Eagle Rock Farmers Market: Colorado and Casper

It's always enjoyable to check out the local Farmers Markets. Every Friday late afternoon to evening, there is an Eagle Rock Farmer's Market happenning off Colorado and Casper - near Eagle Rock Blvd. This is a smaller Farmers Market - if you are used to the Hollywood Farmers Market or Santa Monica Farmers Market. And, its also a little swapmeet-like - there's a vendor selling socks.

I never have been able to get out there in the early evening when the sun is out because I'm just perpetually late. Don't ask... The market has its family-friendly charm, even has pony rides and a petting zoo for the kids, and a lot of ethnic street fair food.

I've gone a few times at night and I have to tell you, I've experienced some of the most comical, surreal moments there!

Like on Friday the week before Easter, there was an Elvis impersonator MC in a gold top doing his act, occasionally breaking into impersonating Arnold Schwarzenegger during lull periods. At one point, a giant Easter Bunny hopped in, interrupting the MC and then proceeded to dance salsa with some random people. I got the pics to prove it!

I was just sitting there eating and laughing in disbelief. You just have to get out there and check things out and sometimes you stumble onto some surreal stuff.

Anyhoo, what kind of chow do they have at this shindig? Well, you got your usual Kettle Popcorn, Roasted Corn, Funnel Cakes, Crepe and Sausage/Hot Dog booths.

Other usuals that I've seen there thus far have been Peruvian food, Giant Tamales, Mexican food, Philippine food, and a Rot Chicken booth. Some booths I've seen in rotation here - Peach Cobbler (with the awesome tagline - So Good You'll Want To Slap Somebody!) and Soups On (check out lunch at the Hammer Museum courtyard sometime - very good soups might I add).

I like to sample different things when I go, so this time I tried some empanadas from a new Empanada booth, a giant pork tamale from the Tamale booth, and a Chaufa de Pollo (chicken fried rice) from the Peruvian booth. (Excuse the bad lighting on the pics)

The empanadas were okay - they were fried. I prefer them baked. The tamales were pretty good with the tomatillo sauce. These tamales are huge and substantial. The biggest I've ever seen. I ordered a few extra to take home and freeze. The Chaufa de Pollo was okay. Definitely not Mario's Peruvian.

But let me say that I don't come to the Farmers Market as a destination for that great dish. I come for the local street vibe, hang with the locals, to buy some fruit, veggies or nuts, to enjoy the weather, and grab something to eat while relaxing. And one of the perks at the Eagle Rock Farmers Market is that just around the corner is the Colorado Wine Company!

Eagle Rock Farmer's Market
Fridays: 5:00pm-9:00pm
Colorado and Casper