Cheers to Farmers Markets

I want to start off with a big “thank you!” to everyone who came out to my “guest host” night May 6 at Sérénité Restaurant.

The restaurant was fully booked for the evening, and I had such a great time going table to table talking with folks. My signature drink, the Bananas Foster Old Fashioned, was a huge hit, as were my tableside flambé bananas. Rumor has it there may be an encore night where they’ll allow me to prepare Bananas Foster tableside! You will want to see that.

One of my favorite moments of the evening was talking with a couple who read my column every week and came out to meet me and ask a few questions. One of those questions was, “Which farmers market is your favorite?” followed by, “Who are some of your favorite vendors?” I must admit my answer was not great, as my head was spinning from the energy in the room and the excitement of bouncing from table to table talking with so many friends and people from all over.

My answer was something along the lines of, “I like both farmers markets in Medina – the one on the Square and the one on Route 3 in the church parking lot.” I’m sure I mentioned my favorite vendors, including The Farm at Chatham Lea for its amazing baked goods – the focaccia is incredible – and Richardson Farms for its great produce and other goodies. I know we discussed how much I love simply walking around and soaking in the energy of the market on the Square, as well as how I try not to overspend, which is difficult because there are so many great things to buy. We also talked about how much I enjoy seeing all the farmers and producers at the other farmers market in the church parking lot.

What I completely left out was my absolute favorite vendor: Alain Marec and his Triskell Bakery booth. He’s known for his sourdough and croissant classes, but let me tell you – his chocolate croissants and all of his baked goods are next level. Alain is only there part time this year on the following dates: May 16, June 13, July 11, Aug. 15 and Sept. 12. Get there early, though … he sells out fast!

Make sure you visit Tompot Family Farm and chat with them, as well as The Spore Store and Uncle Crunch. Even my friends from Aladdin’s Eatery will be there with some of their great products.

Farmers markets make Saturday mornings in Medina extra special during the summer months. Get out, buy some fresh food and produce, mingle and have some fun.

I leave you with my dessert-forward signature drink: The Bananas Foster Old Fashioned, Karl style.

As always, I urge you to eat fresh, dine local, and be happy!

Karl’s Signature Bananas Foster Old Fashioned

1½ ounces bourbon ½ ounce dark rum ½ ounce Bananas Foster simple syrup* ½ ounce DeKuyper Crème de Banana 1 dash chocolate bitters 1 dash black walnut bitters

Mix 2 parts dark brown sugar with 1 part water. Bring to a boil, stir until dissolved, then cool.

Fill a tall mixing glass with ice cubes. Add the bourbon, rum, Bananas Foster simple syrup, Crème de Banana and bitters. Stir for 5 seconds, then strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.

Top with a slice of banana that you flambé (see photo).