Food for the fest . . . Expressly from Leslie
Farmers' markets, fairs and festivals are a wonderful way to celebrate the seasons, the richness of our land and our lives and the boundless diversity of American culture. We all have warm memories of days at the fair. I have a sense that in these times of ever-tightening finances, concern for the environment and increasing focus on "going local," we'll all spend more time at these great events.
When I started spending time at farmers' markets, flea markets, fairs and festivals, as a vegetarian, I wasn't able to find a thing to eat. When I'm outside enjoying the sun and the air -- and even when I'm inside just enjoying my life -- I like to eat delicious, well-prepared foods from the earth that add to my sense of well-being.
I am vegetarian but more than that, I just like to feel in tune with my world. Did you ever have that experience of driving down a city street when the weather is beautiful with music playing -- and it seems as if everything in the world is moving to the music? I like to move to the music, and eating foods that make me feel sluggish -- and ultimately make me sick -- aren't in rhythm. I want to be able to climb mountains in my eighties like a great old guy I met in Holland many years ago who was still leading kids on expeditions...and laugh out loud when I get to the top.
Back to the fairs and markets. It occurred to me that if there's nothing for me to eat at these wonderful events, there are probably a lot of other people with the same problem. And in considering that possibility, I discovered a mission: to bring to seasonal outdoor events the same wonderful, healthful vegetarian foods that I enjoy at home.
The Middle East is much better at bringing bright, flavorful dishes onto the street than we are in this country, and I take my inspiration from them. Two of my favorite books are Mediterranean Street Food by Anissa Helou and The Foods of Israel Today by Joan Nathan. I'd like to share these wonderful foods with you -- outdoors, at summer fairs and farmers' markets.
And now year-round, a fixed location in Algonquin, Illinois
Recently, my
husband, David (yes, the bbq
king!), and I opened a year-'round location . . . the cafe near the exit inside
Joe Caputo & Sons Fruit
Market at 100 S. Randall Rd. in Algonquin, Illinois. What
better place for serving delicious vegetarian specialties than in the midst of
shelves overflowing with the finest fruits and vegetables available? Take a look at
our menu!
What you'll find in this site
In this site, you will find out where our Expressly
Leslie vegetarian concession is serving food on any particular day of the
week but more than that. We'll share recipes, ideas, thoughts and
health information.
We hope you'll come away from the site wanting to go outside, look up, see the sky, breathe the air -- and wanting to live more in tune with this wonderful world. You'll want to celebrate life with others at a seasonal fair, and while you're there, you'll want to find those special, fresh, light, delicious foods that will make your day. I'll warn you, though, they're hard to find! You may have to come to northern Illinois to look us up.
So, here's what's in this site:-
A short history of vegetarianism: Yes, imaginative it may be, but there are kernels of truth everywhere.
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Veggie How-To A few simple tricks from a homemaker, mom and professional who has cooked and eaten vegetarian for many years.
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Dieting. NOT! Leslie's simple ideas for maintaining about the same weight throughout your life without dieting and certainly without starving. Leslie likes to eat!
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How to be the greatest (maybe only) backyard veggie chef in the neighborhood: what veggies to grill and what tools you will need. This year we're experimenting in our concession with smoked vegetables, and we'll share our secrets with you.
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Tips on camp cooking, hiking and putting together great on-the-trail meals.
Oh, and a subtheme of this site is how to live vegetarian in a "meatatarian" world and maintain your sense of humor -- even when that world is within your own home! My husband, David, is a barbeque pro -- and he is good! Visit our companion website Hat Creek BBQ.
I always look forward to hitting the farmers' market and festival circuit. Sure do hope you'll come visit us!