Dianne

I am one of those who "lurks" and reads, but I must say here how much I enjoy veryone's blog. This one, however, is exceptioal. The photography is amazing and that food store had me drooling. I thought I had good shopping!!! Can't wait for the rest. Dianne Ross.

In the West end, you can get Meyer lemons at The Cheese Boutique, but I don't think the season has started yet. They didn't have any when I was there last week. Dominion/A&P stock key limes. I can even get them during the summer at the A&P in Orillia.

Welcome, Barbara. Looking forward to lots more action here.

My local Indian and Middle Eastern stores seem to always have dried limes, but I am in Mississauga. For offal and the underused parts of the cow, you need a small independent butcher!!! My guy in Orillia has heart and tripe and tongue and oxtail etc. and will get me any cut I ask for if I give him a little warning. He also tells me when he gets skin on pork shoulder because he knows I like it. See if you can find a small shop in your area and get to be a regular. Works wonders. At the ALM, I like Browns and Whitehouse Meats I found marinated white anchovies (alici) at Schefflers in the SLM today if anyone is interested. Dianne.

Oh, absolutely. We are retired teachers,so our budget is limited as well. When we go to "the latest place" I often wish I were at my fav. old dependable where the food is always interesting and well cooked. Not so many fireworks, maybe, but I like their style better.

That roast looks like a fabulous piece for braising. Look at all the internal fat streaks. Can't wait to hear how it turns out.

In Julia Child & Company, Julia has a recipe for "noodles" which I have made on several occasions. It uses a food processor and a hand cranked pasta machine. I have never had it fail and I am NO expert on fresh pasta. A thought for anyone who has this old book. Dianne Ross.

Loved your blog, Nancy. The smoked fish had me drooling. Thanks for doing this. Dianne Ross.

I buy my corn from Ego Farms on the Hockley Valley Road. I actually buy it at the Orillia Farmer's market where they have a stand. Best corn I know of around here ( Severn River where our cottage is).

Yes absolutely. I have never had okra I didn't like, and I don't come from okra country.

Thank God I am not the only one to find hot weather a deterant to cooking. But we finally got AC at the cottage today; so finally I can cook with all the great produce that is in our farmer's market right now. I am thinking of corn chowder, tomato pie, ratatouile(sp?) etc.

Three more for me.All About Braising,by Molly Stevens; and it is HOT here right now(whine).Also The Little Foods of the Mediterranean, by Clifford Wright and Molto Italiano, by Mario Batali.

What a neat idea. Thanks, Marlene.

Thank you so much for all these wonderful pictures and insights into your life. I am in awe. Dianne Ross.

Thanks Malene. I will get myself there right after Thanksgiving when I am home from the cottage.

What a great blog this is. I am on dial up, but I happily wait for these great pictures. Every meal you guys are making/eating looks wonderful. Marlene, where is the Oakville Whole Foods? I am in Mississauga during winter months and this sounds like the store for me.

I bought local asparagus at my summer farmer's market in Orillia this morning for 2.90 Canadian . It was picked yesterday P.M. Love the steaks, and agree that a real butcher is the key. Fortunately we have them both in the city and here in Orillia in the summer. And the longer you have been a customer, the more you get from the relationship. My guy in Orillia saves me pork roasts with skin in when ever they come in.

Got around to counting the books at the cottage. Add 115 for me.

Just back from a wonderful trip to Virginia, Georgia and South Carolina. Four books to add from that trip.

We get there no later than 7:00 AM and park on the street. You don't have to feed the meters till 8:00 AM. This is on Sat. There is a parking lot to the south of the market which has a good rate for the first 2 hours on a Sat. Good luck.

And the same gentleman who sells the elk has wonderful duck and pheasant and "wild" boar. Really worth looking into.

Yep, Kensington is great too. But you CAN go to both markets. I do.

Great pictures as always, Gordon. But where are the ones from the Farmer's Market in the north building?

Great to hear everything went so well.