a word on markets

one of the joys of being in such close proximity to a handful of farmer's markets is that you get to be a self-proclaimed critic of food in its freshest, most raw form. on saturday, i ventured to the santa monica market, which of course was packed with the steadfast shoppers and their lists of ingredients. i didn't have the intention of buying anything in particular. whatever caught my eye - that's all. now when i shop, i examine. i do a run-through of the strip. size. color. texture. it all matters. i love tasting the samples...a preview for the tastebuds. so up and down we go (me and mama) until i spot the perfect oranges. heavy for their size? yes. slightly thin peel and smooth surface? yes and yes. four oranges and a dollar later, we had the ultimate sweet, juicy, dripping-down-your-arm-but-it-doesn't-matter experience. that heedful eye was worth it.

this morning, i did my weekly sunday visit to the brentwood market. the smaller crowds give me a chance to chat with the growers and ask which bunch of carrots would be sweetest, where should the red potatoes be stored to extend life, are the dried cherries pitted? although i enjoy my lessons, i love being the food critic even more. again, my attention was drawn to the oranges. however, as perfect as they looked, they just didn't match up to the trembling-at-the-knees experience at the santa monica market. but i didn't let that bring me down. i was motivated. some carrots, onions, and a lemon later, the apples were beckoning. i did my taste test before buying. too tart. nothing special. ho hum. then wow! just perfect! this pink lady is THE one. crisp, sweet, fragrant...everything a lady should be. 


at the end of the day, i understand that not every market will be the same. and thank goodness for that. sure, i might not get that apple or orange experience every time, but i think it's the spirit - that freedom - of being attentive to the foods around us that makes any day at the market a special one. the hint of soil and the unintended spot give the impression that they're not hiding anything. REAL. and isn't that just what a food critic wants?