Fresh steamed mussels from the farmers' market

Yes, I knew I could get local, sustainably harvested oysters and mussels at the Wednesday Santa Monica Farmers' Market, thanks to Katie Ricketts' post. But yesterday, I found out I could get ready-to-eat steamed mussels in a white wine sauce!

So I got a pound of the stuff -- for just $8! There it is, above.

I got to the booth at a lucky time, when only a couple people were in front of me -- but by the time I was leaving with my bowl, about a dozen people were lined up! Many of the benches on Third Street Promenade were occupied by other mussel eaters, but I managed to snag a spot and devour my bounty in about 5 minutes. Afterward, I sopped up the garlicky wine sauce  with the bread.

The seafood booth offered a couple other flavors of steamed mussels too, as well as chowder and raw oyster plates. Unfortunately, this booth comes to market only about once a month, according to the woman who was serving the dishes. But now I'm more determined than ever to never miss a farmers' market day.

Photo by Siel