The Haymarket Hustle

Oh, how fond I am about fruits and vegetables. I could write a sonnet about the sweet scent of springtime strawberries. I could sing a lullaby about the earthy crunch of celery. I love to cook, bake and most importantly, EAT, and fresh ingredients are key to the way I create in the kitchen. I like to think I am Giada, though I can't rock the low-cut blouse the way she can. How does she stay so powder fresh in the kitchen? She's really something.

Boston's Best-Kept Secret.
It's not a new discovery, but I've just never taken part in Boston's own fresh farmers' market. Partly because I never venture out of Cambridge (which is ridiculous, since downtown Boston is approximately a 6-minute ride on the train), and partly because I rarely venture out of my apartment (only in the Winter, but yeah, I'm a hermit), I just haven't made the move to get out on Saturday and take advantage of this amazing experience.

The Haymarket is an open-air farmer's market that has been in existence since 1830. It's another one of those historical wonders that you can just stumble upon up here. The market is jam-packed with frantic people bustling, shouting and negotiating deals. It's like an auction. "I want 6 grapefruit! Give me the pink grapefruit! No, not that one, the other one!!" "Over here, a bag of onions and avocados! OVER HERE!" It's a rush of energy and attitude. I just love it. Old Italian broads shouting at the children to stop eating the fruit. Sweet Indian gentlemen clutching their wives' purses and patiently waiting while she feels each papaya for its stage in the ripe cycle. Every tribe and tongue is represented in the market and I just love feeling a part of this vibrant community. I am not very vibrant or cultured, but I can really appreciate this special intersection of all people, where we come together with one purpose: we want fruits and vegetables. Give us the fruits and vegetables.

Ladies Who Lunch.
I hit the market with my girlfriends, and oh wow, I can't believe I haven't been doing this all along! Not only did we have a blast (despite the a fore-mentioned bitter cold) but we made a remarkable discovery. At the market, EVERYTHING IS SO CHEAP. For example, Strawberries: 2 packs for $1.50. Blueberries: $1 each pack. Lemons: 6 for $1. I'm not making this up. Don't cry when you see the following, but... I got everything you see below for a grand total of TWELVE DOLLARS.

That's right. This probably would have cost $50 at Whole Foods. I got:

- 1 package carrots
- 1 package celery
- 1 large bunch spinach
- 1 bunch fresh rosemary
- 3 Roma tomatoes
- 2 packages strawberries
- 2 packages blueberries
- 1 package blackberries
- 5 plums
- 4 apples
- 3 oranges
- 3 kiwis
- 3 lemons
- 1 grapefruit

All for a grand total of $12.

I think I can actually hear Miss Fresh Life weeping all the way from Florida. Just come visit me and I will shower you with abundant and exotic fruits!

Score.
We had an absolute blast and scored mad deal. Stevie and I decided this is what we are doing for the rest of the weekends that we are here in Cambridge. Anyone up for deliciously cheap finds, outdoor fun, a historic treat and a lesson in cultures? Join me. Though I can't promise that I won't turn into a shouting Italian when I get there. I am easily influenced by passionate people.

The Progressive Palate // Bourbon Chapter

Photo Credits: Andrew Stein

Eureka. A Dinner Was Born.
During the gigantic snow storm a few weeks ago a wondrous idea was hatched. Sitting around a bar table with a couple of dear friends, we pondered the idea of having a progressive dinner. Since life in Cambridge is relatively close-knit and entirely walkable, it seemed like a pretty "duh" idea to plan a meal and simply meader from house to house. I honestly don't know why we haven't done this before. The other part of this genius brainstorm included a longing to improve our bar tending skills. Combining the two ideas, one perfect creation was birthed: The Progressive Palate. A progressive dinner based on Bourbon-themed cuisine and beverages. I know, sounds like foodie Heaven, right? RIGHT.

The Map + Menu.
Cocktails and Appetizers // Hale House - We served Ricotta and Pistachio stuffed Figs, Brie and Crackers served with Homemade Apple Butter, an assortment of winter fruits and... (drumroll please) Lemon-Mint Juleps. We were the only Southerners in this crew, so we had to represent. Juleps were just the ticket.

Dinner and Drinks // Tomasik House - The lovely Tomasiks served Bourbon-Barbeque Pulled Pork, Coleslaw, Spring Corn Bean Salad and straight up Bourbon on the rocks. Mmm. Walk time from our house to theirs? 6 minutes. (Disclaimer: That does not include the gear up time, i.e. donning coat, boots, scarf, hat, gloves... Snow is still on our ground, people.)

Dessert and Delights // Sachedina House - Petsi's Apple and Cherry Pie served with varied ice creams and assorted Bourbon, Baileys and Kahlua. Oh so yum. Walk time from their house to hers? 3.5 minutes. Not much of a need to "gear up" since the commute time is oh so short.

Moment.
We ate. We drank. We howled with laughter. Stories were told, exotic travels recalled and perhaps a few impressions were thrown around... While the entire evening was a smashing success, there was one really special moment for me personally.

Lounging around the main course dinner table, we were discussing the Pope and his abrupt abdication of the Catholic throne. As I looked around the table, it dawned on me that these dear friends, these beloved and talented brainiacs, all represent a specific and eclectic origin completely dissimilar to my own incubated life experience. Each of us vary in our religion, ethnicity and upbringing. Each are at a different stage professionally, each pursuing a wildly different profession. Each tabletop opinion shaped by a specific worldly experience, whether it was growing up halfway across the Earth, celebrating a holiday I had never heard of or worshiping a deity I had, truthfully, never given much thought to. These precious people are more than a hometown homage to their flag or a trophy tribute to their culture; they are flesh and mind and smiles and spirit. This reverent moment stunned me. It painted a portrait fitting of my time here in Cambridge; a patchwork quilt of diversity drawing together fabric from around the globe. Surprising me with its texture and warmth and affection. I promise, this isn't the Bourbon talking. I was truly struck by how rare it is to have Muslims, Jews and Christians all share a meal in perfect, perfect harmony. In that moment, my prayer and awe were simple, "Let this make ripples around the world."

Ahead.
We had an alarming amount of fun. Naturally, the next Progressive Palate is already in the works. We're thinking Italian...?

I encourage you to try out your own dinner event! It can be silly, it can be swanky, but just remember that even though the food is important... the guests are truly the delight of the feast.