Salicornia. Sigh.

I made poor Amy wait while I chatted extensively with two vendors, one right after another, because they were connected to countries I love. When I finally caught up with her I apologized and told her we were safe as long as we didn't run into anyone from Italy.
Cue Robert:


He, of course, grew up in Italy. I did not wander over to his booth because I sensed this inherently, but rather because of that glorious green stuff in the corner of the photo which made my heart skip a beat when I saw it. Apparently it is called salicornia and the only time I have ever eaten it was at a seaside cafe in Camogli, Italy. A succulent that grows in salt marshes, it is the perfect compliment to fish, as I overheard Robert say (and as I experienced in my perfect meal last summer.)

Robert's salicornia, which he gets from the Oregon coast, was divine. The rest of his booth showcased gloriously large oyster mushrooms and another called Hen of the Woods. Robert and his wife are both chefs and run the booth at the farmer's market as wild mushroom wholesalers. They are not online so to get their delicious rarities make sure to head down to the north side of the farmer's market next Saturday!