Shoutout to the old guy at the Original Farmers Market who told me about the bread

I was at the market maybe five years back, just looking for a quick lunch. This older man, maybe in his 70s, was working the counter at a little stall that sold sandwiches. I ordered something simple, and he asked if I wanted it on their rye. I said sure. While he was making it, he just started talking. He said, 'You know, we get this rye from the same bakery on Fairfax that's been doing it since '48. The new place down the street uses the same oven, but they don't steam the loaves right. Makes all the difference.' He handed me the sandwich and it was the best I'd ever had from there. It wasn't a sales pitch, it was just him knowing his stuff. I think about that every time I see a new 'artisan' spot open up. Makes you wonder what other little details get lost. Has anyone else had a vendor share a small tip like that that just stuck with you?

2 comments

2 Comments

lisa_grant1mo ago

My buddy had a similar thing happen at a fish market up north. The guy behind the counter saw him looking at the salmon and just said, "Don't get the filets today, get the steaks. They cut the filets from a bigger fish this morning, but the steaks are from a smaller, wild catch. More flavor." He bought the steaks and said it was the best fish he ever cooked. That kind of quiet knowledge is everything. Those little tips are pure gold when you find them.

nora5351mo ago

Ever have that with a cheese shop? The lady once told me to let my brie sit out for an hour before a party, said the flavor totally wakes up. Changed my whole snack game.