30 miles is quite a distance to travel to a farmers' market, but the once a month market in the parking lot of Zion Market on Clairemont Mesa Blvd. is worth the drive. Ron kept asking me why we were traveling all that distance to a farmers' market. His question was answered as soon as we arrived. A trip to the market on a Saturday night is a happening. We were there on opening night, along with maybe 5,000 other people. Music, dancing, food, and retail vendors filled the parking lot, along with row upon row of traditional market items, like fruits and vegetables.
We began the evening by parking two blocks away. The parking lot was completely filled, and we were lucky to find a space in a strip center two blocks away. Our first stop was a visit to Zion Market, the first major Korean market in San Diego. It is huge, and wonderful. Prices on fruits and vegetables and fish are particularly enticing. I bought a few Japanese persimmons last night, and a box of already prepared rice with curry sauce. There are many items I've never seen before, many fish in sauces that look so hot I'd never eat them, and kimchee. Kimchee is a staple of the Korean diet. It's a mixture of cabbage, spices and garlic, and it's HOT. Zion Market had huge vats of the stuff for sale, and the locals were buying them like hotcakes. Also inside the market are numerous small quick serve restaurants. Vietnamese, Fried Chicken, French Bakery and Korean BBQ are all there. Next time I go I'll stay for lunch at one of the restaurants.
After visiting the market, we ventured into the parking lot, which was all abuzz. Live music, dancing and lots of food booths made it a very lively place. Families were enjoying shopping together, eating together and socializing with friends. Grilled octopus on a stick was a popular favorite, as was a deep fried cut apple with cinnamon and sugar. A boba tea shop was very popular, with patrons waiting up to 20 minutes for a cold tea drink with boba. (little tapioca beads). These shops have been so popular in LA for at least 10 years, and they're just coming to San Diego. The boba drinks are delicious, and you can find them in Korean and Vietnamese restaurants.
We ended up eating dinner at China Max, as our friends Paula and Michael love the Peking Duck there. We loved our dinner too. I had not had Peking Duck in years, but tried one on a pancake with hoisin sauce. Delicious. Although Ron and Michael really didn't understand why we liked this market so much, they went with a good spirit, and when all was said and done, really enjoyed the evening. It's great fun (for me anyway) to try new things, experience different cultures and eat new foods. I'll happily drive 30 miles for a great experience.
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