San Francisco is known for its diverse culture and special scenic views. One place to get it all at once is the San Francisco Ferry Building on the Embarcadero, at the Foodwise Farmers market. Ryan Hunter Bluestone says, here you’ll enjoy a variety of foods and cuisines, views of the Bay and the Bay Bridge while seeing bits of San Francisco’s history, and music and arts.
1. Roli Roti: Ryan Hunter Bluestone says this is THE place to be. When first approaching the Ferry building you’ll be greeted with a huge line, fun music, and delectable smells of rotisserie porchetta and chicken. These exquisite meats are flame-grilled over a bed of Yukon gold potatoes. Customers wait in lines of 50+ people- rain or shine – for their gourmet sandwiches served on ciabatta and covered with fresh arugula. Ryan Bluestone believes this is a place everyone has to try at least once, and challenges you not to find yourself going back to time and time again.
2. Wise Sons Jewish Delicatessen: Known for their pastrami and bagel sandwiches – this is one of Ryan Hunter Bluestone’s Saturday morning staples. There is usually a crowd of people waiting but it goes by quickly. With a large variety of bagels, schmears, and meats this place will bring you joy and a full belly. Wise Sons has gluten-free bagels at their brick-and-mortar locations. Most Saturdays, a sandwich from Wise Sons is the first item to make it into in Ryan Hunter Bluestone’s reusable canvas grocery bag.
3. The Farmer’s Wife: Sonoma county’s finest handmade grilled cheeses. Ryan Hunter Bluestone is continuously amazed by the variety of gourmet grilled cheeses found at the Farmer’s Wife. These sandwiches are innovative, yet have the classic and cozy taste you expect from one of the best comfort foods ever. It makes these sandwiches all the more enticing. Ryan Bluestone insists that this stop should be at the top of your list.
4. Mango Say Mango: When looking for something refreshing on a sunny day, or looking for some sunshine when it’s a rainy one, Ryan Hunter Bluestone shares you can always count on Sierra from Mango Say Mango. Her motto is “everything mango” and at her stand, you’ll get exactly that. Though the selections are slim, it makes picking what you want that much easier- and never fails. Ryan Hunter Bluestone says that the friendly faces at Mango Say Mango are always eager to help you customize your order and will even sell you just the delicious mangos alone. While Ryan Hunter Bluestone usually leaves with a mango or two in hand for the week, he also likes to enjoy Mango Say Mango’s mango smoothie with their famous Tajin rim. Ryan Bluestone says he’s the mango sticky buns are next on his list. You can check talso hem out on Instagram @mangosaymango
5. Proyecto Diaz Coffee: Ryan Hunter Bluestone might not be the biggest coffee drinker, but he is always down to stand in the line at Proyecto Diaz Coffee. They are known for their bizarre yet delicious Lemonade Cold Brew. Ryan Hunter Bluestone had to try it when he heard about this unusual combination and it did not disappoint. Ryan Hunter Bluestone describes it as a close cousin to an Arnold Palmer and enjoys how the sweet and sour of the lemonade perfectly pairs and offsets the bitterness of the coffee. Ryan Hunter Bluestone visits regularly for the unique seasonal drinks and all the dairy replacements one could ask for. On top of all this, Ryan Bluestone shares that the staff is really kind and super cool. Just watching the Proyecto team work together is entertaining – the culture is like that of a family as they all are working together to satisfy the busy lines.
6. Maison Mico: One of the best French pastry stands in the market. Ryan Hunter Bluestone likes to go early to the farmers market for this stand-alone; the reason being they sell out quickly. You’ll find different and fresh offerings each week. While it may seem simple, it is anything but, Ryan’s favorite is their classic croissant.
7. Flying Disc Ranch: Boasts one of the most diverse selections of Dates you will find at the Foodwise Farmers Market. Ryan Hunter Bluestone shares that you will be able to find types of dates you never knew existed and textures and flavors you never knew were possible. Ryan Hunter Bluestone says exploring the different options is an experience all its own. You can try the dates and buy them in half or full pounds and they are worth every penny.
8. All the traditional farmers market stands: At the Foodwise Farmers Market you’ll get an impressive selection of the most diverse fruits, veggies, meats, eggs, dairy, non-dairy, flowers, juices, nuts, wines, and more. Ryan Hunter Bluestone says he’s been introduced to the most interesting vegetables he’s ever seen and had the best meat from this market. Don’t forget to peruse the front side of the market which is filled with fruit samples for you to try.
All in all, the Foodwise farmers market is a must. As you shop you’ll get a beautiful view of the Bay and the bridge. Ryan Hunter Bluestone loves that there are always people playing instruments in the back corner that bring so much life to the weekly occurrence. With history sewn into the ferry building, seeing ships coming and going- it’s a true SF experience. Ryan Hunter Bluestone loves to walk inside the building to see the shops open daily as well. The whole interior of the building was alive with the excitement of new things for people to see. Ryan Hunter Bluestone explains as you walk in the front of the building you’ll see more musicians and artists selling their jewelry and artwork, singing, and people with smiles on their faces. A Saturday morning spent at the Foodwise Farmers Market is a Saturday morning well spent in Ryan Hunter Bluestone’s book.
