Alright, I have neglected my own rules for posting, and so my dear here we are! I haven't updated you and the glories of the Pittsburgh local farmer's market scene in a while...
The Great Ham Hock Debacle of 2011!!!!!
Typically Michelle and I go to PPM (Pittsburgh Public Market for the knowledge seekers out there) to taste the free samples and continue fostering a relationship with Hot Organic Farmer Man. For reasons passing my understanding, I have knowledge of this man's two children, wife, ice cream making abilities, past volunteer experiences, and occupations of his parents.... but... never thought to ask his name at any point in our exchanges. We have now spent MONTHS awkwardly talking about produce, and I am too embarrassed so simply ask his name... PLUS it's much more entertaining that he remains to be Hot Organic Farmer Man and holds onto his mystery behind his scruffy beard.
Anyway... Michelle and I arrive at PPM last Sunday in search of a Ham Hock for her bean soup (I know, right now you are on the edge of your seat in anticipation)
We find HOFM with his little girl wandering around the market! We cannot approach him, for there is no produce in sight and with no available greeting to get his attention beyond a lovely "Hey.... YOOUUU" we simply avoided eye contact.
To our dismay! Not-So Hot Organic Farmer Man was in his place! He bore a striking resemblance to Alan Rickman and had the vocal capabilities of ... Elton John? Joining him was Hipster Asymmetrical Haircut Farmer Girl who was always enjoyable. We said Hi, I bought potatoes and I moved along.
I stumble upon a a delightful Pig Farmer selling some ham and asked if he had a Ham Hock... and he DID! AND it was organic... perfect I thought and I ran over to Michelle to tell her the great news! She left her conversation with HAHFG and ran over.
Little did we know.... following us over to the Pig Farmer was HAHFG with a GIGANTIC Ham Hock, to which she said..."I don't mean to make this awkward but... isn't this a ham hock, and it's organic too"
There was nothing we could do. The awkward just stood there, facing us. Organic Farmer facing Organic Farmer... both Hocks in Hand. Neither backing down and Michelle on either side of this debacle that I had created... just wanting Ham-flavored bean soup.... we just wanted BEAN SOUP!
Finally, they looked at Michelle forcing her to break the tension. She went with the organic farm we knew and loved but promised the new farmer she would be back...
The whole event was just sad.
