What's for Lunch?

Taste the World at Dean's Mediterranean Imports

My husband and I have operated our fresh produce stand at Cincinnati's historic Findlay Market for five years. Maybe it's because Daisy Mae's was in a prominent location near an entrance to the market house, but we became a sort of information booth for inquiring visitors. "Where's the restroom?" "Where can I get a cup of coffee?" "Who has a good bowl of soup?" After enough of those questions, I decided to start my Taste the World at Findlay Market food tours in 2012. My plan was to take the visitors by the hand and show them all that Findlay Market has to offer.

Since then, I have led hundreds of guests through Findlay Market during our tours, sharing delicious food samples and experiencing the fun of the market. Because our route may vary from tour to tour and the merchants love to get creative with their samples, each tour is slightly different. Of course, inquiring minds want to know, "What do we eat?" and "How much do we eat?"

Here's a brief description of what our guests enjoyed on yesterday's tour:

1. Seoul black rice with kimchi sweet potatoes from Fresh Table
2. Homemade Greek yogurt topped with honey and crushed pistachios, Barhi dates, Turkish figs, and cashews roasted in-house at Dean's Mediterranean Imports
3. Raspberry Black Tea from Churchill's Fine Teas
4. Thai vegetarian egg roll from Mimi's Gourmet Egg Rolls and Curry Bowls
5. Pumpkin bread pudding and curried chicken salad from Gramma Debbie's Kitchen
6. Handcrafted chocolates from Maverick Chocolate Co.

We tasted the world, and I know our guests were impressed with the variety of samples on yesterday's tour. Thanks to the merchants for creating another unforgettable experience. I think we inspired a new group of Findlay Market fans.

Help! I'm Running Out of Time!

Christmas is next week, and I sense a little panic starting to set in. Traffic is picking up around the malls, people waiting in lines are starting to fidget, and the to-do lists seem to be getting longer instead of shorter. While we're supposed to be feeling peace and goodwill toward all, instead we're feeling cranky. Eight more shopping days! Seven more shopping days! Last minute sale!

How can you get it all done?

Just in time, we've created Daisy Mae's Top 7 Ways to Save Time this holiday season.

1. Order a fruit basket online from Daisy Mae's with just one click at our Square Market. (Small or large: $15-$25)
2. Purchase a gift certificate for a future Taste the World at Findlay Market food tour. (With or without wine tasting: $20-$25)
3. Pick up (or order) fresh local salsa from Daisy Mae's. ($5.50)
4. Pick up (or order) Amish jams, jellies, and butters from Daisy Mae's. ($3 each)
5. Pick up (or order) Windy Acres dried fruits, candies, and snacks from Daisy Mae's. ($2.50 each)
6. Save a stop at the grocery store by ordering fresh produce online.
7. Avoid the malls and big box stores, and shop at Findlay Market for groceries, wine, beer, gifts, and floral arrangements.

As Mr. Daisy Mae always says, "Work smarter not harder." And have a Merry Christmas!