Classic Gazpacho

One of the best things about having a small business is the support you receive from friends. It's always fun when people ask how things are going or inquire about our progress at Findlay Market. Since we've always surrounded ourselves with people who enjoy cooking and eating, we've found our friends are a great resource for product suggestions, marketing ideas, and recipes.
Last week my friend Eleise Quinn suggested we feature a gazpacho recipe she received from a relative who had found it in Bon Appetit. Not being a fan of "cold soup," I had steered clear of gazpacho for years. However, Eleise assured me that this gazpacho was especially good...and I must report, it's terrific!
So as we feature Classic Gazpacho as our Recipe of the Week (Week of 8/15/11), I give a tip of Daisy Mae's hat to our friends who help us in so many ways.
Thanks for the recipe, Eleise!

Classic Gazpacho Bon Appétit | July 1991

Yield: Serves 6

2 large tomatoes (about 1 pound)
1 large cucumber, peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded
1 medium onion
1 large roasted red bell pepper (available in jars)
3 cups tomato juice
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco)

Cut 1 tomato, 1/2 cucumber and 1/2 onion into 1-inch pieces and transfer to processor. Add bell pepper and puree. Transfer to bowl. Add tomato juice, cilantro, vinegar, oil and hot pepper sauce. Seed remaining tomato. Dice remaining tomato and cucumber and onion halves and add to soup. Season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate. (Can be prepared 2 days ahead.) Serve well chilled.

What's So Fun About Findlay Market?

I've finally figured it out...At least I've figured out one of the reasons that Findlay Market is so much fun. Everyone knows the food at Findlay Market is fun. But it's not just shopping for food that's fun. It's eating the food that's available at Findlay Market. And it's not just sitting down at a table to eat...It's WALKING AROUND WHILE YOU EAT!
Yes, that's a huge difference between a big-box grocery store and Findlay Market. When I go to Kroger, I go with a purpose. I'm in and out as quickly as I can go...And even if I wanted to carry a sandwich around while I shopped, I'm pretty sure they'd frown on that.
But at Findlay Market, things are different. Last weekend I began to pay attention to what shoppers were eating as they made their selections at Daisy Mae's Market. I started noticing why they were juggling with their purses or struggling to take a bag because their hands were full...They were EATING. They were EATING AND SHOPPING at the same time! Good or bad, it's the ultimate example of American drive-through, multi-tasking mentality.
Here are a few of my recent observations:
1. Early morning shoppers often have coffee...maybe from Dojo Gelato or Bean Haus.
2. Around mid-morning, you see pastries or bread from Skirtz & Johnston or waffles from Taste of Belgium.
3. Once lunchtime rolls around, shoppers may have gyros from Areti's, mac and cheese from Gramma Debbie's Kitchen, a Banh Mi from Pho Lang Thang, or a fresh burger from Eckerlin's grill.
4. During the afternoon, the eating continues with cheese from Gibbs, roasted nuts from Dean's Mediterranean Imports, soup from Frank's Fish & Seafood, or salad from Fresh Table.
5. And, of course, you'll see kids of all ages eating apples, candy, popcorn, cookies, and ice cream at all times of the day.
So I suggest the next time you're hungry, come to Findlay Market. And if you'd really rather not walk and eat, there are some great places to sit down and enjoy watching everyone else!