FARMERS’ MARKET: Hollywood in summer

Hope everyone has had a safe and celebratory holiday weekend so far. We banged it out – pardon the pun – with family down the bay way where the fireworks aren’t illegal. My word, who knew Hawthorne was the home of the neighborhood block party fireworks extravaganza? It put some of the professional shows I’ve seen to shame. But the late night plus a flat tire in the morning meant the Pasadena market was not in the cards on Saturday. And, darn it all, it meant that I had to go to Hollywood on Sunday.

FOOD: How I make myself drool

My friend A is going to Boule for cannelés today. I am riddled with jealousy. And yet really pleased with myself for suggesting it. I mentioned in my last market post that I had picked a few up at Euro Pane (my haul is pictured above) after reading a lovely little Daily Dish entry by Amy Scattergood (we like her a lot and hope that the LA Times recent layoff threats leave her unscathed). A called them up and lo, they had a few. I’ve been aching to go to Boule for a while now - there’s just never much time. I do believe, however, the time has come. My drool shall not be denied.

EDIT: Cannelés obtained. Yum achieved. Happy fourth to y’all.

BENTO: Duck fat. Seriously.

See that gentleman there? The caption under the picture says, “Duck fat. Seriously.” (Actually he’s a concerned real estate investor…but for our purposes today he’s a serious duck fat advocate. It’s a much more enviable position to be in, so he might very well be grateful for it.)

I love duck fat. It has less saturated fat than butter, has a higher flash point, and browns everything from potatoes to turkey patties (pictured above) to perfection.  I’ve rendered my own following these easy, step-by-step instructions from chef and culinary teacher, Amuse Bouche.  The nice bonus of doing it yourself? Tasty roasted duck. Not your game? It’s now relatively easy to find.  You can buy it already rendered online or at gourmet grocers like Bristol Farms.

For the rest of the bento, there’s a plethora of summer fruits including a few chunks of Mexican papaya and a mission fig.

GARDEN: I am the goddess of my own Eden

And Tableau Vivante looked upon the porch and said, “Let there be tomatoes.” And upon finding a variety that would cope well with intense afternoon sun, there were thus laid down tomatoes. And Tableau Vivante looked upon the patio, noticed the tomatoes, and declared, “You can’t have tomatoes without BASIL!” And lo, the patio made basil. A lot of it. But one can never have too much basil. So Tableau Vivante watered the basil, smited the cabbage worms that found it tasty, and declared it good. Oh so very very good.

FARMERS’ MARKET: Return of the 17-55mm

One of the reasons I’ve not been taking pictures at the markets was because I was missing my favorite lens. I had lent it to someone and finally got it back yesterday (woohoo!). In the meantime I had been trying to shoot with another wide angle, but it just wasn’t the same. I’ve been spoiled forever, it seems.

BENTO: Fraiche

Creme Fraiche that is. Those are mini egg salad sandwiches up there, but I can’t stand making my egg salad with mayo - tastes like egg on top of egg with oil to me. So I use creme fraiche or a light sour cream instead. That and some salt and dill make for a really tasty egg salad sandwich. Also pictured: some Trader Joe’s Puffed Potato Chips, blueberries, peaches, cucumbers, and orange bell peppers. Egg salad, while tasty, can stink up the box and thus the neighboring foods. The little side dishes were wrapped in saran as were the chips. Everything tastes as it should and is 100% California - even the creme fraiche.  I love my state.

BENTO: Wait…what?

Wow. Time really does fly. I look back on the past few weeks since I last posted and think to myself, dang, where you been, girl?! The answer is everywhere but here. Work is the main culprit. My life outside work is a close second. Did manage some wine tastings at some Malibu vineyards this past weekend (yes, they do exist). The markets are bursting with, well, almost everything. The camera has been left at home the past few trips because it’s been too hot for dilly dallying and…I’m lazy. For a partial penance, here are some grapes that will be Malibu wine in a few years time…

More postings to come!

WINE: Gardener’s Addendum

Between Epcot’s Italy and Germany pavillions lies nestled a miniature European town planted like a bonsai forest, alive with dwarf species of all real, living trees.

It’s similar, but not quite as grand, as the scenery in a ride at Disneyland.  As native Southern Californians with season passes, my wife and I visit Storybook Village several times a year.  I’ve always wanted one.

We live in a townhome with no proper yard.  There’s a patio, but the planter space is limited.  A miniature garden, then, seemed like just the thing…

WINE: Moroccan Supper

Epcot stays open an hour later than the parks, making it just right to head on over to for eats after the amusements close.  With at least one restaurant in each of the World Showcase’s eleven country pavillions, the place is fertile ground for foodies of all stripes.

Having tasted at their booth earlier, I was interested in further exploring the cuisine of Morocco.  Lucky for me, my wife had booked us a reservation that night at the Restaurant Marrakesh.

WINE: Mediterranean, Part Dos

When last I’d left the Festival, I was working my way west along the Mediterranean, having gotten as far as the boot of Italy.  Upon my return to the region this ninth day of our trip, I trekked further still along that route all the way out to Epcot’s representative for the Iberian peninsula.