52nd City

It's Easy, Being Green

If one makes enough purchases at the Soulard Farmer’s Market, it quickly becomes clear which vendors sell legitimate produce and which purveyors routinely pawn strawberries that will be wearing fur coats the next day.

I shop at the first outdoor stall on the most downtown side of the market. I like it because the cute little guy who works it makes eyes at me and I’ve never purchased less than absolutely fresh produce from him. Sweet plums and juicy citrus are found here.

My other favorite vendor does not flirt with me and has the disadvantage of being lumped anonymously in the northeast corridor. He is also challenged with having a certain unremarkable look. Denim jacket, bushy mustache and weatherworn face like most of the men hawking termaters down there. It matters not, as this generic dude has what I want most: avocados. He sells them in a plastic bag lined little wooden bucket and I usually get 7-10 soft ones for just a few bucks.

My main man Carlos, an authentic Mexican-American (with an accent and everything!) schooled me on guacamole making. The recipe, one bushel o’ avocados and a bag of gold tortilla chips is all I need to get through the weekend. Blender and tequila optional.

As mentioned previously, there are those from whom I wouldn't buy an onion. I consider knowing who to avoid a perk to urban living and leave patronage of those sellers to chain grocery store shoppers who know no better.