On the Market.

Debbie Guthrie of Guthrie Farms is currently selling some wonderful homegrown sweet banana peppers. The large red banana peppers are 3 for a dollar, while the smaller yellow versions are 5 for a dollar. Cook them up in an amazing number of ways with just a few of these recipes: Hot Stuffed Sweet Banana Peppers, Pickled Peppers, Spicy-Sweet Pepper Botana Boats, BBQ Feta and Hot Banana Pepper Turkey Burgers, Banana Pepper Curry, and Phyl’s Salsa.

Also brand new to the market this week are Scuppernong Grapes. This incredibly sweet, extra large, white grape is often used to make wine. These grapes taste great on their own, however, here are a few recipes you can try them in if you’re culinary inspired. Should you have a knack for creating your own alcoholic beverages, you may want to try out this recipe for Scuppernong Grape Wine as well.

Green beans are in abundance on the Roanoke City Market. Pole beans, stringless green beans, even tenderettes. Just how many ways are there to cook them? Well, my personal favorite green bean recipe is for Cheesy Green Bean Casserole.

Ingredients:
2 cans of green beans, 14.5 oz. each (Since they’re in season, go for fresh beans from the Market. Try string beans or even tenderettes.)
1 can condensed cream of chicken soup, 10.75 oz. can
¼ dried onion flakes
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste
garlic powder to taste
1 6 oz. can French Fried Onions, optional

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, combine the green beans, mushroom soup, onion flakes, cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well. Transfer to a 2 quart casserole dish. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes or until bubbly. Sprinkle french fried onions on top if desired and bake for several more minutes, until onions brown.

You can also pickle green beans for a great new snack. Lindsey Nair with the Roanoke Times recently posted a recipe for her Mom’s Dilly Beans Recipe in her blog, Fridge Magnet.

Squash, squash, and more squash. There’s so much squash on the Market I’ve seen it as low as 69 cents a pound recently! There’s Fancy Yellow Squash, Yellow Sunburst Squash, Eight Ball Zucchini Squash, and more. I never knew there were so many varieties of summer squash available! So get while the gettin’s good and try out these recipes for Yellow Squash Dessert, Sunburst Squash Stuffed with Spinach and Gruyère, Sunburst Squash, Zucchini, And Tomato Frittata, Eight Ball Squash and Corn Chowder, Squash Casserole, Squash and Chicken Stew, and even Sweet Squash and Cranberry Muffins. Visit RecipeTips.com to learn more about summer squash.

The eggplant is closely related to the potato and the tomato and can create a rich dish due to the large amount of oils and sauces it’s able to absorb. Here are a few eggplant recipes that may peak your interest: Eggplant and Zucchini Parmigian, Gumbroit, Grilled Eggplant and Tomato Salad, Linguine with Eggplant, Eggplant Moussaka , Roasted Eggplant Soup with Mozzarella Croutons and Szechwan Eggplant and Tofu.

Blackberries, not to be confused with the much sweeter Black Raspberries, are in peak season now. Make them more than just dessert with this recipe for Poached Chicken Breasts with Blackberry Cabernet.

No time to bake? Martin’s Farm not only sells produce, but baked goods as well. Delicious treats like brownies, pound cake, strawberry-pineapple bread, and even Zucchini Nut Bread are available Thursday through Saturday at the Martin’s tables located in front of Thomas’ Market.

Adam spotted this caterpillar on our tree earlier today and had to point it out as one of the coolest things ever. Apparently this little fella wrapped leaves around himself as camouflage. As he moved, the leaves moved with him. We are clueless as to exactly what type of caterpillar this is, however, so please chime in if you have an idea of what it may be.

We’ve also had an abundance of butterflies and hummingbirds hanging around my butterfly bushes and Russian sage. I’ve seen lots of cute little yellow finches, too, picking the seeds out of my flowers. The birds are always too quick for me to grab a picture of though - maybe one day I’ll invest in a zoom lens - but I did grab a pic of this yellow swallowtail butterfly before it managed an escape.

