Today I made a trip to the Dupont Farmer’s Market. I walked around in circles, a little lost and lacking inspiration. It was hot and crowded. I bought a few peaches and was about to leave when I came across free samples from Chef Piel of Ici Urban Bistro, who was cooking with ingredients from the market. The dish looked good enough to wait in line with a few people. The frantic energy of the small crowd was palpable. Free samples. Free, free, free. Why do people act so crazy when something is free?
Food expediters carrying around trays were serving the little dish. The whole scene was a little disorganized, and while most people were trying to be polite, I felt like someone was going to trample me. I was trying hard to avoid being obnoxious, but it seemed that aggression was the name of the game. So I stepped on some guy’s toe and scooped up the dish he was about to grab.
No you didn’t.
Of course not. Actually, the expediter saw that I was waiting patiently and she served me off the next tray she brought out, giving me a wink.
I took one bite and found my Muse. I would make ratatouille for dinner.
