IT WAS more rain than shine on the fourth of July at our exciting weekend destination. The Negros Farmers Weekend Market along Magsaysay Avenue that opens only on Saturdays and Sundays was ready for the weekend crowd despite the heavy blessing from the sky.
It was business as usual for the now familiar faces behind the stalls at the wet market area that offer fresh produce from organic and conventional farms. Friendly faces can also be seen at the food court where the action really is.
This is where we pick what we want to eat or drink from among the several stalls, choose our table and sit down with friends and family. Having breakfast, brunch or lunch at the Farmers Market is always a pleasurable affair. There are the good old-fashioned Negrense dishes at the Buro-Buro stall and also another one that sells ready-packed viands four booths away.
Quenching one’s thirst will not be a problem. From sugarcane juice to healthy powdered juices from Daily Apple (roselle, turmeric, etc.) to the delightful and refreshing mixed fruit juices just at the table across (which also sells halo-halo despite the chill), to delicious bottled cold-pressed vegetable and fruit mixes near the center.
The market has also acquired an international flavor. The pioneering Japanese stalls by the two Japanese nationals (and OISCA) have now been joined by the Spanish table, and Xin Chao, this branch of Vietnamese food manned by girls in red.
You certainly won’t miss this one – the lighted up sign catches your attention and leads your gaze towards the baguettes neatly lined up waiting to be turned into banh mi. The Spanish table is owned by the Casals family from Barcelona. They sell paella and torta de patatas. Son muy bien tambien!
Farther down a few steps is the table that sells very good beef slider. I had their carrot cake with cream cheese frosting which was superb. I also heard that the chocolate cake and espresso cake are fantastic! The latter was out of stock because someone bought the whole thing. I’ll never forgive her. (Crimes against the appetite are always committed by the female sex.)
To soothe any ruffled feathers or the savage beast, some young and talented musicians will share their abilities to the diners by playing classical or contemporary music on the guitar, the violin, the organ, and even the cello! Imagine classical music performed live at a market! Just don’t forget to dip into your pocketbook and drop a monetary token to show your profound appreciation.
Thank you very much and enjoy your weekend at the Farmers Market.