Showing posts with label Oak Ridge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Oak Ridge. Show all posts

Monday, July 20, 2009

Farmer's Markets


It was a beautiful summer morning in downtown Clinton with a rainbow of tents lining the parking lot. Local honey bee keepers, fresh from the garden, organic tomatoes, squash, corn, beans and other summer produce were proudly displayed on tables, in baskets and on the tailgates of trucks. One special vendor caught my eye.
Two long tables were lined together towards the front of the tent. On the table to your left were several pans, commercial kitchen size with several utensils on the table, a few spices, garlic cloves, olive oil and a few burners to your right with frying pans. Off to the side of the tent, flanking the tables were chairs where you can enjoy your biddles. Savory home fries, along with your favorite fresh egg omelette. Xavier Presley is at your service. He will gladly special order your breakfast for you at the market. Or, Presley comes to your home and prepares a meal at your request. You tell him what you want and he does the grocery shopping and cooks for your family and friends. 
Local vendors and farmers will gladly supply some veggies to Xavier at the Farmer's Market and he brings most of the staples to cook for you, as a demonstration. He only accepts donations at the market. But will charge you accordingly for your dinner party or festive event. Xavier once cooked for President Jimmy Carter, while working in a major hotel chain. He was formerly trained at a Texas Cooking School while on scholarship. Xavier is originally from Miami.
Xavier's son helps him cook on the weekends. Today he was making fried green tomatoes. A wonderful corn meal or flour coating with fresh spices for seasoning then fried to perfection. Rupert also helped make a sweet potato casserole. After selecting your favorite toppings; cheese, onions, green peppers, etc., for your omelette, Xavier will show you how they make fire in the frying pan and then prepare your delightful breakfast or brunch. He expertly cooks your eggs and breakfast. Xavier also has some corn on the cob slowly cooking in a large pot of water. "This is how you should prepare your corn," suggests Presley. "People today are often in a hurry and want their food instantly. When we do that it doesn't taste as good."
Xavier should know, while working for the hotel, President Carter sent a letter to the General Manger telling him that his potatoes were the best he's ever had. 
In addition to preparing food at the market, Xavier will give you tips and techniques from chopping vegetables to cooking eggplant parmesan, even which spices to purchase for the best flavor. 
read more at: www.NewTravelAdventures.com


Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Secret City, Oak Ridge


I first visited the Secret City, Oak Ridge, TN, a few years ago and was fascinated by the history and who the people were and what their life must have been like. May people are still unaware of the secret city. I have the wonderful opportunity to come back and learn some more about America's history and how it affects us everyday. I flew into Knoxville, just  a few minutes down the interstate from Clinton and Oak Ridge. 
We began our excursion at Norris Dam State Park with a picnic lunch and a great narration from our Park Ranger/Manager, Mark Morgan. Mark explained some of the history of the area to us including the park, its' uses, the river and the dam. The dam was built for flood control in 1936, and also brings efficient electrical power to East Tennessee. the dam is 265 feet high and stretches 1,860 feet across the Clinch River. The dam is surrounded by 4,000 acres of virgin forest complete with scenic nature trails. 
Norris Dam State Park offers wonderful amenities for everyone to come out and enjoy, including; rustic cabins, a full-service marina, recreation areas and a swimming pool. Anglers will love the river with more than 50 different species of fish to reel in. The park offers 20 miles of trails for hiking, bike riding or horseback riding. Active lifestyles, getting outdoors is great for the body, mind and soul. Bringing families together is what it's all about. 
www.tnstateparks.com
Photo above: At the American Museum of Science and Energy; this is what 300,000 volts of electricity will do to you. Gives you a nice tingly feeling.
(part one- more to follow, stay tuned for more history, colorful people and wonderful places to visit in Eastern TN).