Imagine a beautiful spring day, 65 degrees, warm sun on your face, the sound of birds chirping from the tall trees above and the comforting buzz of traffic on the winding city street you stroll down.  You are surrounded by Beaux Arts buildings, coffee shops with eclectic farmhouse furniture, and couples with dogs out for their Sunday morning routine.  You’d think you were in Paris, London, Vienna – anywhere but Washington.

I found a little bit of Europe to satisfy my francophile tendencies at the Dupont Farmer’s Market one lazy Sunday morning.  Located right in the heart of one of DC’s most well-known neighborhoods, this farmer’s market is truly a gem.  Unlike Eastern Market, you’ll find quality rather than quantity when it comes to produce, cured meats, fresh seafood, and locally made cheese.  A few highlights:

My favorite is, of course, the bread from Atwaters.  I highly recommend the sunflower flax.  Just down the way, you’ll find milk from the grass-fed cows at Clear Spring Creamery that is so rich even the skim is tasty.

After making your way past the fresh apples, lettuces, and veggies, you’ll find yourself stopping to indulge in cheese charcuterie samples.  Make sure you save room for EcoFriendly Foods, which is conveniently located next to FireFly Farms – a creamery produces perhaps the best bleu cheese in the area.

In my quest for a traditional homemade Sunday night dinner for one, I elected to snag a local grass-fed cut of Delmonico Steak from Country Pleasures Farm and paired it with a vivaldi potatoes  – a faithful and buttery stand-in for fingerling – courtesy of Tree & Leaf Farm for thirty cents.  Yes, I said 30 cents.  Check out the outcome here.

Before you leave, be sure to stop by Farmhouse Flowers & Plants, where you can select a unique and gorgeous bouquet made by grower Dave Dowling or make your own from his assortment.  I snagged myself a precious three-budded single stem of ranunculus just to bring a little cheer throughout the week.

If you choose to go the picnic route, take your pick of pastries and fresh fruit and make your way into the circle to enjoy the lush grass and tulips of late April. On your way out, stop by Dolcezza for their renowned affogato.