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Photo courtesy of Jill from Eye Level Pasadena, who organized the whole bloggers' picnic thing. Jill = Love.
So I recently went to a local blogger's picnic here in Pasadena. Had a great time chatting it up with my fellow blogophiles and enjoying some of the fruits of that gathering -- I brought figs and grapes from the market, Miss Havisham brought her now famous deviled eggs, and Robin Salzer of Robin's fame brought short ribs, baby backs, and trip-tip. I'm drooling just remembering it. Thanks to Gena from Out on the Stoop for the wet naps -- they saved my skirt from becoming an impromptu napkin.
I conversed with a few people about the figs, explaining the difference between the two types and talking about general fig info (KCRW's Good Food had a great interview that morning with a local fig grower that helped augment my own meager knowledge). And in passing, someone said, "Hey, you should do a market tour."
And the sick part is I'm actually thinking about doing it. To do it right, I'd have to bone up on my growers and get a little more savvy on some of the obscurer heirlooms. But it'd be doable. And more importantly, I think it might actually be fun.
Of course I have all this extra free time in which to craft this phenomenal feat. Who wants to come?
August 28 2007, 19:07:16 UTC 4 years ago
sorry that was me before!
Huh. I don't know what that means, "a market tour" .. can you elaborate?August 28 2007, 19:57:57 UTC 4 years ago
Re: sorry that was me before!
Great question!I have no idea.
Well some idea. The suggestion was based on knowledge of seasonal fruit, so a tour of the seasons as it were....what's in...what's not...and maybe who grows what and where. I have to piece it together in my brainmeats when I'm not at work. It wouldn't be geared for general market goers or people who are season-savvy. More for folk who want an intro into trying to eat seasonally and where our food comes from.
That's all I have right now. Needs some sussin' that's for sure.
August 29 2007, 01:56:17 UTC 4 years ago
Re: sorry that was me before!
But isn't what is *at* the market by definition "in season" ? I mean, that's what market shopping is all about? I don't discount the idea but I'm still a little confused about who needs this tour and how it works. I look forward to your further ideas!August 29 2007, 02:52:33 UTC 4 years ago
Re: sorry that was me before!
You'd be surprised how many people don't know what's in season. I was. I am every day. I think the catalyst for this particular idea was based in the fact that some people don't know there are different types of figs. And markets, with all the hustle and bustle and crowds, can sometimes be intimidating to the person who is used to shopping in your average grocery store.A great example was something that happened just a few weeks ago. A patron asked for cherries. The vendor said they didn't have them. Didn't say why. Just said sorry, no dice. The patron shrugs off and goes to the next vendor...and the next...and the next. And when she hits the third one, they finally tell her that the season ended over a month ago. By this point she's just frustrated and disenchanted with anything the market could offer her.
These tours, I'm thinking, won't be for folk who get it, on the whole. It's a no brainer for you and me. But I constantly run into people who think the farmers should offer everything all the time.
And it may be that these walks/tours are just lazy strolls with a few people who do get it who just want to talk food, and heirlooms, and favorite growers. Nothing planned. Nothing formed. Just real-time market going with someone who does it every week. Maybe vendor introductions to make things easier for people to come back on their own.
Or it could be a totally lame shot in the dark :). I'm still sussin'. But I'm ready to drop it off on the corner and call it a day too, so don't feel bad about questioning it. It helps me think about it, the audience, and the objective.
August 29 2007, 03:19:14 UTC 4 years ago
Re: sorry that was me before!
It sounds like I am asking all the right questions!By the way, what I do for a living is organize and events and people, so definitely count me in if you need help organizing such a thing. The more you talk the more it interests me. Maybe this is a PCC adult ed class? Hmmmm...
August 29 2007, 03:37:47 UTC 4 years ago
Re: sorry that was me before!
You definitely are:).And here I thought *I* was being wide angle:). An adult ed class would be a neat path. My main concern would be providing enough material. Well, and not sounding like a complete dork:).
I think for starters I'm going to remap the Pasadena market after it moves back to the old location. Pinpoint vendors. Highlight names. See what's what.
Anonymous
August 29 2007, 00:15:47 UTC 4 years ago
Jill
http://eyelevelpasadena.com
August 29 2007, 03:49:49 UTC 4 years ago
Here's a question, since I'm still in the thinking stage:
WOuld you want it to be a walk through of Pasadena? Or did you want to hit multiples in a day? Or maybe try something other than Pas?
That was three questions:)
Anonymous
August 29 2007, 04:03:32 UTC 4 years ago
Jill
http://eyelevelpasadena.com
August 29 2007, 00:17:44 UTC 4 years ago
August 29 2007, 03:52:30 UTC 4 years ago
Most people's experience with figs is limited to Senor Newton. Even out here in the land o' fig, I know folk who've never so much as cupped a whole fig in their hand, let alone eaten one.
Normally I'd say more for me. But it's really a shame more folk don't have this glorious food experience under their belt. If you can get them, do so.
August 29 2007, 05:57:51 UTC 4 years ago
I think the tour would be popular. Even if you just have 4 people participating in it I would image that random people would be curious as to what you were talking about and they'd want to find out more about the tour, when it was offered, etc.
August 29 2007, 07:01:07 UTC 4 years ago
But I might be moving back to SLO, so it could be hit or miss.
TK
August 29 2007, 21:39:38 UTC 4 years ago
Anonymous
August 29 2007, 23:40:36 UTC 4 years ago
I'm down
I'm down like Charlie Brown- AP
proctorformayor.com
August 30 2007, 01:34:52 UTC 4 years ago
Here Here!
With full realization of your massively hectic schedule. I say it sounds like fun. And as long as it stays that way then I think it's a keen oh spiff a reeno idea. I'll even help if'n you want. Not sure what I could do, but something.However, the moment this "tour" idea gives you the geebies or hair pulling, I say nay!
Dere's some two cents for ya.
Anonymous
August 30 2007, 21:37:58 UTC 4 years ago
91024
sm91024@gmail.com
sierramadre91024.blogspot.com/