A Delicious Hour

If there is one place around here that truly transports me, it's Historic Ellicott City on a sunny Spring day.  Sous Chef and I were excited to go to the Second Sunday Market, an artisan/farmer's/crafts market held every - you're so smart - second Sunday of the month from April  - December.

We parked at 10:17.  We left at 11:33.  In that seventy-six minute time frame, we managed to complete
a foodie marathon:

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1. Fellow food blogger sightings.  My friend Kristin is the blogger behind The Peppered Press, and loves anything local, fresh, and fun.  I met her a while back through HerMind and had a very strong feeling I'd run in to her at Second Sunday - seems like just her cup of tea.  My premonition was correct - I found her relaxing in the courtyard with her lovely husband and family.
   
2. Coffee at Little French Market.  Sous Chef and I both opted for the Nutty Buddy - espresso, hazelnut, and steamed milk.  Totally worth cramming yourself into their tiny shop to get a cup.
   
3. Artisan bread from River House Pizza Company.  Among their samples today was portabello mushroom focaccia, which served to further my statement that I've never met a fungus I didn't

   

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   like.  We settled on the pizza loaf, which contains mozzarella cheese and marinara.  Oh my gracious - it's like eating cold pizza the morning after a party, minus the hangover and clean-up duty.
   
4. Sweet treats from Rare Opportunity Farm.  Ah, my sweet tooth - she and I are finally starting to get along.  A little indulgence here and there, and she and I are both perfectly content.  Today's treats came in the form of a chocolate chip cookie and apricot almond scone.  Ruth, the proprietor, is just as sweet as her delectable creations.
   
5. An obligatory stop at Randy and Steve's.  The deli is open!  The deli is open!  As soon as

   

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   they released their menu on their Facebook page, I made a mental note to stop in and try one of their sandwiches.  I chose the Secret Garden (veggie freshness between two slices of wholesome bread) and the Sous Chef indulged in the Tuscany (toasty, meaty goodness).  I am also proud to say that I am officially the first person to purchase one of the individually-sized gelatos that R&S now offers.  Pistachio.  Mmm.

Refreshment, relaxation, regeneration.  All just a few minutes away.

Eat well.  #hocofood  hocofood@@@