Favorite Places: Georgetown Farmers Market
Wandering around the opening day of the Georgetown Farmers Market Saturday morning (in the sun, no less!), I felt happier than I've been in awhile. Saveur dedicated their June issue to markets around the world with this opener: "Nothing offers a more vivid reflection of who (and where) we are than food markets, from a huge open-air bazaar to a handful of street vendors to our local farm stand. They awaken our senses, they fulfill us, they fuel our passion for cooking and eating, and they inspire us to seek out new tastes and experiences." Yes, and yes.
At the edge of the market, the taco stand was spit-roasting some al pastor that was absolutely irresistible. I got there at 10:00, right when they opened, and people were downing tacos like it was dinnertime. Two little stacked corn tortillas, a pile of juicy pork and grilled pineapple, chopped white onions, a lime wedge, and fiery chile sauce. I'm planning my whole life around getting in line again as soon as possible.
What markets make you happy? Where are the produce stands, grocery stores, farmers markets, or ethnic markets that launch you into blissful, culinary oblivion?
June 7, 2010
Reader Comments (13)
Mmmm... few things are more irresistible than tacos al pastor. Enjoy some for me next time!
Sarah--yes, yes, yes about Saveur's article. The pork on the turner reminds me of this small Mexican town, Algondones, I grew up going to all the time. Best tacos ever and dirt cheap. I love Bellingham's Farmers Market for the same reasons. Plus, it's time to bond with Veronica (teaching her the love of good food). And of course Joe's Garden is even higher on my list. The heads of lettuce are phenomenal (as are all their produce) and the owners & workers love of what they do shines through.
P.S. After introducing Ben to real tamales down in San Diego at a Farmer's Market--he'll ask while at a Mexican restaurant, "Do you think the tamales would be good?" Me: "Eh!" Ben: "yeah, San Diego ruined me."
The Bellingham Farmer's Market is my favorite. Just the right size. Great mix of prepared food versus grown food versus crafts, etc. Right in the heart of downtown. I love it.
I love my local farmer's market, in Arcata, CA for all of its produce, plants, fresh flowers, baked goods, music and people watching. It always puts a smile on my face on Saturday mornings. It is held on our town plaza and features different musicians every week. My most memorable farmer's mkt. was one last fall when the musicians played the hokie pokie and nearly everyone (hundreds on people) within earshot stopped what they were doing to "shake it all about" - what fun! Although I love Arcata's market, I thoroughly enjoy experiencing farmer's markets when visiting other towns - they give you a down to earth, genuine flavor of the region.
Beautiful photo at the bottom of your post! Just posted a thank you to the cap hill farmers market on fb 2 seconds ago. Home made pretzels. I'm so disappointed when that stand isn't there.
Hey, we were actually there same day just later. Didn't get a taco but now, I too am" planning my whole life around getting in that line". Maybe we could meet up sometime :) Enjoy a taco together.
My favorite Farmers Market was the Candy Dance in Genoa NV. They make a fudge that is to die for and the booths and artist that come from all over really is a sight to behold.
georgetown has it's very own?! this is great. guess where i'll be going in august!
I absolutely love the Bellingham Farmer's Market, but several years ago I was at a very cool one in Santa Fe. :)
i just went to the Port Townsend farmer's market this past Saturday and was so taken in by the people- watching the vendors take so much pride in their lovely homemade soaps, lettuces, kombucha and tinctures...it was heaven! its such a small market but so cozy and homey, i wanted to eat EVERYTHING i saw, including the Pane d'Amore's bread "sticks", which were more like a thin, long loaf of bread with parm cheese exploding from within.....
Hey sweets, you need a break, grab the kids, head up our way, and we'll hit the mini farmer's maraket on Wed in Fairhaven. If you're lucky, I might even let Bethany know you're coming.
Just bring the sunshine, if you do.
Hey how about a tour of farmers markets for your Birthday, and you can buy to your heart's content!
Love ya
P.S. Bellingham farmer's market rocks!
too late! nice try, peggy!!!! do i need to stop by there this afternoon?? :)
Prahran Markets in Melbourne, VIC, Australia makes me so ludicrously happy...its filled with delis, butchers, bakers, wine sellers, cheese shops, fruit + vege stalls...it's pretty much everything your little culinary loving heart could ever dream for. When you keep exploring further in you find a massive area covered by a sun roof, its cluttered with playing children, coffee vendors (Melbourne has the greatest coffee in Australia) shady tables, people eating croissants...sometimes during the weekends if your lucky enough there will be old Italian men busking. It is honestly my favourite place in the universe, so much to the point whenever I think about it, there is this dreamlike hazy glow over everything.
I have this fantastic memory of dawdling to pick up some lunch, stopping at every second stall to pick up some cold meats, cheese, breads, dips, salads, pastries... :)
Gosh I love this blog, Im so glad Im not the only one who gets this excited about produce markets, hehe.
I am COMPLETELY on board with the 10 am taco.