Annual Holiday Studio Sale -- The Woman's Club, Albany, NY

It's funny the way people approach a table of food samples. Some inch up like they are trying to think of something to say that will allow entrance for their hands. Others storm the table mouths open, fingers wiggling (these tend to be the toddlers, but not always.) Some are there for the conversation, while others want to graze without being bothered.

I saw a bit of every kind while manning a local-foods booth yesterday at the Annual Holiday Studio Sale at the The Woman's Club in Albany. The event gathers local artists, many of whom make their livings traveling around the country, and on occasion across the globe, selling their work.

Sometimes I gaze at beautiful craftsmanship and think, oh maybe I want to be a potter like Liz Vigoda.

Or a fiber artist like Pat Bohrer.

There is a moment when I can see myself, usually at some kind of misty distance, covered in clay or with multi-colored strands flowing from my hands.

To be able to be able to create such balanced beauty, such precision...

This is where the image starts to waver. Precision is not really my thing. Neither, come to think of it, is balance. Craftswoman Celina is beating a hasty retreat into the fog at this point, but still some part of me is hanging on. Until I see clothes like these.

Clothes that elevate a scarf to art.

Clothes where every line flows, every color glows, every touch excites.

Yeah, that's when I wake up. There is no fantasy strong enough to make me think I like to sew. Clothes of this quality just make me wish I were rich.

So what was I doing with a table at a studio show? My jeweler friend, and one of the event organizers, Loretta Fontaine asked me to set up a table with samples of some of my favorite local foods. Just talk about the food, she told me. Now that was something I could do. Talking, unlike the ability to manipulate small objects in rapid motions, has never been a problem.

It was a tough choice of what to bring, but three items were must haves: Buddhapesto, ciabatta from Napoli Bakery and a wedge of Sean O'Connor's Italian table cheese. These are three items I will make a special trip for even on day when I'm out of time and money. You throw a party and serve only these three things and people will come away happy. Come to think of it, that's just about what I did today.

Although, I did pick up a few other nice treats.

Almond cookies from Via Fresca, cupcakes and cookies from Cindy Barclay at The Warehouse, and a chipotle pesto from Whole in the Wall, a Binghamton company.

Everything was a hit, although the table cheese and the Buddhapesto elicited the most "Oh my God, (munch, munch, munch) where can I buy this?" questions.

I also met another local food producer who just happened to have a table next to mine. Her stuff is wonderful, but no I'm not going to tell you what it is. This being a food blog and all, she deserves her own post. Coming soon. Tomorrow, or sometime this week, I promise.

Meanwhile, here are some scenes from the event.

Jeweler Loretta Fontaine

A shopper enjoying the day.

Loretta talks with C.A. Foster