As we all know one of the most expensive parts about traveling is food. We all need it to survive, some of us believe its intrinsic to the experience of traveling. The best way I have found to combat the high cost of keeping feed while still feeling emotionally nourished is to find the best outdoor markets in whatever city I am in. Lucky for those who are fortunate enough to stay here at the tortoise we have a full service kitchen, full of spices, cookware, and dishes. We have a whole guest fridge and pantry that can be used for storing more than just your stash of booze.
So much for Rachel Rays $40 a day here's the Green Tortoise $24* a day.
So here's the three things you need to know.
1. The Farmers markets contain more that just amazing produce. A lot of the markets here also double as showcases for local artists and jewelers. They also have locally made fare such as fresh baked bread, fresh roasted coffee, and locally collected honey and cheeses.
2. The outdoor markets in San Francisco are also conveniently located next to all kinds of sight seeing goodness.
The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market is located in the Ferry Building at Market and Embarcadero. These people really have a way with names, I tell ya. The ferry building itself is a market all week long with lovely restaurants and bookshops, but on occasion the outdoor portion get its market on. These occasions are Tuesdays & Thursdays (the days we don't have free dinner) from 10am to 2pm, and Saturdays from 8am to 2pm. If its a holiday and you want to make sure that its still open go to www.cuesa.org
The Fillmore Farmers' Market is in...wait for it... Fillmore at O'Farrell. Genius naming once again. The Fillmore district is known for a few things. It is known for being a famous jazz district as well as a current music scene. It is also right next to Japan Town/Little Osaka. Two must see sights in San Francisco. Thus Market is every Saturday from 9am to 1pm. For more info go to www.pcfma.com
3. Those markets are excellent if you happen to be here on those days, however, a market that is here every day a week right out our front door is China Town open from sun up to sun down. The main drag of china town with the dragon gates is on Grant St. One street over is Stockton St. and that is where you will find some of the freshest produce and seafood. Not to mention a huge variety of awesome teas.
So happy shopping my merry travelers! And remember there is a free dinner every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Not to mention a free breakfast every morning, all you need to do is fill in the blanks.
*Green Tortoise does not make any promises on how much you will spend on food in San Francisco.
