Farmers' markets offer a taste of culture amidst the food

By Kristina Chiapella

If you're interested in something within walking distance that will spice up your Saturday morning, set the alarm to some time before noon and head to Franklin Square on Jackson Street between Homestead and Benton.

From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., stalls lining the street are piled with an array of organic produce, flowers, baked goods, crafts and jewelry.

Our dinky local Safeway cannot compare with the heaps of Fuji apples and ripe strawberries you will find in Franklin Square, and the bright patches of potted blooms and exotic orchids could put a florist to shame.

The locals of Santa Clara come out on these low-key weekend mornings, strolling the street with children and shopping bags in tow.

As you browse the 20 or so stands, you can hear the soothing sound of a man playing South American pipes in the background, punctuated by the sound of children's laughter as a little girl and boy dance in front of the square's fountain.

Walking in, a man behind a sign proclaiming "Afghan and Italian Gourmet Food" holds out a sample of something nameless, spicy and inexplicably good.

You might be offered a bite of some Indian curry concoction or catch a tantalizing whiff of the blintzes (crepes) cooking at Nina's Kitchen, a company from Watsonville that does a roaring trade in vegetarian and vegan Russian cuisine.

"We're here every weekend," confirms the motherly Russian shopkeeper, as she waves at their impressive smorgasbord of muffins, Russian tea cakes and other unrecognizable but appetizing treats.

The Franklin Square market's close location and relaxed atmosphere make it an ideal Saturday morning destination.

The eclectic mix of foreign tastes and traditional favorites guarantees that you won't be returning to campus hungry for a Benson lunch.

If you're up for a short bus or car ride on Sunday, Santana Row also boasts a weekly farmer's market that is definitely worth the trip.

Beginning at 10 a.m. and going until 3 in the afternoon, the Row is a happening place between Olsen Drive and Olin Avenue.

The posh shopping area is crowded with people sampling everything from honey hand crème to a variety of Santa Fe tortillas.

Almost twice as big as the market at Franklin Square, this market has a larger selection of vegetables and pastries and more specialty venues like Top Nosh hot pies, an assortment of olive oils and even a seafood stand.

There is an energetic and festive feel to the morning, and balloons drift through the air along with the sweet smell of kettle corn.

A harpist plays on the corner, and someone blows a cloud of bubbles into the air in front of Simply Fine Desserts, where Rachel Kalauokalani stands behind a table of heavenly looking cakes with her husband, Carl.

"We've only been here about a month," Rachel said, "but we really like the mix of people and the exposure to generate new business."

"Santana Row has a great environment," Carl adds. "In the summer there's more vendors that want to be here, and I think they're going to open up the other side of the street on the first weekend in June."

The market's other wares include flowers, purses, beeswax products and jewelry.

In one spot, a mountain of strawberries and oranges vie for attention with the savory scent of hot tamales.

Somewhere else, a woman sits behind a table advertising handwriting analysis and face painting.

"All fresh-made this morning!" pipes a young girl behind the counter of Alonso Baking and Foods, where an array of baked goods and focaccia bread pizzas crowd a long table.

A worthwhile morning could be spent munching on one of their flaky apricot pastries as you wander around and continue with a day of shopping at Santa Row and Valley Fair.

So whether you want to walk or ride ten minutes to one of these farmers' markets, both have a unique atmosphere and a collection of food and products that are sure to perk up a dull weekend routine.

Contact Kristina Chiapella at (408) 551-1918 or kchiapella@scu.edu.