One of the best things about summer in Seattle is going to the farmers markets. I love the lively hustle and bustle of some of the larger, older markets, but one of my favorite newcomers is the Mad Cap Hill Farmers Market (a.k.a. the Madison Valley Market) on Madison Street and 20th Avenue. Mad Cap Hill (presumably so named due to the nebulous neighborhood boundaries between Madison Valley and Capitol Hill) is now in its second year and continues to grow. Every week I go, I find something new. The Friday afternoon market runs from 3 p.m. to 7p.m., which is perfect for choosing from the bounty of the Northwest for weekend meals.

Along with all the juicy and ripe in season fruits and vegetables, some booths I just can't pass up:

Tall Grass Bakery – Some of the best bread in the city comes out of this tiny Ballard Bakery. I love the olive stuffed fougassi, the German style pretzels, and multi-seeded bread sticks.

Zen Boy Chocolate – Truly divine. Try the pistachio and curry chocolate bark and the salted caramels.

Megan's Pecans – Crunchy pecans coated in a variety of flavors, from cinnamon to spicy with a peppery tang.

Estrella Cheese – Great goudas with cumin seeds and Wynoochee River Blue cheese.

The market also has fish, sweet cream butters, jams, pies, baked goods, flowers, and various craft vendors.

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