Saturday's 'Eat, Drink, Go Local' Silver Spring Festival

On Saturday last, Ellsworth Street was transformed into a winery trail. I tweeted "Can we do this again tomorrow?" to the Maryland Winery Association, who hosted the event. 

This was a fabulous, not-to-be-missed event, but sadly it was not well publicized, as I heard many people say who accidentally wandered onto Ellsworth.  It was a celebration of local farms and food businesses, as well as a display of Maryland vineyards and wineries. There was a little crowding, a few people who thought the tables were a private bar scene, but overall it went very well. I was thrilled to have discovered this festival and the vendors who were involved. 

Three food businesses were showcased: Eggspectation, the Go Fish! food truck and Corcoran Caterers. I cannot say which was better, their offerings were just beyond... Eggspectation had the best butternut squash soup I have had in a very long time. Go Fish! had a green-apple-and-crab-salad on a cracker that was to die for, but Corcoran Caterers... they served up two dishes: a fresh spinach & chevre risotto; PLUS a warm apple & pear compote on a thyme shortbread wafer. 

A complete dinner was had for the ticket price, and the accompanying wines made it all the better.  Cygnus Wine Cellars had a delectable Cygnus Red as well as an almost port that was smooth. Fiore Winery had a Chambourcin that was velvety, rich and called me back. Great Shoals Winery had all apple creations (I bought two) --hard apple cider that is very important this time of year.  Knob Hall Winery had cutely-named wines that matched the appellation... a red table wine, "Jealous Mistress," was indeed.  Far Eastern Shore Winery's strawberry Merlot was a perfect, light dessert wine. 

The day began with excellent young bands, but it ended with a performance by Reesa Renee, a new young contender for the up-and-coming-might-be-a-new-Erykah-Badu award (her CD will be released in April). She finished off the evening like a good port. 

Can we do this again very soon, please?