When I first moved to Washington from New York, a new neighbor invited me to accompany her on a Saturday morning outing to the Bethesda Farm Women's Market. And what an adventure! There were, and still are, stalls selling all sorts of things, from Brussels Sprouts to sweaters to freshly baked bread and cookies.
This morning, I popped by for some flowers, a bit of ham, some sag paneer, and some really amazing oatmeal raisin cookies.
In the old days, you had to make or grow whatever you sold. And many of the merchants do exactly that.
If they're selling beef, they'll regale you with stories of the cow that was romping around the barnyard until very recently. I almost bought a free range chicken until the stall owner said they got it from a chicken farm up near Frederick, but couldn't give me any information on the food she ate or her name.
There are stands with beautiful flowers, both fresh and dried.
The meat is amazingly fresh, and even the Brussels sprouts (which I've always totally hated) look edible.
And if you'd like a home made bags, these are stunning. Hope I get one for Christmas!
The Bethesda Farm Women's Market is on Wisconsin Avenue just above Leland Street. It is open on Saturday and Wednesday mornings from dawn until they sell out of food and fun.
