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Believe or not despite the amenities I bestow my taste buds, I’m not by nature a self-pamper. Case and point: I went an entire year without haircut, not even so much as a trim. But on a recent day off and a whim, I began what might have just developed into a permanent stretch of spoiling myself. Within the last week, I’ve indulged in a haircut, my first professional massage and an inaugural trip to a bed and breakfast. During my stay at said B&B, I discovered an abandoned cooking custom – the multi-course breakfast. Being a person who usually opts for extra sleep and skips the breakfast, I found the idea of a four-course breakfast extraordinarily decadent. Really, what better way to start the morning that with a little lavishment?

If you live the life I lead, likely you don’t have the time to slave away weekday mornings in the kitchen attempting to Julia Child your way into elaborate multi-course breakfasts. Instead of a four-course, try a two-course: savory and sweet – never skimp on the dessert courses – trade a hustled Tuesday for a more relaxed Saturday AM – perhaps after a trip to St. Paul’s Lowertown Farmer’s Market – and I have two recipes that will have you whipping up delicious, local ingredients into a fancy, deceptively intricate breakfast.

Start with two simple ingredients: fresh asparagus and locally-produced organic eggs. Asparagus and eggs have a natural affinity. Paired together they exude both luxury and freshness, not to mention flavor. A simple vegetable frittata highlights the best of what’s in season right now while providing a satisfying and light spring/summer meal. The recipe is very forgiving and you can adjust the vegetables and garnishes to reflect what you have on hand, or what looks best at the market. It’s equally as tasty subbing zucchini for asparagus, using the method below, or subbing spinach by adding a large hand-full of chopped spinach moments before you add the egg mixture so it just barely wilts. If you decide to make this for lunch with a few guests, I suggest you serve it with some crust bread from Grand Avenue’s Cafe Latte, local butter – another Farmer’s Market purchase! – and a tangy, light and crisp Sancerre from my favorite St. Paul wine shop, Cathedral Hill’s Solo Vino. You’ll impress yourself and your guests with your culinary talents.

Spring Vegetable Frittata
10 to 12 – asparagus spears, chopped
1/2 – red onion, sliced
8 – crimini or white mushrooms, sliced
fresh basil or chives (to garnish)
6 – large eggs
1/4 cup of milk or cream
2 – 3 tbsp. butter
1/2 cup shredded cheese (Manchego, Parmesan or other hard aged cheese)
cracked black pepper
coarse sea salt

Preheat Oven to 375 degrees.
Chop asparagus spears into approximately 3/4″ lengths, discarding woody stem portions. Chop onion in half and then slice; Slice mushrooms into 3 to 4 slices each. Add 1 to 2 tsp of butter (or olive oil) to preheated oven safe skillet. Once butter is melted add asparagus, onion and mushrooms and saute until asparagus is tender and mushrooms have browned. While vegetables are cooking crack eggs into a bowl, whisk lightly and add milk or cream, shredded cheese, and salt / freshly cracked black pepper to taste. When vegetables are ready turn skillet down to low and add 1 tbsp. butter to vegetable mixture. When butter is melted, add egg mixture and ensure vegetables are covered. After approximately 2 minutes on the stovetop, transfer skillet to the over and bake until just set (approximately 12 min). Serve with a chiffonade of fresh basil or chives and a pinch of flaky sea salt.

Don’t forget dessert! Eating dessert with breakfast is hardly a new culinary trend. At a proper full Irish breakfast (aka a “fry”) one can find sweet pies and puddings and the British Isles are famous for their multiple-course breakfasts including a sugary finale. In the spirit of this “let them eat cake” breakfast mantra, for a course finale going with seasonal, summer treat that’s easy to find and we can’t get enough of – rhubarb.

