Friday, September 24, 2004

Ferry Building Marketplace
cross posted to delectation

I finally made it down to the Ferry Building Farmer's Market on a Saturday. I told myself I'd get there early, and it was well that I did since when I arrived at the parking structure on Howard and Spear at around 8:45am, prematurely congratulating myself for the unheard of (rising at 7am to get to a market!), the first 4 levels were already filled. The 75 Howard Garage is a fabulous bargain: all day (6am-6pm) parking for a $3 flat rate on Saturdays and Sundays.

I spent a merry hour revelling in Rincon park (pictures here) -- with its cute benches dotted with little creatures from the sea, the large "Cupid's Span" sculpture, and the glorious views of the bay bridge. It was a cloudy day -- overcast and grey -- but temperate and fall-like. Understated and serene, but filled with possibility.

I didn't know what exactly to expect when I got to the building, I was heading north along the Embarcadero, and the first stand that came into my line of vision was Rose Pistola's, under a brilliant royal blue awning, and the most delicious smells wafting from the grill. It stood next to a large shiny rotisserie truck with a huge plaster(?) chicken perched atop. My heart quickened. I had no list, no strict agenda, except to purchase a new cheese or two to try out, and to take lots of pictures.

The first pictures I took were of these mushrooms. I couldn't resist -- they looked so adorable. I had to purchase two. The shy teenager manning the stand must have thought I was crazy, but he was very nice, and didn't make fun of me once.

One of the reasons I love living in California is because of the depth and breadth and varieties of produce that are available year 'round. Here we have a mix of summer and fall produce -- the melons still looking lovely and delicious; the grapes amazing and huge (though I have to admit that the latter didn't taste *quite* that great -- too blandly sweet for my taste); and the different potato varieties rich and autumnlike in their purples and fuschias.

Here is Ghandi watching over the market. It wasn't until I got home that I thought of the somewhat sad irony of the statue.

Clockwise from upper left: vibrant zucchinis, Acme Bread (one of my favourite bread purveyours), a spikey, flamelike flower, and the San Francisco Fish Company's stand: Barbie with Scallops and Shrimp, or ... er ... something like that.

More beautiful flowers. (Yes, I'm a sucker for blossoms.)

I proceeded inside and walked around, visiting the Golden Gate Meat Co. (they have foie gras and sweetbreads!), and Far West Fungi (they have truffles!). I loved the display at Miette Patisserie, and was somehow able to restrain myself from buying something ... next time, I think, I probably won't be as disciplined.

I restrained myself, too, at Cowgirl Creamery, and still ended up paying $20 for cheese: a small half-moon of Mimolette, and a 2-inch wedge of St. Nectaire.

Depleted from my exertions, I decided it was time to comfort myself with an Oyster Po'Boy from Hayes Street Grill. I perched on a bench overlooking the water, cracked open my New Yorker, and was a very happy girl indeed....

posted by claudine |Added at 2:53 PM| | personal, farmer's market