Outdoor Markets with Wine Tastings!

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It's been a longtime dream of mine to attend an outdoor market, and up until recently, I thought I had to travel all the way to New York or Italy just to get the true feel of it.  I guess part of my obsession comes from watching television cooking shows as they travel across the world to acquire the freshest, most authentic of ingredients, to prepare their entrees with. Well, I'm happy to say that this past summer I was fortunate enough to attend the Farmer's Fair.  It was everything I dreamed it would be! It was just quaint enough to be coined a family affair, yet effective enough to be a life time memory! It contained all the exotic delicacies of a farmer's hustle and bustle, along with a few more staple ingredients: the local connoisseur at Daveed's restaurant, in Cincinnati's Mt. Adam's district; equipped with plenty of free samples, Dolce Vita's Gelato stand and the Generation Hill Winery in Alexandria, Kentucky. There was also a fresh bread loaf stand and a stand to purchase fresh plants.

I began at the Dolce Vita Gelato stand, where I could hardly contain myself.  You see, I had long awaited the opportunity to savor the thrilling taste of gelato.  I ordered a pint of the strawberry basil treat, which I must say, was heavenly.  I finished the whole pint in just about one sitting!  It was refreshing as the mist of the cool cream quenched my throat, and sweet and savory from the fresh, sweet strawberries and warm, tingly basil.  It was the perfect concoction of exotic, summer bliss!

I then stopped at a local produce spot, where I purchased a pound of round zucchini at just $3. I'm still amazed at the amount of produce I got for that amount!  Next, another local produce spot, where I purchased a clove of fresh, artichoke garlic (anything artichoke, I'm buying!), and a bundle of two different varieties of squash,  all reasonably priced!

Next, there was the Daveed's restaurant stand, where fresh samples of a crisp, chilled vegetable medley were given out.  It was dressed in one of the restaurant's own exotic, mango vinaigrette blends, that awakened my taste buds as it danced on my tongue.  Needless to say, I purchased it and I can't wait to make my own vegetable medley with the signature sauce!

Lastly, there was the Generation Hill Winery stand, where samples of about five different varieties of wine were given out for only a buck!    After tasting each variety (one that tastes just like grape jelly!), I opted for a bottle of a tender, yet boldly fruity Cabernet Sauvignon, making it the perfect compliment to that evening's healthy feast. The only thing that would have made it greater was to be able to purchase a fresh loaf of Italian bread from the bread stand and a beautiful, horticulturist grown plant from the plant stand.  Unfortunately, I went full steam early on and ran out of cash before I got to them, and they didn't accept credit cards.  :(

Overall, this will go down in my history as one of the best days of my life.  There's just something about going to an outdoors farmer's market, and supporting local vendors, then coming home and preparing hearty, healthy meals from the fresh ingredients! It was like I imagined a beautiful, romantic day in Italy or New York to be like, and the wine stand at the end far exceeded  all my expectations, making it the perfect ending to the perfect day!

I must say that I am sold on farmer's market's everywhere, so please, support yours today!