The BF Saturday Market

I have four kids. 

Early mornings are part of the job description.

If I have to wake up early on a Saturday morning, I like to make the most of my morning by visiting the markets near by. Luckily, here in the south, we are blessed with two markets which I can enjoy with the whole family. (if they are up as early as Nino and I are.)

Truth: Nino and I can make anything a date as long as it’s just the two of us. Sometimes, our dates are for a simple lunch, others it’s stealing away to the market while the kids are still sleeping. And still other times, we enjoy the time away in the evening with the possibility of a little adult interaction with our friends as well.

This past Saturday, a friend of mine invited me to check out The BF Saturday Market with her. I’m familiar with the area and I’m usually there on Saturdays to begin with because I visit my suki fruit vendor with my list of fruits needed for the week. There is something to be said in the relationship that exists between fruit vendor and customer, and after buying lots of fruit in lots of different places, I have learned to make the time on the weekend to visit Diday if my schedule permits.

Gia was awake pretty early this weekend and without a volleyball game to rush off to, and she wanted to accompany us as we planned to explore Elizalde Park with my friend Claire. Claire had been inviting me to the market for some time now, boasting of the fresh seafood and other items that are hand picked, for this quaint market that offers so much possibility.

Nino and Gia zeroed in on their breakfast as soon as we arrived, while I walked around with Claire exploring all the different types of vendors and what they had to offer Saturday Market lovers like myself.

The market is easy to find and parking is ample. Right near the entrance you will find fresh seafood that comes from Roxas City in Capiz. It’s nice to have the option to buy fresh food that you can prepare at home, as well as the option to buy ready made food in case you don’t feel like cooking. 

Secret: When I don’t feel like cooking, we will visit the market, buy breakfast and either eat it there, or take it home and eat with the kids. I do the same with the food vendors we find in the bazaars near our house. Most of the time I don’t go to the bazaars here in Cuenca for the shopping…I go for the food.

And The NEW BF Saturday Market has lots of choices for both. Check out this photo stream of what we found and indulged in this past Saturday.

One thing I enjoy about visiting the Saturday Markets that are around Metro Manila, is the different people you will meet. It’s interesting to find out the stories behind each of the vendors. When you visit the different markets often enough, you will get to know the sellers and they in turn will remember you when you come back…that’s part of the draw for me…it’s the neighborhood feel that I love.

Falaco Tacos are all made by hand. Gilbert hand rolls all the taco shells, and has embraced a new take on one of my old favorites. (We love TACO Tuesday in my house.) I enjoyed both his Beef and Chicken Cheesy Tacos. His tacos are a steal at Php120/for two.

This dessert taco is filled with a secret pear compote. I think I even tasted coconut.

@MomCanBake has a variety of cookies and baked empanadas. She even has cheesecake jars with super cute packaging.

This is the perfect example of what I mean when I say, “When I don’t feel like cooking…” Picking up a take out container of Eggplant Lasagna would make for an easy lunch at home for the kids. All I would have to do would be to reheat and serve.

Kale is one of the Super Foods that everyone is going crazy over now. Gelli loves it when I toss it in olive oil, kosher salt, and pepper, and then throw it in the air fryer for our own home made Kale Chips.

Things that make my life easier? Ready made dips and sauces for when I don’t feel like putting too much together as well. I have a few favorites like these, and cute packaging helps as well 🙂

SPREAD by Chef Joaquin Antonio Migallos has a variety of sweet and savory jars ranging from Php210-320. I think I find the Bacon Bourbon Jam most interesting. I will try that one next time.

I tried Boom’s Cold Brew during The Block Party a few weeks back with my friend Mayo. I loved it and I was looking forward to trying another flavor this time around.

I really enjoyed the Barako Mexican and actually felt like a little bit of a rebel drinking straight from the bottle so early in the morning. If one didn’t know any better, they might think I’m drinking a beer, because of the bottle. hehehehe…

Growing up-I would enjoy smoked fish with tomatoes and rice with my mom and sister. We didn’t necessarily always eat it for breakfast but it’s one of those simple foods that remind me of my mother’s kitchen table and bonding moments with my younger sister. 

 I was able to take home some of the fish already fried because Nino doesn’t like the smell of the fried fish in the house. I just had to pay an additional Php30 per half kilo. 

Someone was very happy to have ice cream and cookies for breakfast. How can I say no, to that face?

What I found interesting is how the Saturday Market team interviews potential vendors. They taste everything that will be sold. They offer constructive criticism on some of the dishes, and often suggest to the vendors a baseline for pricing. Mike, Rosanne, and Joey are all conscious of making sure that vendors are not in direct competition with one another so the products each vendor sells are slightly different from one another and their menu offerings are honed to keep things focused.

Muncheria was going through the process of introducing their dishes to the team. I hope they pass the test and we will see them in the market soon!

For 100 bucks you can get a half hour massage. This makes coming to the market with the wife even easier for the men…What do you think?

Joey’s wife, Mylene sells her beaded and wireworks accessories and jewelry…both for the table and for you to wear. Cute stuff. Will go back for some earrings that I saw, which were light so they won’t weigh your ears down.

My friends and I all drink Turmeric Tea. The benefits are pretty amazing and it has a ton of healing properties. This takes the “bite” out of the tea by adding local flavors of Pandan, Lemon Grass, and Calamansi for only Php 50/a bottle.

I’m not really a fan of Takoyaki-but that goes back to my texture issues…I think this is something my kids would love. The park is so big and open that I imagine taking the kids to the park to play while Nino and I sit and talk. Then I can see the kids coming back and forth to our table when they need to grab something to eat.

When I sat with Joey, Rosanne, and Mike, I realized how much of an affinity they have for the south. (just like me) I can appreciate the thought that goes into putting together this weekly event that offers the community more than a place to just come and do some shopping. From the music, to the vendors who come and sell their goods, they think about the experience and possibly even the memories that can be made as a family. 

Offering solid business advice to many of these home cooks, and suggested price points for the finicky southern crowd ensures success not just for the suppliers but also for the market as a whole. They care about the area and the people who live in it, envisioning The New BF Saturday Market as part of the Saturday morning routine of nearby residents. 

And I know I can speak for many of the Mommas out there when I say that “Routine is Good.” 

Routine is very Good.

Check out The BF Saturday Market from 7am to 2pm every week, and on Facebook and Instagram for more information.

On another visit back to The BF Saturday Market, I found these delicious treats: 

Check out Greenola on Instagram or email them at greenolaph@gmail.com.