SUMMER IS IN BLOOM
Sure, we’ve got stellar summer produce. And the best collection of local bakers anywhere. Plus the best pastured meats and eggs around.
And lots of those delicious salsas, cheeses, and condiments that add verve to what you serve.
And this week, Old Beach is cascading with the flowers and plants of summer! The Orchid Station is back. Zinnia Girls are overflowing with gorgeous blossoms: sunflowers, gomphrena in three colors, blue ageratum, hot pink celosia, lilies, and (of course) zinnias in all the colors of summer.
Bergey’s will have fresh lavender and other flowers, too.
If you’re looking for roots, Grace and Gratitude has the healthiest plants around to fill those bare spots or start a planter. This week they are featuring pollinator-friendly perennials to attract hummingbirds and bees to your garden, like coneflower and agastache, greggii salvia and hollyhocks.
Pick up some herb plants to snip, to top sliced tomatoes and add depth (and health benefits) to everything you prepare.
New Earth Farm also has herbs and bee-friendly plants, along with cut mullein blossoms, gladiolas, and herbs.
Stop by the Virginia Beach Master Gardeners table to help you plant what you buy or sort out your gardening needs.
RECIPE
HERBED CREAM CHEESE
For Summer Tomato Sandwiches
There are few things better than a tomato sandwich in the summer time. We love to cut a tomato thick and place it between two pieces of lightly toasted white bread smeared thick with a cream cheese chocked full of fresh herbs that compliment the tomato. Here’s how:
Cut 8 ounces of cream cheese into cubes and allow to soften at room temperature. Add 1 tablespoon minced fresh basil, 1 tablespoon minced fresh mint, 1 tablespoon minced fresh oregano and 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves. Stir to incorporate and use immediately. Yields enough for 4 sandwiches.
From Chef Patrick Evans-Hylton
VENDORS
Artisan’s Bakery & Cafe
The Bakery at Riverside Farm
Beach Biscotti
Bergey’s Bread Basket
Build Your Food
The Creative Wedge
Croc’s 19th Street Bistro
Cromwell’s Produce
Fresh Batch Jams
Full Quiver Farm
Give, Treat, Love
Grace and Gratitude
Hashi Food Truck
Jubilee Seafood
Kombuchick
Mattawoman Creek Farms
My Vegan Sweet Tooth
The Neighborhood Harvest
New Earth Farm
The Orchid Station
Pelon’s Baja Grill
Pennacock Peppers
Sandi’s Sandies
Shady Goat Farm
The Stockpot
Tasha’s Own
Terrapin Restaurant
Three Ships Coffee
Vy’s Pies
Whole-ly Rollers
Zinnia Girls
PATRICK EVANS-HYLTON
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