Whenever I think of Rome, I don't think of the Vatican or the Colesseum or anything else that might spring to most people's minds. I think back to when I was eight years old, on my second of what would be three trips (so far) to the Eternal City.
My most vivid memory is walking out of the convent hotel on the Piazza Farnese, through a narrow cobblestone street, passing the bakery with the to-die-for chocolate eclairs, and suddenly entering the wide and colorful Campo di Fiori.
Resplendent with colored awnings shading stalls, it is a stunning and intoxicating Farmer's Market. The flowers, the fruit, the vegetables, the nuts, the honey, make the Campo di Fiori the peacock of the city. My dream is to take my children to Rome someday, and I often browse apartment rental sites, always searching for something on the Campo.
Last year in Boston, I encountered a city market that bore the closet domestic resemblance to the Campo that I have ever seen. Lancaster, Pennsylvania's market brought its own German touch and I always looked forward to the pot pie and the apple dumplings that could be found there.
This morning, I attended the Pearl Farmer's Market for the first time. While it's not quite a rival for the Italian one, it is by far the best market that I have seen in San Antonio. Located alongside Highway 281 and encompassed by the reclaimed and restored industrial setting of Pearl Brewery, this market brings life and color into the space.
Immediately I bought Dandy Tangerines, was tempted by purple cauliflower, and inhaled the scent of the handmade lavender/lemon soaps. I purchased olive oil that was so fresh that it was bottled just last week at Sandy Oaks Olive Orchard near Elmendorf. I was warmed by the hot chocolate. And, I got to surprise my husband with some delicious bison jerky.
Prices were almost all better than what I would find at HEB, and I was buying directly from the growers. The granola crowd was all out, dogs in tow, and it felt like a special community waiting to invite me in.
Held every Saturday at 9am, the Pearl Farmer's Market often features cooking demonstrations from area chefs, is a stone's throw from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, and just steps from the Riverwalk.
Today, the market featured a holiday addition - there were stalls with jewelry markers, fabric painters, a glass blower, and live music. Last month, the Annual Herb Festival was moved to this location, and no doubt many other events will enhance the market throughout the year.
However, whether there is a special event planned or not, the Pearl Farmer's Market is special all on its own, and well worth a visit. Or several.
Pearl Farmer's Market
200 East Grayson
San Antonio, TX 78215
