Going into my seventh year living in NYC I’ve noticed a funny “ism” you could call it about New Yorkers. As soon as the temperature in the fall drops below 75F people begin wearing jackets, scarves, long sleeves, boots, etc. In the spring, maybe March or April depending on the year when it rises to about 55F women especially break out mini skirts, tank tops, and sandals. So it actually doesn’t matter what the temp is outside, it’s about what season it feels like in fashion. On my way to Trader Joe’s on the train I noticed this girl wearing a long sleeve shirt, scarf, wool jacket, jeans and boots- very appropriate if it was 50! Today’s high was 78F. By the time I left Union Square it was about 72F. I wondered what that girl did for the rest of the day - I was glad I had my tshirt, sunglasses and flip flops still on - people from the South tend to never admit a season change and hold on to summer as long as possible, New Yorkers jump the gun. I also found this season-identity crisis at the farmer’s market. I still picked up great looking tomatoes, heirloom and beefsteak, and I still saw sweet corn! This was in addition to pumpkins, squashes, cauliflower - the usual fall harvest as well. I was still glad to pick up some tomatoes, and might as well take advantage. Again this week I was able to avoid Whole Foods all together, although Trader Joe’s didn’t have corn starch, I didn’t need it that bad. By making a couple meals this week vague - a big salad and pizza, I was able to be inspired by what was at the farmer’s market and picked up eggplants, parsnips (which I LOVE), kale, various greens, and fresh oregano, which I haven’t seen every week in the past. In this week’s total, I’m going to include the meats I bought last week and froze. Here are the totals:

Farmer’s Market

Carrots, Yukon Potatoes, 2 heads lettuce, parsley - $10.75

Fresh Organic Bread - $4

Kale, tomatoes, eggplant, parsnips - $9

8 Apples, 2 pears - $5.50

Duck legs - $7

Pork Ribs - $13

Rosemary, Oregano, Thyme - $4.50

Grand Total: $99.28/10 meals/2ppl = $4.96/person/meal

Tags: fall, Farmer's Market, shopping, summer, Trader Joe's