International Cuisine at Kalnciema Quarter

Kalnciema Quarter had this time prepared a surprise for food lovers. So at least proclaimed the poster - both on the corner of Kalnciema and Melnsila streets and on various websites, svetkudarbnica.lv among them - which, for souls with a gastronomic inclination, could hardly go unnoticed.

It must be said, the warm and sunny spring day played its part in our decision to visit an event with the intriguing name "International Cuisine". Arriving at the indicated location, we concluded that the modest-sized car park for the building's visitors was absolutely packed. Who would have thought?! :) It seems many had come driven by similar motives.

Casting a general appraising look around at what was happening, there were not all that many stalls with exotic delicacies to be seen. As at any proper Latvian fair, the vast majority on offer came from local vendors. From our own, so to speak. Available to taste were the local pickled cucumber, apple, fish, and smoked meat. For dessert - home wine from Aiviekste and sugar-candied almonds.

Whether we had come too late or for some other reason, of the promised delicacies only the culinary secrets of Sardinia were to be found - who else but Roberto to prepare and serve them. There were also nuts - whether from India itself, I couldn't say.

Once hunger had been appeased, one could turn one's attention to the creations of local craftsmen and artisans. Continuing the best traditions, at the artisans' market this time too there were predominantly jewellery and woollen items to be found (and purchased), decoupage and felt pieces, as well as objects whose practical use one can only respond to by furrowing one's brow wisely and nodding approvingly... :)