I bailed on the Sunday morning Coppi ride. It was about 30 when the ride was supposed to leave, warming up to 47 in the afternoon; I opted for warmer weather and wet, rather than icy, roads.
Instead, I went down to the Dupont Circle Farmer’s Market, the only winter market that I am aware of in the area. Perhaps for that reason, it was an impressive one. It went down a block or two one street, then came back up a long winding driveway. The amount of stalls far surpassed the other local markets I’ve been to, Mount Pleasant and U Street. I only had a little cash, so I passed on the meat. While expensive, I’m sure it was all fantastic. Chicken, pork, veal, beef. I was almost tempted to spend $20 on a whole chicken. There were plenty of fresh eggs, assorted breads and cheeses, a ton of apples, and even quite a few vegetables. Carrots, lettuce, onions, sweet potatoes, radishes, you name it. I was impressed. Unfortunately (or fortunately) I was lacking in cash, with only a $50 and $11 in small bills. And who asks a small independent farmer to break a $50. I came home with a head of lettuce, a red onion, a sack of potatoes, and a head of garlic. I used the lettuce in the best sandwich I’ve had in awhile.
I would encourage anyone to take advantage of their local farmer’s market. The vegetables and apple’s cost about the same (sometimes less) than what you can find at the grocery store, and are in a league of their own as far as taste goes.
