shopping – Kathleen Maca

When I’m traveling, I often seek out local farmer’s markets – not only for affordable, fresh food, but also to get a taste of local culture. Especially when visiting other countries, travelers can find adventures-for-the-tastebuds they won’t find at home.

But when you live in the fourth largest city in the U.S., there are a lot of markets to explore even when you aren’t on vacation! So this morning I set out on a local food adventure.

I guarantee you that I didn’t come home from my visit to the Houston Farmer’s Market this morning empty-handed! It had its beginnings in 1942 and is the city’s oldest and largest farmers market.

There’s no shortage of herbs and spices…and more types of mole than you can shake an enchildada at!

Tropical fruit lovers are going to be in heaven the minute they step foot in the market…and that group includes me! One sample bite of the sweet pineapples and I was “sold!”

Be a bit adventurous when you visit local markets, and try something new! If you come across a fruit (or anything else) that you can’t identify, ask questions. Vendors are happy to explain what things are, how to prepare them, and sometimes even offer a free taste.

Every trip should send you home with at least one “never had this before” item.

Removing needles from prickly pear cactus.

A handful of permanent shops are in the complex as well, including Shop Local, The Egg House, RC Ranch Craft Meats and Crawfish and Noodles restaurant. Shop Local is a group of vendors that sell a variety of items from vintage clothes to stickers. The Egg House sells everything breakfast-related, including country sausage, bacon jams, local honey, and …of course…fresh eggs. RC Ranch Craft Meats butcher shop deals in Texas-raised Wagya beef and Heritage pork as well as other meats from partner ranchers.

There are definitely more vendors on the weekends than during the week, but there’s always something fresh and delicious to find.

You can even purchase cookware, pottery, plants, candy, piñatas and toys from south of the border.

And if you just don’t think you can wait to get home to enjoy something yummy, there are cute tables and chairs in shaded spots where you can enjoy freshly prepared offerings. It’s a fun place to go with friends, your spouse, or a great outing for the kids.

LOCATION: 2520 Airline Drive, Houston, Texas

HOURS: Open every day year-round except for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

GOOD TO KNOW: Bring cash, as it is the only form of payment many vendors accept.

PARKING: Free parking. Enter the lot enter off of Airline Drive or two entrances off Service Street. Lots are interconnected for ease of access.

WHAT TO BRING: Lightweight shopping totes or small cart, and a cooler in your car for items that will need to stay cool on the way home.

WHAT TO WEAR: The shopping area is covered and has, which are big advantages in the Texas summer, but the market is still technically outdoors. Dress comfortably for whatever the outside temperature is during summer or winter. Walking shoes.

RESTROOMS: Clean and family-friendly.

Information is correct as of date of publishing.

Did you say pie? Well, I don’t mind if I do! (And who could resist these smiling faces even if you tried?)

At the Lost Maples Cafe in Utopia food is the first order of business, but the friendly, fun ambiance definitely makes it a favorite with tourists and regulars. The decor is country tongue-in-cheek, but the welcoming atmosphere is genuine.

You know how I love historic buildings, and this one definitely comes with a colorful story. Built before 1904, it has served as a Masonic Lodge, a doctor’s office, a drug store and a classroom. The cafe has been serving up Texas-sized roadhouse fare here since 1986.

Grab a table when you arrive and – if you’re in the mood – prop this sign on your table to invite some chatty company to sit a spell with you.

At any given time of day the tables surrounding yours are likely to be serving a combination of ranchers, leather-clad bikers, tourists and church ladies. It feels like a wonderful combination of community center and diner.

Since it was a slightly chilly night when we visited, my friend and I ordered a patty melt and a BLT sandwich. Thumbs up to both, but what I really had my eye on was the pie safe.

Deciding which slice to order was one of the biggest challenges of the day (these things are important, ya know!), and I finally decided on fudge pecan. The choco-holic in me was definitely not disappointed! The portions are overly generous (if that’s possible), and if you’re a fan of meringue pie you’ll especially fall for the mile-high toppings.

While we were there we visited with a handful of the locals who went from table to table visiting friends and sharing the latest local news. We also heard one of the adorable waitresses exclaim what a busy night it had been with five to go orders to prepare.

Yes, things really do stroll along at a slower pace in Utopia, and thank heaven they do.

If you’re staying in the area of Vanderpool or Utopia, you’ll need to remember this cafe out of necessity as well since it’s pretty much the only “real” restaurant around, and stays open past 5:00 p.m. when the streets “roll up” in the area.

If the photos of this cute little cafe look a bit familiar, it’s probably because you saw it in the movie “Seven Days in Utopia,” starring Robert Duvall. As neat as that is though, its enduring fame will be for the tasty food rather than its acquaintance with Hollywood.

And what to do after you stuff yourself with all of this goodness? Well, just waddle across the street to Sarah’s Utopia, a charming gift shop with an equally charming proprietress.

I dare you to go in there without leaving with a bag of cute items and a smile on your face. Pun-ny sayings on signs and dish towels, yummy smelling candles, seasonal decorations, yard art, and . . . well, take my word for it and stop in. This is one adorable shop.

Tag: shopping

Houston Farmers’ Market – A Food Adventure