Locavore In Training

Today I'm interrupting this blog to document a non-local but really yummy meal. I'm still in Colorado, and last night we went to Le Bosquet in Crested Butte. It's a French-esq restaurant we decided, featuring a variety of small plates, fondue, salads, soups and entrees. And, everything was quite good.

I started with the wedge salad, which featured a homemade blue cheese dressing with crispy pancetta. The blue cheese had really nice flavor.

After that, I had two small plates... A trio of sausages: venison with orange, duck and pork with orange and one with chipotles - and two kinds of mustards.

And the second small plate... Portabella Fries with Gorgonzola cream dipping sauce. No question, the highlight of the meal.

Tiffany and Chris ended their meal with Chocolate Fondue... We all got a taste, and it was really, really great!

Pretty much the first thing I did after arriving in Colorado, was visit the Crested Butte Farmer's Market. I visited last year, and remember it being pretty great... but what I didn't remember was how this tiny town's market puts all the Maryland Farmer's Markets I've visited to shame. Seriously, Maryland... we need to step it up! Their brutal winters and extremely short growing seasons hasn't limited them... what's our excuse?

I figure those who are in Maryland might be a little miffed at this point... so, don't take my word for it! Here's a picture tour from the market! (Warning - this post is picture heavy! Give it a minute... it's worth it!)

My mom could not have been more excited about these Fava Beans! She's been on the lookout for them earlier in the season in Florida and now here... It's apparently the last week for them, so she loaded up!

Baby squash! So cute!

Circle A had 4 kinds of garlic?? Yes, please! The Spanish Roja was quickly dispatched into spaghetti sauce last night. The cloves had a beautiful red color, and the flavor was amazing!

Fresh apricots! I never did find any at home.

Freshly made crepes... because every farmer's market has that...

They even have the dreaded kohlrabi.

Kids love beets? These kids do!

Not pictured... the bluegrass band, the smoker BBQ station, the massage booth, the jewelry and other art... And all dogs! This area is dog crazy! It's awesome.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I must go have goat cheese and pumpernickel bread for breakfast.

I'll leave you with the sunset from my first night here.

I've mentioned before that I have a deep yearning to raise chickens. (And I have since I was a child! Right, Mom?) Friendly, egg-producing, pet chickens. There are many just a few reasons why this hasn't happened yet: In the spring, for days and weeks and practically months on end, our yard turns into a muddy mucky mess. Not a nice place for animals to live.Tricky rules... our community and county allows them, but we may or may not have the required amount of land.Vacations. I haven't quite figured out what happens if when we leave for several days at a time. Cat sitters? No problem. Chicken sitters? Um... more of a challenge.Reluctance on the side of the husband. He'll deal with it, if I realllllly want them... but he'd prefer I wait until we live in a place that makes a little more sense for raising various farm animals. So, why does he, the unwilling chicken owner, send me an email about Chicken Cribs? Maybe he secretly wants chickens too? How cute is this?

(Their photo) Ok, so at over $600, it should be. And I do still love the Eglu. And, look! They made a new model! The Eglu Go:

(Their photo) And, half as expensive at the Eglu Classic!! And... what's that? Hello Beehaus!

(From Engadget) Not only is it outrageously expensive, it seems like it's only available in the UK... but is it wrong that I still want it?