Market Street boasts a number of interesting shops for gifts, pampering, and home decor. Here are a few of my favorite finds from several shops I visited this past week.

Shades of Color boasts an array of fabulous items. In particular I went ga ga for this adorable purse.

Shades also carries a fun array of chunky bracelets.

And clothing.

Additionally, if you’re looking for African black soap or shea butter, Shades always has some in stock. Pauline sells both her black soap and shea butter by the pound. $8 gets you a quarter pound, $15 a half pound, and $25 a full pound. For more information on Shades of Color, visit RoanokeFarmersMarket.com.

Blue Ribbon Boutique is the perfect store if you’re looking to pamper yourself or someone you know. Vicki stocks teas by Republic of Tea - a leading purveyor of premium teas. I was especially thrilled to see she carries their Blackberry Sage Decaf Tea which I’ve been wanting to try for some time. After all, I sell a blackberry sage soap. Might as well try the tea, right? The Blackberry Sage Tea is referred to as the Tea For Wisdom, and offers a soft taste with the sweet aroma of fresh blackberries. It’s fruity, yet also carries a subtle undertone of white sage. Plus, it’s great iced, making it a great summertime choice.

If you love soaps, Blue Ribbon Boutique is definitely the shop for you. There are soaps upon soaps by an array of different manufacturers, including France’s Pre de Provence Soaps. Pictured here is their Olive Oil Soap - an unscented bar made from pure olive oil that’s both gentle and moisturizing making it perfect for sensitive skin. Blue Ribbon Boutique also carries all natural bubble baths for your tub time delight. AromaTherapeutics Natural Bubble Bath comes in tempting essential oil scented blends like Jasmine & Ginger and Neroli & Sandalwood.

Looking to make your home smell fantastic? Blue Ribbon also offers fragrant oil blends and artful diffusers.

You can also find earrings by Jody Coyote at this downtown boutique. An artisan from Eugene, Oregon, Jody creates popular, distinctively styled jewelry that has become well known throughout the country. For more information on Blue Ribbon Boutique, visit RoanokeFarmersMarket.com.

Good Things on the Market is more than just a candy store. While Rita’s chocolates are tempting, her home decor items are delectable. I was especially fond of these Ganz silk flower arrangements.

And these stained glass leaves. For more information on Good Things on the Market, visit RoanokeFarmersMarket.com.

Sumdat Farm Market has a handful of new micro-brewed beers in stock. They include: Dogfish Head Shelter Pale Ale, Dogfish Head Festina Peche, Stoudts Double IPA, Weyerbacher Double Simcoe IPA, Weyerbacher Hops Infusion, Bluegrass Bourbon Barrel Stout, Dragonhead Stout, Otterhead Ale, Daleside Brewery Monkey Wrench Dark Ale, Flying Dog Double Dog Double Pale Ale - that one’s a mouthful, eh? - Schneider & Brooklyner Hopfen-Weisse - this one’s a joint effort between the two breweries. In around two weeks, Sumdat should also have a Milk Stout in stock. I’m hoping it’s made by Left Hand Brewing as this is one of Adam’s favorites that he orders without fail whenever we eat at 202 Market.

If that’s not enough for you, you can always find a crafter on the Market with something special in store.

Brian Seckinger offers a nice selection of quality Roanoke landmark photographs including the Roanoke Star, the H&C Coffee Sign, and the Dr. Pepper Sign. Each is presented from a wonderfully artistic viewpoint. Incidentally, you can purchase H&C Coffee from Sumdat Farm Market.

You can also find beautiful jewelry by Linda Jo Staab. Both intricate.

And simple.

Or grab some soaps from Rebecca’s Soap Delicatessen - that’s me - and enjoy the scents of summer. This soap introduces the delicious scent of ripe watermelons while poppy seeds provide gentle exfoilation. You’ll also find a selection of all natural soaps that contain no artificial color or fragrances, scented with 100% pure essential oils. In addition, my soaps offer a great lather making them perfect for shaving as well as bathing. For information on other great crafters, visit RoanokeFarmersMarket.com.