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

1 package (2-crust size) frozen pie crusts, thawed

1 1/2 pound sliced and trimmed fresh rhubarb
3 1/2 cups strawberries, trimmed and sliced or halved
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 large egg yolk blended with
1 teaspoon water
non-stick cooking spray

Stir together the rhubarb, strawberries, sugars, cornstarch, cinnamon, and salt until the fruit is well coated. Put one pie crust into a pie pan coated with non-stick spray. Pour the filling into the pan. Use the remaining pie crust for the top of the pie, crimping the edges to seal the pie. Trim excess crust from the edge of the pie. Either poke the top of the pie with a fork many times, or make some small slits with a knife, to all the steam out. Glaze the top of the pie with the egg/water mixture. Reduce oven to 350 degrees F, and bake pie until the center thickens, anywhere from an hour to an hour and a half ovens vary. Be sure to remove the pie and let it cool completely before eating, or it will be mushy.

And voila, approximately 1 hour to an hour and a half later you have an impressive, dual-course, local savvy breakfast with all the bells and whistles of a elegant bed and breakfast, sans the complexity, the money and the elbow grease.

Saint Paul is full of secret gems tucked away in quaint neighborhoods.  Hmongtown Marketplace is one of them!  This indoor-outdoor, year round marketplace is located at 217 Como Avenue.  Opened in 2004, it features more than 200 indoor and outdoor vendors selling books, movies, clothing and exotic foods.  This former lumberyard is more than a place for Hmong Americans to shop, it’s a lifestyle, and a thriving and vital venue for Hmong Americans to form a community.

Upon entering the marketplace, you notice bright colored traditional dresses, exotic Hmong music floating through the air, and the smells of traditional Hmong cooking.  Don’t show up expecting any ordinary farmers market, you will find toys, trinkets, makeup, antiques and jewelry alongside the traditional Hmong foods.  You could try an authentic bubble tea, boiled meat soup, papaya salad or purchase a cooked chicken marinated in traditional Thai sauces.

Not sure yet?  Even if you are slightly curious, you have to go just to experience the sights, sounds and tastes of  a traditional marketplace in Southeast Asia.

Hmongtown Marketplace

217 Como Avenue

Saint Paul, MN 55103

Phone:  (651) 487-3700

Hours:  8 am – 8 pm, Monday through Sunday

For more information, visit www.hmongtownmarketplace.com

Your ticket to a sustainable summer is just a neighborhood away tonight as El Burrito Mercado, the Youth Farm and Market Project and the Riverview Economic Development Association team up to bring locally-grown organic produce to Saint Paul. Now in its 15^th year, the Twin Cities-based youth development organization is dedicated to building youth leadership by involving the kids in every dirt-ridden, gritty step of growth and harvest, from planting pepper seeds to preparing, cooking, and selling the final product. Made possible by generous grants from Ecolab and SuperValu, the project is a hands-on way to make organic, high-quality produce accessible, keep money flowing through the local economy and engage the community’s youth while connecting them to their food and the environment.

Early today, the mini-entrepreneur Youth Farm kids were busy harvesting their veggies and transporting them to West Side restaurant, El Burrito Mercado, to be snatched up by families and residents all over Saint Paul.

This year, the Youth Farm project will feature special tasty menu items prepared with produce straight from the West Side Youth Farmers at neighborhood restaurants including Boca Chica, Jerabek’s New Bohemian, and St. Paul’s artisan bakery, Bread, Coffee and Cake. Head down to the District del Sol tonight for a first hand look at the fresh produce available through early fall, snack on delicious appetizers and get to know your talented budding farmers.

Youth Farm and Market Project Happy Hour Kick-off

Wednesday, August 4 at 6pm

El Cafe at El Burrito Mercado, 175 Cesar Chavez St., St. Paul, 651.227.2192

Want to know more about the project? Check out this adorable short documentary about the Youth Farm and Market Project:

Looking to save some cash when you shop, or want to hear about the latest happenings in the local fashion world? Look no further. Our comprehensive shopping guide, updated weekly with limited-time discounts, deals and stylish events at the Twin Cities’ hippest shopping destinations, is the go-to guide for any local fashionista.

