This is another chapter that didn't make it into the final version of the book. I would have very much liked to include it, but for one thing it's hard to condense all of the unique and unusual markets in the Tampa Bay Area into just one chapter and still do them all justice. Secondly, once COVID-19 hit, many of these markets suspended their activities. Some have returned now while others have not. I'm sharing it with you here though, so that as we emerge eventually from the global pandemic, you will one day be able to enjoy them.
Niche Markets
Where and when
can you find the freshest ethnic foods and local crafts?
From craft fairs and makers markets to fresh
local produce and food trucks, whatever you’re craving you can probably find at
one of the many markets throughout Tampa Bay. Some occur weekly like the St.
Pete Sunday Farmers Market and the Ybor City Saturday Market. Others like the
Fresh Market at Hyde Park and the North Tampa Market are held monthly. But
among the ever-growing list of indie and farmers markets, some stand out as
being truly unique and exceptional.
In lieu of having its own Little Italy, St.
Petersburg has Mazzaro’s Italian Market. Occupying a full city block, it a labyrinth
of European specialty shops under one roof where you’ll find a butcher, bakery,
café an impressive selection of wines and cheeses. What started as a mom and
pop coffee roasting business has continually expanded over more than 20 years
to include indoor and outdoor dining, catering and most recently a separate
building for kitchen and home goods.
If it’s Thai food you’re hankering for,
visit the local Buddhist temple, Wat Mongkolratanaram of Florida (better known
as Wat Tampa) on Sunday mornings. Starting around 8:30 AM, booths begin filling
up with a variety of offerings including chicken satay, phat that, curry
dishes, Som Dow, Guiteow, egg rolls, Thai tea and more. With a full plate in
hand, you can make your way to the picnic tables along the river to meditate on
the connection between culinary ecstasy and spiritual enlightenment.
More recently Coppertail Brewery began hosting its own night market on the second Friday of each month from 6 to 10 pm. Weather and temperatures permitting, the market is held outside behind the brewery and features a wide variety of local artists, artisans and boutiques with clothing, jewelry, vintage and repurposed goods.
There are dozens of regular, local farmers markets and craft fairs. If you want to see what’s happening when and where, saturdaymoringmarket.com/bay-area-markets is a good place to start.
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Shop Local What: Numerous specialty markets Where: All throughout Tampa Bay Cost: Free to browse, vendor pricing varies Pro Tip: Visit Mazzaro’s on a weekday if you can to avoid the crowd.
Similarly, at Wat Tampa demand for both food and parking spaces often exceeds
supply – it’s best to arrive no later than 11 am. |
