Under the Bridge

I’m on the Greyhound bus returning to NYC after a weekend visiting family in Baltimore. It’s Mother’s Day, so we had a family brunch. An average but overpriced brunch at the Sheraton Hotel. It’s hard to do a good buffet because so much food must be out at one time. Quantity overcomes quality. I would have been happy eating at the Baltimore Farmer’s Market located under the expressway. It’s great! They have wonderful coffees for a buck, a guy who makes mini donuts (5 for a buck) and my favorite, the guy who makes kettle corn in a real copper kettle! I’m annoying the guy sitting next to me with the snack’s fragrance and crunch as I dip into my bag right now. My mom says it’s like the popcorn in Korea, a little bit salty, a little bit sweet.

I love the Baltimore Farmer’s Market because they incorporate food vendors with the usual vegetable harvest. Granted, the donuts and popcorn are a little street fair-ish, but I don’t care. I read about one of the San Francisco Farmer’s markets in the NY Times and how some people can’t stand the tourists. Tourists are annoying, but they bring in money. I love to spend money at the Baltimore Farmer’s Market. So does my mom. She balked at the flower prices compared to Home Depot, but I reminded her that when you buy from a farmer, you’re helping to support local farmers. She spent part of her childhood on a farm with her grandmother, so she could appreciate that. Consequently, she can’t pass over a good bargain and bought a huge bag of kale for just 99 cents a pound.

Some of the delicious foods at the BFM include a family that sells omelets made to order with a side of hash browns for 5 bucks. Across the way, the mushroom lady sells what else, mushrooms as well as delicious mushroom chili that sells out almost immediately, smoky grilled Portobello pita sandwiches and fried oyster mushrooms. There’s another great southern vendor who sells all kinds of smoked meats —huge turkey legs, thick slices of bacon, ham hocks and amazing cheddar cheese. My almost 3 year old nephew gobbled up the samples. I’ll take some pictures of this fabulous spot in about 2 weeks when I go back to Baltimore for his birthday.

To look up a farmer’s market in your town, go to http://www.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets