Farmers Market in San Jose

Had been to this Farmer’s market in San Jose on 24^th June. Most of the Farmers’ markets are held on weekends but this one is held every Wednesday evening. 

  One good thing about these markets is that you are assured of getting some good fresh food, and you also get to taste the product before buying them. 

Blenheim Apricots are grown mostly by small, local farmers, have a more complex flavour than other apricots. They have a tangy, thick flesh, yet their acid content is balanced beautifully by a high sugar content that rounds out the tartness. They have a pretty apricot colour with a rosy blush outside, but their flesh is richer and darker orange. It is perfect for preserves as well as for drying, in addition to being a treat to eat out of hand. 

I noticed that the vegetables too looked fresh and a little bigger than what you get in India. 

As the board says, no water, no sugar, straight from the farm. 

We picked up some Strawberries and Blackberries

There was a pretty long line for the “shave ice” Reminded me of the baraf ki gola that we used to have during our school days. 

A group of children from a learning centre. Good idea with the T-shirt. If a child is lost you know whom to call. 

There was an ice cream counter too. Got some cones from them and found that their scoops were generous. 

At the end of the line there was this grilled chicken truck which was served with chunks of roast potatoes. Good to have them hot.  

Compare this with a 1934 picture of a market in LA where some musicians kept everyone entertained.

  picture source

Talking of music, there was this lady who kept everyone happy with her guitar. I liked the way she plucked the guitar (you can see it in the video) While filming her I realised that she was actually blind. 

From the Archives Santana Row Part One

Nothing like observing people playing chess. I am talking about adults as well as children. 

It was nice to see these kids making the right moves, and not engaged in some electronic games indoor.    

While I was watching them play, she really knocked off his pawn with her horse (you can see it in the video)

These are some of the pictures and video footage that I had in my archives – some that I shot two years ago at Santana Row, San Jose, California.

I liked the general ambiance of the place with elderly couples having a relaxed evening 

The entrance to the Vintage Wine Bar caught my attention and I thought that I should click it. The next time I go there I must make it a point to go inside as I heard that their two for one flight/glass during Happy Hours is great. 

Liked the way the leaves decorated the  El Jardin Tequila Bar  

Almost all the tables were occupied and there was a group playing some calypso music   

I could not get what the crooners were singing but the beat was really catchy   

The crowd started trickling in and the attendants were all ready to start the heaters   

Not far from the Bar, our friends were engaged in their mental war of wits.  

 

As the lights came on, the crowd started swelling and people were jostling for standing space, but they were in a happy mood swaying to the rhythm of the music.  

The game went on under special lights 

The same night there was a special cycle rally that passed through Santana Row – more on that in the next episode.

Ethiopean food

This was the first time I was having Ethiopian food and I must say I was mighty impressed in the variety. Like their site says “come taste and enjoy”

Our friends took us to this place named Walia in San Jose, California. Even though we were late for lunch (as per the normal lunch time) I was surprised that we were served with some excellent and tasty food.

The guys who run the place were warm, friendly and informative.

As we waited for the main course to arrive nursing our drinks, I was observing the ambiance.

I liked the drawings that adorned the walls.

The Injera with mixed vegetables was what we ordered. It comes in a very big plate which was shared among five of us. The items that went into the plate were:

Vegetarian:

Misir Wot (red lentils)

Alicha Wot (split yellow peas)

Shiro (chick peas)

Gomen (collard greens)

Atkilit Wot (cabbage carrot)

As they added the items to the plate our eyes widened.

Poultry:

House Doro Wot (chicken stew)

Lamb:

Yebeg tibs (Lamb tibs)

The Injera is made by mixing Teff flour with water and allowing it to ferment for several days.  It is served in rolls. The brown coloured base that you see in the big plate is also Injera.
The Injera rolls kept coming and we polished them quick and clean.

The five of us made sure that we did justice to the food and this was what was left in the plate.

Joseph was kind enough to give me the list of delicious items that was spread out (reproduced above)
A good place to have food and if I ever visit San Jose again, my first stop will be Walia.

PS:
Mail from Mr Joseph of Walia :

Joe,

Thank you so much for the write up. I can't wait till i put the link or Facebook page. We are very excited. We hope to see you very soon.

Warm regards,

Joseph

Sent from my iPad