Farmers market anyone?
In a winter where you can barely maneuver through the insane snow on the East Coast, the past few days of warmer weather (almost 40 degrees. Who-hoo!), has my mind fast forwarded to spring and summer.
When I think of either, my brain goes directly to farmers markets. I miss them in the winter. I struggle with winter vegetables and that I have to buy all my produce at the grocery store. Don't get me wrong - I love root vegetables and citrus, but I cannot wait for the day where I can ransack the farmers market of raspberries and corn.
I was lucky enough to be in San Francisco a few weeks ago and got a little 'fix' of a farmers market. I walked away with some amazing dates and cured Spanish chorizo (posts on those to follow). But it just wasn't enough.
Ultimately, it's not just about the food and produce sold at the markets - it's about the city and the people that are there - local specialities and general atmosphere. I make it a point to visit an open market in every city I visit to learn more about the culture and the day to day life of the people that live there.
Over the past few years, I've been lucky enough to meander though markets in Paris, London, Peru (Lima and Urubamba), Montreal, Thailand (Bangkok, floating markets) and of course, the US. Each one was considerably different then the other.
Some so have similar characteristics to the markets that we see in the US. But each one has that bit of je ne sais quoi that can't be explained. Markets in France require some french and some great hand signals (and a love for cheese and bread). At Borough Market in London, be prepared for one of the best toasted cheese sandwiches you have ever experienced. In Peru, explore purple corn, and the delicious drink that comes from it (chicha morada).
But in Asia - it's a whole different ball game. I went to every market I could while I was there, and I think that I maybe recognized a handful of produce. Most everything I tried was amazing. New tastes, flavors, textures.....It was a foodies dream. I should mention though, there is no need to try durain. Trust me.
When I think of either, my brain goes directly to farmers markets. I miss them in the winter. I struggle with winter vegetables and that I have to buy all my produce at the grocery store. Don't get me wrong - I love root vegetables and citrus, but I cannot wait for the day where I can ransack the farmers market of raspberries and corn.
Urubamba Marcado, Peru
I was lucky enough to be in San Francisco a few weeks ago and got a little 'fix' of a farmers market. I walked away with some amazing dates and cured Spanish chorizo (posts on those to follow). But it just wasn't enough.
Ultimately, it's not just about the food and produce sold at the markets - it's about the city and the people that are there - local specialities and general atmosphere. I make it a point to visit an open market in every city I visit to learn more about the culture and the day to day life of the people that live there.
Borough market, London England
Over the past few years, I've been lucky enough to meander though markets in Paris, London, Peru (Lima and Urubamba), Montreal, Thailand (Bangkok, floating markets) and of course, the US. Each one was considerably different then the other.
Some so have similar characteristics to the markets that we see in the US. But each one has that bit of je ne sais quoi that can't be explained. Markets in France require some french and some great hand signals (and a love for cheese and bread). At Borough Market in London, be prepared for one of the best toasted cheese sandwiches you have ever experienced. In Peru, explore purple corn, and the delicious drink that comes from it (chicha morada).
But in Asia - it's a whole different ball game. I went to every market I could while I was there, and I think that I maybe recognized a handful of produce. Most everything I tried was amazing. New tastes, flavors, textures.....It was a foodies dream. I should mention though, there is no need to try durain. Trust me.
Bangkok Thailand
I did fine, until coming upon the lizards, fish, live animals and bugs (which I did eat dried, but that's another story) that were also being sold. That was about the time that the heat and humidity really started to get to me. But hey, to each his own.
It's no secret that I love farmer's markets - and I can't wait until they open up again in our snow village that we call Boston. At least until then, I have pictures and memories to remind me. And we did make it through a week without a major snow storm, so maybe the reality is closer then I think.
At least I can hope.
He didn't see his shadow! Think ur in luck!!
ReplyDelete