August 18th and August 25th, regionally renowned artist, Eric Fitzpatrick, will be offering free art classes outside on the Roanoke City Market. The classes are limited to ten students a piece, but all ages are accepted. You will need your own materials to participate. Here’s the lowdown:

Saturday, August 18- BASIC SKETCH CLASS, 9am-11am
Focus on drawing and composition
Supplies needed:
9×12 sketch pad
Ebony pencil
Eraser
Sharpener
Folding chair

Saturday, August 25- BASIC WATERCOLOR CLASS, 9am-11am
Supplies needed:
12×16 watercolor block
Water container and bowl
Pointed, round brush, #12 or larger
Yellow, red, blue, dark green, purple, & orange watercolor paints
Folding chair

If you’d like to try and snag a spot in one of these classes, you’ll need to email hope at hopeh@downtownroanoke.org. The classes are limited to the first ten to email her for each class. Be sure to include which class you’re interesting in joining. If you can’t make the class, you may instead want to swing by the Farmer’s Market on those dates to participate as a spectator.

Ben Crooks, best known on the Market as the “rock guy,” was recently released from a 5-day stint in the hospital recovering from bronchitis and emphysema. His stay, I’m told, was actually increased by a day while there because the doctor was afraid Ben wasn’t eating. Apparently he really was eating, just not hospital food. Friends are sometimes fabulous like that - sneaking in something a bit more tasty - as hospital food really is disgusting.

Currently, Ben seems to be back to himself and doing much better. Unfortunately, his stay means he has to give up a habit. Smoking. Saturday marked Ben’s sixth day cigarette free, and he really has no choice but for it to stay that way. So, if you have any great tips for saying “no” to nicotine, be sure to share that inner knowledge. Or, if you should see Ben with a cigarette in tow, snag it and run. Additionally, if you are so inclined, buy a rock or a fossil to give Ben a head start on that hospital bill that will be arriving in his mailbox soon. I’m sure he’d appreciate your business.

Adam and I convened with another couple we know on Saturday night at our house for what Adam has coined “Wii and Wine.” Jake and Lisa, who’ve been considering a Nintendo Wii purchase for some time based on its number one perk of “getting you up off your butt,” came over to try out this gaming system for themselves and enjoy a tasty array of Yellow Tail Chardonnay, fruit, crackers, Brie, Gouda, and Port Salut as well as Beth’s Triple Gingersnap Cookies which are the best gingersnaps ever! (Get them at Fresh Market.) The wine Jake and Lisa honestly weren’t expecting and it garnered the comment that we’d moved up in the world. Though honestly, we are far from wine snobs and are as friendly and southern as anyone else around here. While Adam appreciates a good wine such as a nice red zinfandel, I have a hard time appreciating anything that isn’t sweet. Thus I more often than not drink an Australian Chardonnay which I’ve always found sweet and easy to swallow, even if you aren’t a big fan of wine. Apparently neither Lisa nor Jake like wine much, but the Yellow Tail was right up their alley. Score one for me.

In the midst of shoving our faces full of Brie and strawberries, Breton Minis and Port Salut, and laughing our tooshies off, Jake played Rapala Tournament Fishing in which he realized he fishes just as poorly on a video game as in real life - lots of poor casts and small catches. Thankfully we picked a game that lasted no longer than five minutes for his first go as he seemed to become frustrated early on. Selfishly, I also tire easily of things like fishing and racing, and Lisa was subjected to “real” fishing earlier in the afternoon. So it all worked out. Immediately following the fishing attempt, Jake and Lisa then gave Wii Sports a shot. After creating a Mii a piece, each in their own likeness, an angry looking Lisa knocked out Jake in the final round of boxing only to have Jake claim to have let her win. Still, score one for Lisa. They both panted breathlessly for several minutes afterward much as Adam and I did when we first boxed ourselves, and agreed boxing made for great cardio. Next, we all enjoyed a few games of group bowling in which all our of Mii’s participated. I learned that I bowl on the Wii the same as in real life - I bounce the bowling ball on the lane every time without fail - thus Jake swore I’d get kicked out of any bowling alley I deemed to set foot in. And Adam, who has played Wii bowling often enough to achieve pro status, was made fun of for his shiny pink ball that goes with the honor. He also won both games we managed to tumble through. Score one for Adam. After the bowling Lisa and Jake were up for tossing cows in Rayman’s Raving Rabbids - we’ve been meaning to call today to see just how sore they are - and a bit of Wario Ware.

