Sitting on a shaded picnic bench last Saturday, I happily dug into my Boulder County Farmers Market favorite: a fiery plate of Amaizing Corn Tamales with green chile sauce. It’s been on the market menu for more than 35 years, according to owner Richard Convertito.
A gentle breeze wafted fat-slicked wood-smoke goodness my way from the nearby Rang Tang BBQ truck. The essence of pulled pork melded with the blossoming rose perfume from the patio garden next door at the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse. All around me, adults were laughing and kids were giggling.
Sometimes you are gifted with one of those rare moments of only-in-Boulder blissful gratitude. Perusing the ready-to-eat options at the food court and the booths, it seemed obvious that the Boulder Farmers Market is one of the best destinations to enjoy an al fresco brunch.
There are two paths a market-goer can choose for brunch at the Saturday Market: dining in the food court or nibbling a picnic of artisan treats on a blanket in sunny Central Park.
I’ve always enjoyed the filled masa corn patties from Pupusas Familia, banh mi sandwiches at Savory Saigon and traditional breakfast at The Orange Tent. Tacos Del Norte dishes spot-on street tacos, and Rang Tang’s ribs with mac-n-cheese are my comfort go-to dishes. Casa Crobu offers a mini-calzone, and where else but this market can you dig into a bowl of savory breakfast rice and eggs like the ones Rice & Shine Paella serves from its giant flat pans?
Walking by this year’s booths along 13th Street was revelation: We Boulder market regulars are terribly spoiled. We take for granted the all-star roster of award-winning vendors that we get to visit.
To assemble a picnic brunch, I’d start by choosing from a lineup of artisan bread bakers we will not find together at any supermarket. Pick a loaf from Breadworks, Dry Storage, Izzio Artisan Bakery or Hävenly’s gluten-free breads. Don’t miss the amazing 47 Bakery pretzels or Bruna’s Brazilian Cheese Bread. This market is a true carb lover’s heaven.
Next, pick up some first-class Colorado cheddar and cured salami from Colorado Farmhouse Cheese Company and Il Porcellino Salumi. To complete your fresh sandwich or charcuterie board, grab some greens, tomatoes and fruit from Black Cat Farm, Toohey & Sons, MASA or any of the other strictly local farms.
I like to dip crusty bread in either floral Boulder Valley Honey or extra virgin olive oil from the Healthy Harvest booth. It’s easy to amp up the flavor with Green Belly hot sauce, and Mountain Girl crunchy garlic dill pickles are an addictive must.
The market’s expansive cooling beverage options range from MOR Kombucha to Silver Canyon cold brew.
Dessert is challenging, but only because of the choices you’ll be forced into: Hinman fruit hand pies or Moon Raccoon’s superb buttery pastries? On this first visit of the season, my finale was a scoop of Best One Yet vegan ice cream.
Boulder Farmers Market, 3:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, 13th Street & Canyon Blvd. More info: bcfm.org/markets/boulder-farmers-market
Break out of the Boulder bubble at farmers markets throughout the county
Longmont, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Road. More info: bcfm.org/markets/longmont-farmers-market
Louisville, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, 824 Front St. More info: realfarmersmarketco.com/louisville-farmers-market
Lafayette, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays, two blocks on Public Road between Cleveland Street and Geneseo Street. More info: lafayettefm.com
Erie, 5-8 p.m. Thursdays, Briggs Street between Wells and Moffatt. More info: realfarmersmarketco.com/erie-farmers-market
Nederland, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every other Sunday, 80 E. 2nd St. and 85 E. 1st St. More info:
nederlandfarmersmarket.org