WEEK OF APRIL 26-MAY 3:

Saturday & Sunday: Saint Paul Farmer’s Market now open
What: One sure sign of spring – St. Paul’s farmer’s market is finally open! From fresh produce to plants and flowers, and from meat to bakery items, the Saint Paul Farmer’s Market has a little of everything, and at prices that will make you eschew the grocery store for the next five months.
When: 6 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, May 1. & 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, May 2.
Where: 290 5th St. E., St. Paul, 651-227-8101, www.stpaulfarmersmarket.com

Saturday: St. Paul Craftstravaganza
What: Since 2005, the annual Craftstravaganza has deserved a spot on the calendar of any local arts-and-craft lover of the urban variety. This is definitely not your grandma’s craft fair, with handmade art from over 75 of the hippest artists in town, including printmakers Adam Turman and Burlesque of North America, handmade jewelry from the likes of XO Jewelry, and screen-printed cards and original prints by Michelle Brusegaard. In addition to the craft sale, organizations like the Textile Center and Craft Planet will be conducting workshops throughout the day, and get there early for free swag bags with samples of vendors’ work for the first 100 shoppers. And held one weekend before Mother’s Day, it’s the perfect time to buy up some charming gifts for the awesome moms in your life – or better yet, take her shopping!
When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, May 1.
Where: Fine Arts Building at Minnesota State Fairgrounds, 1265 Snelling Ave., St. Paul, 651-288-4400, www.craftstravaganza.com.

Smashbox Saturday at FiveTwoSix Salon & Spa
What: Mark your calendars for May 1 and make a date with Mom: FiveTwoSix Salon & Spa will be hosting a Smashbox Saturday event just in time for Mother’s Day. For $75, you’ll get a makeup application redeemable for Smashbox product, a photo session, a printed photo and refreshments. (9 a.m.-4 p.m. Also May 8. Appointment required.) And now through May 8, buy a $50 gift card and receive a travel bag and two free 2-oz. samples of Bumble & Bumble product. Also while supplies last, buy a Dermalogica Daily Microfolian and receive a travel size Special Cleansing Gel and Active Moist for only $50 (an $80.50 value) – and through May, receive 10 percent off all Dermalogica products. Looking to try out a new stylist on the cheap? FiveTwoSix’s stylists-in-training program offers haircuts starting at $15. Finally, for every three people you refer to your stylist, you’ll receive a free haircut – and each referred person receives a complimentary Bumble & Bumble product.
When: Ongoing through May.
Where: FiveTwoSix Salon Spa & Gallery, 529 Selby Ave., St. Paul. 651-222-3839. www.526salon.qwestoffice.net.

Through Wednesday: Chocolate Celeste Closing Sale
What: Shake your bonbon into Chocolat Celeste to hit the tail-end of its 50 percent off closing sale. A complete selection of the single origin chocolate bonbons remain, as do rare chocolates from Madagascar, Bolivia, Venequela and Ecuador. Chocolate Celeste die-hards, don’t fret – internet orders will resume in September.
When: Through Wednesday, April 28.
Where: Chocolate Celeste, 2506 University Ave. W., St. Paul, 651-644-3823, www.chocolateceleste.com.

Friday: Robert Marc trunk shows at InVision
What: The summer collection from celeb eyewear designer Robert Marc takes over InVision eyewear shop this weekend. The line is all about texture – think raffia laminated onto the frames, horn-rimmed styles, and ’70s double-bridge frames. It’s Mad Men-meets-Studio 54, yet classic enough to be worn for years to come. The trunk show travels to each of InVision’s three locations this weekend.
When: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, April 30.
Where: Friday at InVision Grand Avenue: 867 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-291-0318. www.invision-optical.com, www.robertmarc.com.

Beginning Thursday: Mother’s Day Treats at Rosedale
What: Show your mom how much you appreciate her by taking her shopping AND out to dinner. Beginning Thursday through Mother’s Day, spend $200 or more at participating retailers and receive a $20 gift card for one of Rosedale’s restaurants. Participating stores include Williams-Sonoma, Talbots, Hot Mama, Bare Escentuals, Ann Taylor, Borders, rocco altobelli Salon & Spa, Sephora, and many more. Bring your receipts to Guest Services April 29 to May 9 to redeem for the gift card.
When: Thursday, April 29-Sunday, May 9.
Where: 10 Rosedale Center, Roseville, 651-633-0872. www.myrosedale.com

