I love visiting other countries and seeing what they have in their markets. I’m not sure if I would classify this as a farmers market, but there was a good combination of meats and fresh vegetables. Singapore has so many cultures coming together to form some of the most amazing food I’ve ever had, a strong Chinese influence mixed with Indian and Thai. Whenever we would go to a restaurant I would tell our guide, who was helping teach the food styling class, just order whatever and I’ll eat it. That didn’t always work to my advantage but I will say that I ate a lot of what I may never have been brave enough to try otherwise. I don’t think I had a bad meal while I was there.
The wet markets had so much to offer if you were adventurous, very adventurous! The offerings had quite a range from chicken, mostly like you would find in the States, to skinned sheep heads. I recognized most of the fruits and vegetables but some, as you will see in the pictures, didn’t seem familiar to me at all. There is very little refrigeration at the market. Some things that I refrigerate in the States never get it in Singapore, such as eggs. Also very few city and state regulations like we see in the States.

Going to markets in other countries is my number one way of getting to know the people.  There is an endless supply of things to watch as you stroll through the markets.  Most of the vendors will give you samples of their fruits and vegetables.  If you speak the language its a great way to learn some more of the culture.  I highly recommend this if you are visiting a new place this summer, even if its in the States.

Heather

 

Recently I had the pleasure of going to one of my favorite cities in the US, San Francisco.  Maybe this is where my love of food started as I graduated from high school north of the city in wine country and most of my life has been spent in the food and wine belt of California.  There was always fresh vegetables and fruit visiting Grandpa and Grandma.  We would drive into the city for ball games and shopping, of course.  I know I’m not the only one that this applies to, but I did not appreciate all the wonder this city had to offer until I started visiting it for business about 5 years ago.   One of my favorite places in the city is the Ferry Building.  If you love food and want to have everything in small doses at your finger tips, go here first.  From seafood to fresh vegetables to local meats and cheeses this place has it all.

If you go on Saturday you can also catch the farmers market.  Farmers from all over this wonderful bay area have brought their wares to offer you.  Go a little hungry since a lot of the vendors have samples to offer.

For me the spring time in San Francisco is the best time in my opinion to visit.  A tour of Chinatown is a must.  There are many food walking tours available for you to take.  I like to just walk the city and ‘discover’ great little places on my own.  I found a place that makes fortune cookies the old fashioned way.  Samples are given out and they are the best I’ve ever had!    If you go do a search about what farmer’s markets are open.  There are many throughout the city.  A great resource for local food is Edible San Francisco.  (Edible Phoenix is a great local resource here in the valley.)  I would love to hear about your favorite places in the city if  you have visited.  I had the pleasure of having dinner at the Zuni Cafe with friends.   There are so many great restaurants and so little time.  Don’t even get me started on side trips to wine country!

Heather

There was something for everyone of all ages at this final event of this week’s 2012 Scottsdale Culinary Festival.  It was the hottest weekend on record for this year in Arizona, but that didn’t stop the crowds of people from showing up and enjoying what our local restaurants and chefs have to offer the valley.  If you are new to the valley, and want to see a lot of restaurants in a short amount of time, this is the place to do it.  Each booth offered a small sampling of what their much larger menu has to offer, just enough to entice you to come enjoy their hospitality for a longer amount of time.

The food ran the gambit from cheesecake to tacos and guacamole.  The celebrities of Great Arizona Picnic were Andrew Zimmern of Bizarre Foods and Adam Richman of Man v. Food Nation, both on  Travel Channel.

There were also plenty of opportunities to cool off with the Skyy Bar presented by Skyy Vodka and the Tequila Experience.  Nothing better than a cold margarita to help you cool off on the 100 degree days.  Also on the weekend’s list of activities were Courtside Culinary NBA stars and the Larry O’Brien Trophy for picture taking opportunities.  Johnsonville was serving up their world famous brats on the Big Taste Grill, and a few of the Valley’s food trucks were on hand as well.

There was no shortage of entertainment with some great bands on 2 stages, and of course all the people watching.  If you haven’t been to the Scottsdale Culinary Festival, its too late this year, but there’s always next year!  Enjoy the pictures from the Great Arizona Picnic.

Heather