Jennifer W.
Yelp
I went here today to get the peaches I wasn't able to get yesterday. SCORE! one of the first booths I visited had ORGANIC peaches, nectarines, and Santa Rosa plums. My plum jam won a first-place ribbon at the OC fair in 1994, and my peach jam won a second-place ribbon in 1995; peaches and plums are only in season a few weeks, and they both need HOT sun to make their flavor pop. So on a good year like this year, if you do canning, or want to try canning, this is an excellent year for it.
The fruit/vegetable/flower part of this farmer's market is very small, maybe 1/4 the size of the Wednesday certified market. This market, though, is a completely different vibe, and so you'll find completely different people and booths.
It just depends on what you're looking for.
I only gave this market 3 stars because it seems to be dwindling in size. there are maybe 1/3 the vendor booths there were 5 years ago, and tonight two of the vendors actually taunted me because I didn't try some dude's "Hot Sauce," so that sucked.
But once past the gauntlet of bitter vendors (one of my taunters is that wanna-be gypsy chick who has sold her bad jewelry for at least 10 years I can remember), you are rewarded by one heavenly smell:
Tri-Tip BBQ!
If you want the smell of the OC fair without the crowd, go to the DTF Farmer's Market.
The church sells barbecued tri-tip (3 or 4 good sized slices) on a po-boy roll for $5. I got two for my son, and he downed them both in minutes.
Just past the tri-tip they have funnel cakes, hummus with pita chips, bratwurst on an open grill, sweet and savory crepes, a beer and wine garden (off the side of the museum), kettle corn, Mexican food (this booth had a line), and I'm not sure what else!
Except for this: I am very, very sure about the "Strictly Vegan Jamaican Cuisine" REGGAE WRAP. Nom.
As I stood waiting for my combo bowl and Reggae wrap, I saw at least ten people turn down free samples of the Reggae Wrap because it's vegan. That's all. They hear there's no meat, no animal protein, and they back away shaking their heads and wagging a finger, "Oh no, no meat? No no no."
I PROMISE you, you will not miss the meat.
But don't miss the opportunity to try well-prepared vegan food. I had a friend in NorCal cook vegan for me and my family for several months once. We were healthier, happier, more clear-minded than ever. And we forgot we were eating vegan. I'm serious as a fried pork chop.
Now, If you ask for the Reggae Wrap ($7), tell her, "Just do it special, like you do. With love," and stand back.
About 30 minutes to an hour after you eat vegan food prepared with reverence and love you will feel an overall body high. Try it.
They also sell water and two juices. I got the passion fruit ($3) which was delicious. They also had one called "cucumber boost," which i bet is amazing. I'll find out next week.
Oh, and if you like plantains, everything comes with a few pieces on the side and you can order side orders if you want more. These are plantains done right.
There's a center fountain with a water feature that is a magnet for the kids and park benches and picnic tables for families and seniors enjoying the dusk breeze. Overall, there was a very nice, eclectic mix of people.
To the side of the church, a band was setting up for later, probably around 7:00.
The market is open until 8:00, and the setting is idyllic.
Plus, if you don't find anything to take home or to whet your appetite there, Rutabegorz is always right around the corner.