First fruit

I couldn't believe it: Local apples for sale at Somerville's Union Square Farmers Market. In July! These Vistabelles came from Nicewicz Family Farm in Bolton and they were sold right next to the just-picked blueberries and the fresh corn.
I've never heard of this variety and the farmer was coy. I can't find much information about it online, either, so I'll have to do some digging. In appearance and flavor, they seem most closely related to McIntosh, which means they'd probably make a great applesauce, especially with some fresh raspberries stirred in.

I also had my first taste of B&R Artisan Bread's fantastic levain. Big sigh of relief here. Most of the bakeries in San Francisco sell their own version of this crusty, naturally leavened bread made with a blend of white and whole wheat flours. But after trips to Hi-Rise and Iggy's, I couldn't find anything like the loaves we'd grown to love. All praises, then, to B&R's Michael Rhodes, formerly head baker of Sel de la Terre and L'Espalier, for his perfect, slightly tart, toasty, gray-brown loaves. The bakery is in Framingham, but Rhodes says he's eyeing a Boston location. Meantime, the loaves are also sold at Formaggio Kitchen, Savenor's, Lionette's, and Salumeria Italiana.

*I'm now blogging at newenglandeating.com.