While our guest couple both decided they must have a Wii, and they must have one now, they’re still pretty tough to find. We suggested they turn their search online as we had to do, ordering ours off eBay several months after it was released. I have a feeling Lisa’s first game will be Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix which she must have mentioned about a dozen times last night. I’m kicking myself for not buying it when it was newly released, but Adam’s “movie games suck because they just churn them out” comment dissuaded me. Surely making the purchase now will have to bring in more Wii and Wine nights. At least until Jake and Lisa manage their own Wii purchase. Though even after Lisa and Jake acquire their own Wii, hopefully we can still have Wii and Wine in the future as it really was a lot of fun. And, should you be bored out of your skull looking for something different to do, I’d suggest your own Wii and Wine night. Just be sure your friends are capable enough to hold their liquor. We certainly wouldn’t want any Wii remotes crashing into your wide screen tv. Oh, and Jake’s wife is letting him get a Wii. Score one for Jake.

Digg It.

I had my second ever go at the Chef’s Tasting Menu at 202 Market on Friday night. Chef Chad Scott had just changed all five menu items and we were the first to give it a try. This time my son, Cody who’s ten, was also along for the culinary experience. I have to say I was incredibly pleased with the new offerings. Every dish was wonderful, and the Tasting Menu now lists the wines available with each course should you choose the optional wine pairing.

Our dinner started with a complimentary amuse-bouche, or “mouth amusement.” Our one bite teaser was referred to as green eggs and ham - a tiny bit of egg with a green pesto sauce and a slice of ham delicately arranged on a saucer. Cody loved it! We all did in fact, but Cody refused to drink any tea after this sampling for fear of losing the delicious flavor still lingering in his mouth.

The first course of the tasting was the Hamachi Tartare with summer melon and wasabi granita. It was very good. My first experience with tartare was 202’s Tuna Tartare during my first tasting experience and I fell in love with it. Normally not a fan of fish, this is one dish I would go back for even if it isn’t technically cooked. (It took me a while to get over that little detail.) Right now you’ll find the Big Eye Tuna Tartare & Crudo on 202 Market’s menu under the starters. As for the Hamachi Tartare, you’ll have to go with tasting menu to give it a try. However, if you like to cook, you also have the option trying these recipes for Tuna Tartare and Hamachi Tartare.

The second course was a Seared Scallop with mango, prosciutto, passion fruit, and about ten other compatible flavors. This dish was just amazing. I ate the scallop with a slice of mango and prosciutto smeared in the different sauces that artfully splattered the plate. Cody and I’s favorite sauce was the banana, while Adam - my husband - preferred the other offerings which included pesto, ketchup and passion fruit. Normally, I am not a big fan of scallops, but I ate this one with gusto. It’s no wonder 202 Market is now touting they have the best scallops in Roanoke.

The third course was Bacon and Eggs - sous vide egg with parmigian cheese biscuit, smoked bacon, and truffle suds. The egg, which is basically very slowly poached using a vacuum-bag technique, comes whole so it almost looks like a hard boiled egg, but with a much different texture. While this dish was also a tasty addition to the meal, it was probably my least favorite, but mostly because I just don’t like egg yolk.

Beef was next on the menu. Delicious and oh so tender it was served with smoked yukon gold potatoes and nicoise vegetables. Everything about this dish was incredible, and despite the beef being cooked medium - I’m generally a well done kind of girl - I had no complaints about this dish that I’d describe as nothing less than perfect.

