All of Wallingford seemed to be out and in good cheer last night for that once a month combo – Farmer’s Market followed by Art Walk. At the market, we picked up a pound of Olsen’s grass fed ground beef, a jar of rare star thistle honey and earful of Paul Dorpat‘s deliciously quirky sense of humor.

From there, we caught up with Amy from Wallingford Center (those apartments we told you about have been rented), checked out some cool monkey art at Trophy Cupcakes, said hello to Nabil and his new hot dog stand (yes, he does serve veggie dogs) and ducked into Cutz to say hi to Phillipe and Colleen and to check out the paintings and prints.

Next stop was Bella Cosa, to see their Market Challenge (you bring something from the Farmer’s Market, they’ll cook it up as part of a 4 course meal, iron chef style) in action. When we arrived, the first takers (below, including Bella Cosa’s talented featured artist, Mia Piace Kate, second from right) were heading towards dessert. Their submission to the challenge: squash blossoms and some sort of broccoli – cauliflower hybrid. The squash blossoms were stuffed with crab and smoked salmon, fried and layered over a green goddess salad. The rest of the meal…just check out the custom menu. $20 / head (including wine?). The verdict rendered by the jury: delicious. Could be yours next week.

From there, we ambled down to Re-Leaf Massage, where we took in another beautiful art show (paintings incorporating old watchwork) and Mrs. Wallyhood enjoyed a complementary (and well deserved) massage. Now that’s art!

Folks, if you’re not going to Art Walk, you’re missing out on a quintessential Wallingford experience. And if you are going, see you in August!