Grape Stomping

The sweet and dizzying aromas of freshly crushed concord grapes filled Union Square today, as dozens of discalced shoppers participated in the annual New York State grape-stomping demonstration. I was reminded of this unforgettable episode of I Love Lucy in which Lucy, hoping to "soak up local color" goes grape stomping at a vineyard. Watching it again today, I am impressed anew with Lucy's comic virtuosity. Every part of her body is working; she does not have one unfunny muscle.
But so much of the effect is in the sadness of the story; it is really a shame that she falls out with her vat-mate, and she will be too purple to appear in the movie role she so desires.

The grape guys advised me to go slow and try to find the whole berries. It is very satisfying when you get one. Wine grapes are nature's bubble wrap. Ah, bubble wrap.



Oh yes. Don't let the season go by without trying grape pie.