Rosslyn Farmers Market • Wilson Blvd. & N. Oak St.- Thu, 11-3 p.m.
Upper King Street Farmers Market • 1806 King St., Alexandria – Wed, 3-7 p.m.
Vienna Farmers Market • 131 Church St. N.E., Vienna – Sat, 8-noon
Wakefield Farmers Market • 8100 Braddock Road, Annandale – Wed, 2-6 p.m.
Warrenton Farmers Market • Branch Drive and Warrenton Village Center (Wed), S. Fifth & Lee Streets (Sat) – Wed, 7-1 p.m.; Sat, 7-noon
West End Farmers Market • 4800 Brenman Park Drive, Alexandria – Sun, 9-1 p.m.

Or click here for our full list of local farmers markets

Crop Rapport: McLeans’ Lifestyle and Farmers Market

Posted by Warren Rojas / Wednesday, April 13th, 2011

(Image: Shutterstock)

Metro’s fabled “Silver Line” remains little more skyline-blighting pylons and traffic-snarling lane closures, but McLean businesses are already racing to welcome urban shoppers to their respective folds.

Just look at härth executive chef Thomas Elder.

The paint probably hasn’t even completely dried at his week-old restaurant, but the Gung-ho toque has already turned his attention to getting his companion project, McLeans Lifestyle and Farmers Market, underway.

Elder is still ironing out all the details surrounding the planned Saturday expositions, but suggested that shoppers would be able to patronize some of his favorite local purveyors, including: Martin’s Angus Beef (proteins), Bay View Farm (dairy), Level Green Farm (produce), Chef Eloy Carerra’s Kickin’ Salsas (condiments), Sharpen This (knife/garden tool sharpening service) and Sweetbites mobile cafe (baked goods).

“I’m hoping to incorporate a chef cooking demonstration and other fun activities to include 5K races, bicycle events and a garden tour,” he said of the still-evolving enterprise.

Meanwhile, Inova is on tap to dispense complimentary “lifestyle” instruction.

“They will be doing a weekly lifestyle seminar that will help tie in the fresh products with a healthy lifestyle,” Elder said. “Items we’ve discussed so far are, ‘How to compost in your apartment’ and ‘Apartment gardens,’ along with blood screening and other kinds of health related topics.”

Here’s hoping Elder has better luck with his initiative than the Westover Farmers Market planners appear to be having with theirs.

McLeans’ Lifestyle and Farmers Market: 7920 Jones Branch Drive, McLean; Saturdays, 9-1p.m., May 14th – late October

–Warren

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NoVA’s Winter Farmers Markets

Old Town Alexandria Farmers Market • 301 King St., Alexandria – Sat, 5:30-11 a.m.
Arlington Farmers Market • N. 14th St. & N. Courthouse Road, Arlington – Sat, 8-noon
Clarendon Farmers Market • 3100 Wilson Blvd., Arlington – Wed, 3-7 p.m.
Columbia Pike Farmers Market • S. Walter Reed Drive & Columbia Pike – Sun, 9-1 p.m., (summer); Sun, 10-1 p.m. (winter).
Del Ray Farmers Market • E. Oxford & Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria – Sat, 8-noon
Falls Church Farmers Market • 300 Park Ave., Falls Church – Sat, 9-noon (Jan-Mar); Sat, 8-noon (Apr-Dec)
Farmer Girls • 8769 Old Dumfries Road, Catlett; 540-272-7839
Fredericksburg Farmers Market • George and Prince Edward Streets, Fredericksburg – Mon-Sat, 7-6 p.m.; Sun, 12:30-4 p.m.
Leesburg Farmers Market • 20 Catoctin Circle S.E., Leesburg – Sat, 8-noon (May-Oct); Sat, 9-noon (Nov-Apr)
Loudoun Flavor • 39363 Stevens Road, Lovettsville; 703-350-2790
Old Town Manassas Farmers Market •9431 West St., Manassas – Sat, 10-2 p.m.
Purcellville Community Market • 130 E. Main St., Purcellville – Sat, 9-1 p.m.
Smart Markets • 2854 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton – Sat, 10-2 p.m.
Smart Markets • 13297 Gateway Center Drive, Gainesville – Sun, 10:30-1:30 p.m.
Winchester Freight Station Farmers Market • 315 W. Boscawen St., Winchester; Tue, Sat, 10-2 p.m. (Jan-Apr); Tue, Fri, Sat, 8-1 p.m. (May-Dec)

Or click here for our full list of local farmers markets.