A High-Potential market

A "High-Potential" Market


I've spent two Sundays at the Heart of the City Farmers Market.

The market has been at the United Nations Plaza for the past 26 years. According to San Francisco residents, the produce at this market is more cheap and fresh compared to the rest in the city.

From experience, I guarantee you'll leave the plaza with something more than fruit, vegetables, and popcorn. Last Sunday, a man played music in his guitar.

Yesterday, a man in lavender pants and a blue jacket performed songs from the 1960s rock band the Young Rascals in his keyboard.

Life would be ecstasy, you and me endlessly...
Groovin'... on a Sunday afternoon

The music was pleasing. But nothing beats the warm welcome that Adrian Alatorre gives to his clientele.

He actually learned how to say "hello" and "take it" in Hindi, French, Chinese, and Tagalog, a common language spoken in the Phillipines.

He said the Heart of the City Farmers Market is "high-potential" because the produce is cheaper and there is a greater diversity among people. A silver cash box is the notepad he looks at to recall one of his foreign greetings.

Most of the time, he walks to and fro behind his booth holding grapes as he shouts, "It's delicious, it's nutritous, you won't believe your mouth." Then he follows with my favorite, "Try before you buy, don't be shy." I couldn't stop laughing.

Alatorre is a personality you don't want to miss; His charisma is charming. Take a look at what he wrote on his sign.

Alatorre has been doing farmers markets for thirteen years. He's been at the Civic Center's market for three.

Don't forget next time you're at the Heart of the City Farmers Market to stop by Mora Farms' booth and "Have a taste to be amazed," as Alatorre would suggest.