REPOST: Indianapolis Farmers' Market at City Market (downtown) + What I'm Cooking

"Fefe" and I decided to explore the Wednesday Farmers Market downtown at City Market.  It is only open from 9:30am - 1:30pm so we went early.  Even at 10am, the area was hustling and bustling.  We had difficulty finding street parking but eventually made our way over there.  Some streets were blocked off for the event.  There is just one long row of vendor booths on each side.  We sampled several booths like the Artisano's Oils and Spices.  They had this surprisingly wonderful Dark Chocolate Balsamic Oil that I sadly walked away without purchasing.  I need to find a good recipe that would pair well with it.  We tried 3 in 1 LLC's corn tamales which were simply scrumptious. 

There were lots of breads and baked goods which of course caught my eye but I quickly reminded myself that bathing suit season is just WEEKS away!!  Fefe is trying out vegan lifestylism so she approached everything with a curiousity for what ingredients are used and how things are prepared.  I would never be able to stick to a strict vegan diet but I commend her and look forward to trying out local vegan friendly restaurants.  I am always conscientious of those type of things but I love meat and dairy too much.

I was a little disappointed on how little produce was available.  I'll have to try to go on a Saturday.  There was plenty of local lettuce, asparagus, green onions and herbs. Lots of flowers.  Fefe bought a head of butter and romaine lettuce.  I bought a pound of baby bok choy (i'm so Asian). 

 

Buyer beware: Fresh produce can transport fresh SPIDERS! :)

We both  licked our chops as we made our way to Natural Born Juicers.  What a kick ass name!  She went with the Peach Gobbler smoothie (Peach, Banana, Cinnamon, Cider Almond) and I went with the Spring Cleaner (Apple, Lemon, Ginger, Cayenne Pepper).  Mine was definitely unique.  The ginger was the predominant flavor with a note of the apple.  Then, there's a subtle eruption of the cayenne pepper as it makes its way down.  I could feel my metabolism instantly awaken and speed up.  20 minutes later, I could still feel the heat.  It is certainly not for everyone but I consumed it all.  The Spring Cleaner is a great choice if you are trying to lose weight or detoxing.   Fefe bought a bag of blueberry granola mix that uses Agave nectar to sweeten.  My favorite purchase was the Mama J's Romesco Sauce from Country Mouse City Mouse.  It is an explosion of bold, inventive flavors: roasted red pepper, chipotle chilis, almonds, raw sugar and vinegar.  Sweet with a bit of heat.  I ate it on a tortilla chip but could've easily drank it through a straw. 

Again, I would've liked more of a selection of produce. Fruits! Vegetables! Jams! I'll just have to check in periodically. 

When I got home, I knew I wanted to make something I could smother in the Romesco sauce I had just purchased.  This is what I came up with:

Lightly seasoned, grilled cod topped with Mama J's Romesco Sauce served with sauteed baby bok choy and red bell peppers that I tossed in teriyaki sauce and minced, fresh ginger. O-M-G AWESOME!!