Lunch and Art at Tate Modern

Tate Modern is the most popular and famous of the Tate galleries. The converted power plant is massive, imposing, and iconic. While not all of the art is to my liking, the images always create conversation. The great thing about Tate Modern is that the permanent collection is free and photos are allowed.

The other cool thing about Tate Modern is the Restaurant. Located on the 6th floor with tons of windows and light streaming in. We arrived for an early lunch. While the window seats overlooking the Thames were already booked, we could still choose the south facing tables. The 6th floor also has cafe service where one can order and sit at a bar facing St. Paul's Cathedral.

The menu features a nice wine list and a varied list of entrees from fish to duck to venison. We ordered a nice La Source Rose and selected Salmon and Roast Breast of Guinea Fowl to eat. We were also provided bread and butter.

We had a lovely lunch with quite a view. Since we arrived early, the restaurant was quiet. Upon finishing our meal we wandered through the various floors in search of the strange, unusual, and occasionally, the familiar.

Italian Festival

Photos from the Itailian Festival held at RIR.

A cloudy and windy day, but the rain held off.

Hazelnut gelato...Yummy!

This lodge always has my favorite Italian dessert, sfogliatelle. It's a pastry filled with orange-flavored ricotta (very cheesecake-like) and surrounded by many layers of pastry dough. It has to take an incredible amount of time and effort to make. I've only been able to find them at the Italian festival. This is what keeps me coming back.

Garlic knots  and penne alla vodka from Gino's.

A light red table wine.

Fried mozzarella, calamari, and meatballs with a basil tomato sauce from Italian Kitchen. The meatballs were very good.

A petting zoo. This little show off was extremely cute.

Very nice limoncello. We were glad we had walked to the festival.

North of the James Market

This week I finally visited the North of the James Market in Bryan Park. Hats off to everyone who braved the heat. At least Bryan Park offers some shade. While the market is small, the offerings are delightful.

If you have any photos, post them here.

Opening Day at SOJ

Glorious day and the South of the James Market was in full swing, even at 8 AM. Hurrah! Here are a few photos that will hopefully entice you to participate in the Saturday morning party:

And if you have any local photos of any of the farmers markets around the area, please add them to the Richmond Area Farmers Markets flickr group.