Thursday: Macy’s Jones New York Micro Event
What: Set up an appointment to shop with a Jones New York specialist, learn about the latest spring collection, and receive a free gift with any Jones New York purchase of $100 or more at Macy’s Rosedale location (one per customer while supplies last.) Call 800-329-8667 to RSVP.
When: 6 p.m. Thursday, April 29.
Where: 10 Rosedale Center, Roseville, 651-639-6600, www.macys.com

ONGOING:

Arc’s Thrift Crawl
What: Thrifting is so much more fun when you make a day of it, and one of our fave thrift joints, Arc’s Value Village, is helping give you some motivation. If you givis t all four Arc’s stores between April 17 and May 15, you’ll be entered for a chance to win a $100 gift card to Arc’s Value Village. Simply pick up an Arc’s Thrift Crawl Passport beginning April 17, get your passport stamped at each store (one stamp per store, per day). You can enter as many times are you’re able to, and each store will have its own drawing on May 16. (Limit one win per person.)
When: Saturday, April 17-Saturday, May 15.
Where: Arc’s Value Village Thrift Stores; visit www.arcsvaluevillage.org for locations.

BlackBlue Winter Sale + New Spring Offerings
What: BlackBlue has finally made the full transition into Spring. The hot men’s shop has just received shipments from Original Penguin and Hyden Yoo, in addition to Fred Perry, Shades of Greige, Tretorn, and more styles of Red Wing Boots as well as a fresh stock of A.P.C. denim in both the New and Petit Standard. While you’re there, fall clothing at men’s boutique BlackBlue has just recently undergone another round of markdowns with some items over 50 percent off. Brands include: F-Trope, Hyden Yoo, Cockpit, Shades of Greige, Fred Perry, Original Penguin, Woolrich, Generic Surplus, and Tretorn.
When: Ongoing while supplies last.
Where: BlackBlue, 614 Selby Ave., St. Paul. www.blkblu.com.

I packed up my 1-year-old this morning and by 8 a.m. was trolling for parking at the St. Paul Farmer’s Market in Lowertown. Us and everyone else, that is. The market was packed! With live music returning to the market today, it’s no wonder. Nothing says community and healthy eating in a more festive way than the farmer’s market.

And no offense to other farmer’s markets in the Twin Cities, but I’ve scoped out most of them and the downtown St. Paul Farmer’s Market still tops my list. There aren’t any shipped-in Dole pineapples and it’s not too fancy. This is where I come to find simple, good, real food. Plus, it makes me happy to support our local growers, all while bumping into friends and sharing our favorite farmer’s market finds of the day.

After finally scoring a parking spot (bring some cash—I had to park in a $3 lot), I set out for an egg and cheese bagel and a cup of coffee, an essential way to start any farmer’s market morning. Meanwhile, my baby showed off his latest trick by waving to nearly everyone we passed.

Despite the fact that the growing season isn’t quite in full swing yet (as in, not a lot of produce to be found), there is no shortage of things to buy. Next time I’ll have to come with a little red wagon like all the other parents—though I won’t be putting my baby in there. The wagons are essential for loading up with herbs, hanging flower baskets, tomato plants, and all the other plants I want to get into our backyard!

I was thrilled to see organic milk and butter (added just this year) from Crystal Ball Farms. The fresh gouda from Eichten’s Hidden Acres is amazing, and I’ve become a huge fan of their bison meat, too. I’m also a regular at the Otis Family Farm table, where picking up locally-produced and pasture-raised chicken and beef is essential for stocking our fridge and freezer. I picked up some fresh-cut flowers, which are now adding a gorgeous burst of color to my kitchen table, and a loaf of flax oatbran bread from Great Harvest Bread Co.

Sweet Cheeks Baby Food (homemade, organic, pureed fruits and veggies) sells at the farmer’s market, too, which is exciting for us parent-types. And we couldn’t pass by Wolf Honey Farm’s table without a taste or two. Naturally, I ended up with a bear-shaped container of golden clover honey in my bag after that.

I’m already fantasizing about breakfast tomorrow: fresh-from-the-farmer’s market scrambled eggs with white spring onions and a toasted slice of my Great Harvest bread with smears of local butter and honey. It doesn’t get much better than that. Afterward, maybe we’ll even hit the market again (I love that the market is open Saturdays and Sundays!) and pick up those plants I was eyeing…