Oakland, city of my birth. Sure, it has a bad reputation- there are parts of the city I still would never venture into alone. But then again, don't all cities have pockets like that? It's nice to hear that the city is trying hard to revitalize a lot of the areas, including the beautiful old buildings in what is called Old Oakland.
Old Oakland is located next to Chinatown, and the weekly farmer's market there really reflects its location and clientele. There are a few organic stands, but many specialize in Asian vegetables. Price is the name of the day: when you're next to Chinatown, you have to keep your prices low or you won't get much business. Peaches, nectarines, plums, heirloom tomatoes- all only $1 a pound. I picked up some great heirlooms and a bunch of fresh flowers from one of the various flower stands last week.
This market also has the requisite elderly women with their little carts. Their pushiness and pickiness make Parisian women look positively tame, toes beware! Plus, how many farmer's markets do you know of with a resident Chinese lute player?
Old Oakland is located next to Chinatown, and the weekly farmer's market there really reflects its location and clientele. There are a few organic stands, but many specialize in Asian vegetables. Price is the name of the day: when you're next to Chinatown, you have to keep your prices low or you won't get much business. Peaches, nectarines, plums, heirloom tomatoes- all only $1 a pound. I picked up some great heirlooms and a bunch of fresh flowers from one of the various flower stands last week.
This market also has the requisite elderly women with their little carts. Their pushiness and pickiness make Parisian women look positively tame, toes beware! Plus, how many farmer's markets do you know of with a resident Chinese lute player?
Tiny Eggplants
There is a rotisserie chicken truck and an awesome tamale truck at the beginning of the market, along with various other prepared foods. I picked up a pasilla chile tamale, filled with Anaheim chiles, cojita cheese, and mozzarella cheese. The masa is moist and flavorful, and you can get them steamed hot or cold to go ($2.50). The market is a great place to pick up lunch and produce at the same time.
I work across the street from the farmers market - I go there every now and then. Just around the corner they are opening the Oakland Branch of Kai's Japanese. I've been bugging Kai himself monthly now to see when he's gonna finally open. Also there on Washington Street is Ratto's International Market. Neat place to stock up on unusual foods from all over the world.
Posted by: KJ | September 04, 2006 at 01:44 AM