Lorraine Eaton

Lorraine Eaton writes about food and spirits for The Virginian-Pilot. Look for her stories in www.hamptonroads.com/flavor

Category: Food

Ceding summer in a maize maze

Oct 08

3:05 PM

Wow. I’m just back from sipping some flowering teas (more on that later) and on the way back saw a gas station posting at $2.24 per gallon! That can only mean one thing. Road trip, baybeeeeeee!

But where to go? I’ve finally conceded that summer has ended. My bathing suits are stowed and my sock drawer is full (but I’m still wearing flip-flops to the grocery store). I’m well enough, though, to start figuring out how to get the best out of cold weather.

OK. In the fall there are nearby choices for the epicurean adventurer. You just have to wear a coat. Right now, I’m leaning toward a jaunt to Renwood Fields, a working farm near Williamsburg that has this gigantic corn maze in the pattern of a cowboy astride a horse.

No doubt, we’ll get a shot of fall color during the drive, at least more than the wine-colored leaves on the pear trees in my backyard. Plus, since big highways are out of the question, we’re bound to see roadside stands selling greens and apples and squashes which means returning home with something interesting to cook. And being so close to La Tienda, BSM (best Spanish market ever) take-home treats might include a jar of fire-roasted piquillo peppers and a fat wedge of Manchego cheese.

Lynne Rossetto Kasper, the oh-so-gracious hostess of public radio’s "The Splendid Table," will be signing books at the Barnes & Noble in Williamsburg from 12-1:30 on Sunday. That might be stop.

Or . . . we could wander in the other direction for some grape pickin’ on Knotts Island.

Either way, I gotta get a plan or else I’ll founder around the house all day in mourning.

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