Who will endure the Ferry Building this Saturday?

[bourbongirl]

I plan to arrive no later than 8 a.m., but I suspect the crowds will be unbearable even at that hour. I will try to stick to my shopping list, but you know how THAT goes.

One Question:
Does anyone know if Prather Ranch or Golden Gate Meat sell veal stock?

[Atomica]

Notmartha, have you been there in the summer? Sure, there are lots of people in the winter, but nothing compared to the summer months. It's mayhem. The time I went with a stroller I was practically in tears.

[notmartha]

Nope. I was just an out of town visitor. Sounds like I don't want to be visiting there during the summer then. Plus my two favs are not good for summer: oysters and chocolate.

[notmartha]

That's funny - I think we must have hit the peak. We were there at 1:30PM and there are people everywhere. Can't even get close enough to see the cheese names at Cowgirl's creamery.

[rabaja]

I got there at the tardy hour of 11am, no crowd at all. It was almost like a party for the farmers/stall merchants what with the wine and good cheer going around.
I got some really pristine romanesco from Dirty Girl and my Fatted Calf order for stocking stuffers, along with some last minute blood oranges to round out Xmas dinner.
Happy Holidays everyone!

[bourbongirl]

I was there around 9:00 and was surprised to see how NOT crowded it was! I was in & out in an hour, and that was with much meandering and an egg sandwich break.

P.S.
Thanks for the tip about the veal stock at GGMC. They didn't have any in the cooler, but they scooped some right out the pot for me. Looks yummy, and very reasonable at $3.50 for 2 cups.

[Sitka]

We were there at 8:30 this morning and it wasn't crowded at all.

[whiner]

I'm going tomorrow. It didn't even occur to me that it could be packed. But most people seem to leave town for the holidays so I don't think it will be too bad.

[Atomica]

I agree. I don't think it will be horribly busy like it is in the summer.

[uptown jimmy]

We thoroughly enjoyed the Ferry Building one day before Christmas last year (that was a Saturday). We had no trouble getting bar seats at Hog Island, though the Market was somewhat depleted by the time we rolled in at a comfortable 11:00 AM.

SF isn't as crowded around Christmastime, so don't worry too much. Wonderful time for the two of us, very civilized. Wish I could go with you tomorrow! Though a bit later in the day, to be sure....8 AM is so uncivilized.....:)

[farmersdaughter]

I use Golden Gate's veal stock all the time and it is excellent. If they don't have any in the fridge just ask, because they make stocks on Saturday morning early and will have some in back.

[bourbongirl]

Thanks! Good to know! The sauce I want to make for my rack of lamb calls for veal stock & I really wanted to avoid using frozen.

[BernalFarmer]

Golden Gate Meat has veal stock.

With a little luck it will rain in the morning and keep the hordes away.

[foodiegrl]

My father has recently discovered his "inner Rachel Ray," and he's in town this weekend so we'll be there. However, since we live just above Alemany, we'll do the bulk of our shopping there at dark o'clock.

The Ferry Plaza will be more of a sightseeing trip around 9-ish or so. I think we'll take BART from the Mission just to avoid parking & traffic woes. Do you know if all the vendors will be out on Sat?

[rabaja]

I wiil. I am a little scared, but will keep my head down and try to get in and get out.
Not sure about the veal stock, probably BL will make it for you, but it may be your most expensive holiday purchase...