A few weeks ago my Mother came to visit me for my birthday. Being that it was her first visit to San Francisco I wanted to make sure she and I both got our fill of tasty tid bits. The food centric mecca that I now call home, (I am originally from Chicago), has an amazing array of flavors that are sure to please any palate. Within a week of my Mom's visit we spanned the culinary globe and sampled Mexican, Greek, Lebanese, Vietnamese, Chinese, California, Southern, Italian, and local San Francisco seafood. My Mother was amazed at the variety and presence of so many dining establishments on any given city block. Along with the plethora of prepared food in San Francisco, there is also a huge availability of fresh foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, honey, cheese, bread and seafood. 
I enjoy going to to the farmer's markets in the Bay area. One market that I frequent is held at the historic Ferry Plaza. CUESA's market is held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and on weekends. Saturday is the day to see and be seen at the market. Locally grown produce, that is both sustainable and organic, are the highlight of CUESA's market. Heirloom varietals of stone fruits, tomatoes and squash made up a majority of the canvas of colors this past week at the numerous stalls. Along the inner corridors of the Terminal Building you can purchase wine, unique fungi, and even caviar. I know it sounds a bit posh, but hey, that's what I like about San Francisco. If you want things pretty and fancy you can have that. However, if you just want to get down to the nitty gritty of things, you can do that too!
So, when I think about getting back to basics, I go to the Alemany Farmer's market, which is the oldest public market in the Bay area. There are no frills or thrills here, just honest to goodness produce and an energy from people that is like no other. Families come here together to purchase goods and to enjoy breakfast from the numerous stalls. On the morning I went I enjoyed a huarache with chorizo and potatoes. Huaraches are made from fresh corn masa and cooked on a griddle, like a tortilla but thicker. Crispy with a toasty corn flavor and a bit spicy from salsa verde with tangy queso fresco and rich crema, the flavors took me back to the stalls of Mexico City when I used to visit as a child.
Along with the various produce stands, there are also vendors selling flowers, local honey, cheese and artisan products like handmade soaps and oils. The majority of the people that frequent the market are of Asian and Latin descent. The market is boisterous and busy, so be ready to make your way through the stalls and know what you're looking for. I picked up something new this time at the market. Jujube is a Chinese date. They are tan in color with a shiny skin, about the size of a small prune and have a tart-sweet apple flavor to them. The Alemany market has a vast array of Asian produce ranging from Chinese long beans, bitter melon, to various aromatics such as Thai basil, ginger and lemongrass. Mexican produce is abundant as well. Tomatillos, jalapenos, poblanos, cilantro, verdolagas and nopales are just a sample of what is available. Since the Bay bridge was closed for repairs over the Labor Day weekend, I hopped on BART and headed over to Oakland for a day of sun, live music and art. The Art and Soul Festival was a treat on my day off. I strolled the streets and enjoyed the soulful art displays, and took in some inspirational neo-soul music. As I enjoyed my lunch of fallafel, hummus and lentil salad, I let the sun shine on my face and my lungs fill with fresh air and said "Thank You" to God for all the many Blessings that I receive each and every day. I have been taking more time to be mindful of the Gifts that I have, but had just been too busy to acknowledge. I learned that when you live with an attitude of gratitude life is ALWAYS sweet. As summer comes to an end I want you all to enjoy your time with family and friends, take time to appreciate the little wonders in life and always be Blessed and well. Until next time take care!
Alex
The Food Diva 
My "Mod-Mex" recipes are making the rounds!!
Lucky does not begin to describe the way I feel about living in the Bay Area. Blessed is a more suitable word to truly express the way I feel about the abundance that surrounds me. Each day there is something new to taste, new art to see, new music to hear. Just around the corner, around the block, or across the bridge, I always find something that captures my attention, captivates my senses and stirs up a certain curiosity to find more, to fill my stomach, ease my heart and enrich my soul. Food is of course at the forefront of my many ventures. Being a chef, and a true foodie, I always look for something that speaks volumes to me about the people that grow it, produce it, cook it and purvey it. Food in all it's facets is wonderful. Raw, smoked, baked, fried, steamed, shared there is always something to eat and a new way to enjoy it and I make it my personal mission to do so!
