sunflowers, dahlias, gladiolus, and other farm fresh faves to bring summer to the dinner table. A fresh bunch of lemon g
. . . t a g n i n n a l Meal p
From snack-sized fresh fruit cups, colorful smoothies, Olde Tyme kettle corn, and even vegetarian and vegan wraps from Rappit Up!—there was a little something for
THE MARKET ON KERN Farmers Markets w/ Friends 02
everyone walking through. Casa de Tamales, a local favorite, popped up a tent at the far end of the market, and the line for their homemade tamales was one of the longest to be seen.
So, what did I do with all of this gorgeous food around me? I thought of the ideal farmers market (easy) summertime dinner. Sure, this downtown market is a great place to grab a working lunch—a veggie wrap, bag of balsamic vinegar beet chips from Kerman’s Kloster Company, and a smoothie, perhaps. But I thought ahead to dinnertime happiness in my home: half a dozen tamales from Casa de Tamales, baskets of fresh strawberries grown on Chay’s Farms in Watsonville,
Amidst the cityscape of downtown Fresno sits a weekly farmers market that is all a-buzz midweek. The Market on Kern is a true downtown destination where fresh produce, homemade snacks and lunch bites line the street.
The Market on Kern runs from April through October, every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Kern Street, between N and M streets—just a cherry toss from the Convention Center.
and a box of homemade crispy corn nuts from Munch n’ Grub—perfect for the littles that come in and out of my kitchen all summer long (be careful, they’re addicting!). Dessert would be ice cream with raw local honey drizzle compliments of Hinkle’s Honey.
A couple of bouquets of locally grown sunflowers would finish off my dinner table perfectly, and two bouquets for only $10 was making me smile. Fresno’s own GT Florists and Herbs had a lovely table spread of sunflowers, dahlias, gladiolus, and other farm fresh faves
I parked my car in metered street parking, adjacent from the recently remodeled (and truly gorgeous!) Galleria Mall, but found I was the odd man out with all of the pedestrians walking to and from their downtown offices
to bring summer to the dinner table. A fresh bunch of lemon grass, parsley and green onion went for only $1 a bundle, so I would gladly add that to the list for another dinner.
to this great farmers market. I couldn’t help but be a bit envious of their idyllic Wednesday afternoon ritual. It felt like a little hidden gem, tucked away in between tall buildings and oversized fountains.
Bringing a farmers market dinner into my home is not only easy but has a special feeling to it—all of this food grown, prepared, and wrapped up with care by Central Valley locals. For a few fresh items, a healthy midweek
Even from afar, I could see the vibrant summer colors of juicy tomatoes, gorgeously ripened Valley strawberries,
lunch break, or an entire dinner planned, The Market on Kern is not to be missed!
and perfectly violet blueberries, all hinting at their sweet flavors. This spread of fresh produce is, of course, the scene at most Valley farmers markets. What struck me about The Market on Kern was the variety of freshly made meal options.
WORDS:
HOLLY CLINARD CHART:
ART BY ELOWYN