Last, but surely not least, was dessert which consisted of Tahitian Vanilla Panna Cotta, blackberry caramel, and progressive flavors and textures. Basically Adam and I were served a mini coffee flavored milkshake with a vanilla liquor - Cody had to skip out on this part of the dish - and a plate of panna cotta with chocolate, caramel, and other yummy flavors perfect for pleasing your sweet tooth.

In the end I was not at all disappointed with this tasting, and I highly recommend you give the Chef’s Tasting Menu a try for yourself. Even Cody loved it. So much in fact he let the Chef know that he was even better than Top Chef - he and Adam often watch this show together - and the Chef in return let Cody know how cool he thought he was for actually giving the tasting menu a go rather than insisting on a fast food cheeseburger. The Tasting Menu, by the way, is $58 a person for parties of two or more, entire tables only. You can tack on the wine pairing for an additional $22.

In addition to the new Tasting Menu, 202 Market has made several other changes as well. Every Sunday night at 8pm you can listen to live jazz by local musician Cyrus Pace. He’s very talented and always pleasing to hear. Cyrus, who is also the brother of 202 Market’s assistant manager James, is also the new sound manager for the restaurant.

Furthermore, the stage wall at 202 now boasts fun facts about the current staff before the band takes the stage so you can learn all about who’s who with fun facts. For example, server Alyssa is an avid gamer and a huge fan of Mario Kart, while the General Manager used to know Elvis. Also, 202 Market is now offering 202 Market Trivia every Tuesday night starting at 9pm.

If you’ve been downtown recently you may have also noticed the new tables outside of 202 Market for outdoor dining. I’m also told that lunch will be the new thing beginning in August. Something along the lines of ten offerings for ten dollars in ten minutes. I can’t wait to try lunch there, though I’m also keen on trying the Mushroom Tempura that recently made its way onto their menu.

Should you need any more reason to visit 202, just last week the Roanoke Times gave this fine dining establishment a 5-star review - the highest praise they offer.

To learn more about Chef Chad Scott, be sure to pick up a free copy of this month’s issue of Bella Magazine. Downtown you can easily find an issue in both Good Things on the Market and Little Dipper.

Digg It.

Inspired by blogging queen Ms. Elaneous in Roanoke’s daughter’s new blog La Bella Vita, my ten year old has set out to create a blog of his own. For kids by a kid, The Kid Next Door, is Cody’s newest project on politics and gaming. I can’t wait to hear exactly what his thoughts are on politics. Well, truthfully, I’m almost a little bit afraid… Visit him here.

A recent Roanoke Times article alerted Roanokers to the possibility of receiving $250,000 for improvements to the City market. However, the bill that would allow this money, which would come in the form of federal funding, still needs to squirm its way into Senate legislation. You can help by urging Senators Warner and Webb to support the Transportation Housing and Urban Development Appropriation Act for fiscal year 2008. Contact Senator Warner. Contact Senator Webb.

Additionally, city workers were on hand downtown today installing splash guards for the awning gutters. While the mid-day timing of the installation was inopportune for shoppers, this will hopefully fix the wet sidewalks we get during downpours from the awnings spilling the gutters.

There has also been a growing concern regarding the stop signs on Kirk St. just before you cross Market St. The stop signs, which are rather high, are often missed by drivers. A good number of drivers don’t stop, or even slow, at the first stop sign in front of the City Market cross walk. A cross walk, which especially on weekends, often has young children running across it as if the alley isn’t there. Several vendors have noticed children nearly being hit as cars rush through the sign. There are in fact two signs in this location. One directly in front of the cross walk, and one just before you would turn onto or cross Market St. If you were unaware of these signs, please take note of them. I’ve almost been hit once or twice myself, and I look before I cross. As a solution, I would suggest writing City Council and urging them to place the signs in a more visible location. Even simply lowering the signs about two feet would make them more visible. Some lines painted before the crosswalk wouldn’t be a bad idea either.