A Symphony In Produce: Welcome To The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market
Visitors are a bit surprised when I suggest that they take a trip to the Saturday Farmers Market at the Ferry Building.
"Why would I want to grocery shopping on my vacation?" is a pretty typical response.
Of course, once they see it, they do a complete 180.
It's a visual feast as well as a literal one. Fresh produce of amazing hues; samples at a preponderence of the booths; plenty of ready-to-eat foods available (like check out the AMAZING fried asparagus --- available seasonally) . . . it can be everything from a walking lunch to just simple entertainment.
Situated along the Embarcadero at the foot of Market Street, the Ferry Building is also an excellent location to start your Saturday, whether you're going to head up to Union Square, over to Fisherman's Wharf, take the Cable Car to Nob Hill, or even grab a ferry to Sausalito or Larkspur for a day trip.
While the Farmers Market comes to the Ferry Building on Tuesdays (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) as well, Saturdays (8 a.m.-2 p.m.) are when all the stops are pulled out. While merchants line the front of the building on both days, the weekend edition is distinctive in that the entire back parking lot is covered in vendors. A ton of 'em.
In any case, I could wax poetic but I think a few pictures more will do the bi-weekly event more justice.
Veggies of every hue.
Everything you know you like, and bunch of stuff you didn't know existed. Like the watermelon radish (its delicious, spicy skin is the best part!)
Or exotic fruits, dried by a local vendor.
Of course, a few old favorites like freshly made kettle corn.
And while on Tuesday and Saturday the farmers are the main attraction, that doesn't mean you can't sneak of into the Ferry Building for some Cowgirl Creamery cheese, Acme bread, or treats from Miette.
Enjoy!
