Farmer's Market Etiquette

I woke up to a fogged in Sunday morning at the beach that was just magical.  There's something about Sunday that just says peace.  By late morning the fog was burning off and the Chef and I were looking for something low-key and interesting to do outdoors.  We have driven by the local Farmer's Market a lot lately, but never seem to have time to stop and so decided that today was our day.

Well you wanna know what?  If you're looking for a low-key activity on a Sunday, apparently our Farmer's Market is not it.  Examine the mob in the background.  There's the Chef - ready to hurl half a flat of strawberries at the next person who attempts to trample us in order to get to the next vendor hollering "free samples!".

We were eyewitnesses to and victims of more social faux pas than I can count.  With this in mind we came up with the following pieces of advice regarding Farmer's Market Etiquette.  We reserve the right to add to this list as our experiences grow.  Sadly I think it may become a novel.  Or at least a pamphlet.

1.  Bring your own bag/roller contraption to carry any goods you purchase and STOP SCREAMING in the face of every vendor asking if you can buy their personally owned linen tote that looks approximately 10 years old and has seen more farmer's markets than you have or will ever visit.  I was followed by two grown men badgering vendors far and wide for their personal totes and was on the verge of just throwing mine at them and running off...but it was Marc Jacobs and that ain't right. Here's a fine example of a suitable market carry-all that not only serves its purpose, but also helps others in need. 

 

2.  Walk through the entire market rather than doing an impulse buy on the spot for the first item you see.  There are at least doubles of everything and sometimes the best prices and produce are in further booths.  I would also recommend wearing a sturdy shoe rather than a flip flop because the people with the roller carts are ruthless.  If they clip your foot you're on your own.

They look harmless don't they?  Well don't be fooled because they mean business.

3.  You might want to think twice before pushing over a paying patron in order to get to the free samples.

Here is an example of the withering glare from hell I gave to a man well over my father's age who shoved me aside to grab a single strawberry while I had my money containing hand out paying the kind strawberry selling lady.  He couldn't have cared less until I stood my ground and refused to budge much less hit the ground.  By then I shot him a dirty and turned and stomped off.  Grow up!! There's enough to go around for everyone!

Seriously.  There had to have been 100 strawberries.  It wasn't like they were closing shop never to be seen again.  Wait your turn much??  Get out much?? 

4.  If you haggle with an Asian lady, she will raise the price.

     (the picture above was taken several hours after all the people left and we felt safe to emerge once again)

This was so hilarious.  I was paying for something (a helmet - I kid!) and the lady said "$5".  As I was handing her the money the Chef was joking with her and he says "$4.50" and, without even skipping a beat, she goes "$6"!  It was so hilarious!  Then I hollered "$24!" and we all burst out laughing.  The vendors were all such great people.  It's the patrons I was terrified of...

5.  Don't be afraid to purchase your items closer to the end of the day because that's when farmers/vendors drop their prices and you can get even greater deals.  Here's some of what we got - although it was purchased on the fly in the middle of a raging mob :

Hope everyone had a safe and relaxing weekend.

Farmer's Finds

I don't think I've ever anticipated Summer more than I have this year.  I don't know what's going on with the weather where you live, but here in Southern California cool weather and breezy days have seemed to surface again and again this past month.  Yesterday, however, was a welcome change.

One of the best things about warmer weather and seasons is the produce!  While in between appointments yesterday afternoon my bf (who is a chef) and I took a walk through the Farmer's Market.  Although it is still a little early for some things, we managed to hit the jackpot on a few favorites:

Just seeing these things on the counter this morning made me happy.  Ever since I was a little kid the sight of cherries at the fruit stand has meant Summer is right around the corner.  Bring.it.on!

The Chef pointed out the kumquats and mentioned that they might be the last of the season.  Uh, have you ever had a Kumquatini?  If not, I suggest you stop what you're doing immediately and go have one.  The Hungry Cat is synonymous for the BEST Kumquatini you've ever had in your life.  Hearing that this particular fruit is close to end of season made it a must-have, and I foresee an evening of homemade Kumquatinis in our near future.  I'm ready right now, thank you very much.

For the past 2 months I have repeatedly walked by raspberries, viewed the $6 - $8 price tag per basket and kept right on walking.  Yesterday when that sign said $5 it was a done deal.

Do you know what this fruit is?  Bergamot.  Maybe you knew that , but I didn't.  I've never actually eaten Bergamot; at least not to my knowledge anyway.  I do, however, drink a lot of tea and it can be found in Earl Grey.  I decided to get one and give it a try.  It smells amazing - citrusy, but also kind of an exotic scent that you will recognize right away if you drink Earl Grey.

Seeing as I got diagnosed with a bronchial infection yesterday it looks like there might be a little more tea than Kumquatinis in my immediate future.  Ugh!  I'm going back to bed. :(