Farmer's Market

I've never really been much of a Farmer's Market kind of girl. In New York, the prices were much higher than I could get at the Food Coop we belonged to so it wasn't ever a place I'd go for produce. Since leaving the amazing Park Slope Coop (*tear), I've been exploring my grocery shopping options here in Portland. I've also been learning to accept that fact that my grocery bill seems to be up about $25 a week in order to buy food similar to what I was buying at the Food Coop in Brooklyn. (Seth sweetly reminds me that this is okay because our cost of living has gone down in other areas - for example, going out to eat is MUCH cheaper now than it was before!)

For now, I think I've figured out a plan for our shopping. I go grocery shopping for most of our groceries at New Seasons - a locally owned grocery store that claims to be "the friendliest in town" & seems to be a pretty pleasant place so far! I've been going to a small coop called People's Coop for bulk items (I had such high hopes for this coop thinking maybe it was like the one in Brooklyn, but no, not so much...) For produce, I head to the Farmer's Market on Saturday morning in Downtown Portland. I spend about $20 and get almost all the produce we need for the week while supporting local farmers! (I just have to figure out an alternative plan for the weekends when I can't go to the Farmer's Market... and I'm sure I'll have to revise my shopping plan later this winter when produce isn't as bountiful!) 

Today's scores from the Farmer's Market included: scallions, yukon gold and red potatoes, kale, red leaf lettuce, rainier (I think) cherries, a pint of blueberries, a zucchini, a squash, 2 pints of raspberries (for the price of one - that guy sure made my day!!), and green beens. I never really figured out what I was paying for produce in New York - I'd be curious to know how it compares. 

Oooo these delicious looking heirlooms that I have to steer clear of... How tempted I am to buy you for a favorite summer sandwich - baguette, mozzarella, heirlooms and basil (and sometime some kalamata olive spread or hummus)... If only my baby-induced heartburn wasn't so miserable!

Brunch & a Walk Downtown

Yesterday morning was my yummy gestational diabetes test. I picked Seth up from work for his "lunch break" (which falls at normal NYC lunch time and breakfast time here in Portland) and we headed across the river to downtown for breakfast at Mother's. 

After downing my cornflake dipped french toast with marian berries (Yummy NW blackberry/raspberry mixed berry) and fresh apple juice, I headed out for a little exercise before having my blood taken. 

I walked south along the Waterfront on the downtown side. I can't wait to do this walk with Seth and explore the other side of the river too!

I came upon the Salmon Street Springs. I was so happy to see the water fountain shooting out of the ground and ready for kids to run through. I cannot wait until our little one is big enough to enjoy the fountain in the summers to come!



After finding the sprinkler, I headed back towards the Morrison Street Bridge (I think that's what it's called). But along the way I found a small farmer's market being set up. Perfect opportunity for me to get another pint of raspberries for me and a pint of blueberries for Seth (to hold us over for 2 days until I can get a few more pints at the Farmer's Market on Saturday).

The view from the bridge is beautiful. I love how you can look up and down the river and see the many bridges that connect Portland. I even took a panoramic shot of downtown from the bridge. Not an NYC downtown, but I'll take the somewhat empty, clean streets and TRUE blue skies over the dirty, grummy, packed with rude people sidewalks, and smog-filled grayish-blue skies!

(I think if you click on the photo it might be a little bigger if you want a closer look.)