Dining
Arugula, Asparagus, Beets + Bok Choy!
Life on the San Francisco Peninsula means being surrounded by some of the best farm and ranch land in the world. In San Mateo (voted best small town for food), you’ll find a staggering array of independent, culturally diverse and innovative eateries—offering every cuisine you can imagine in celebration of this abundant yield. Get inspired for your own table by the variety of fresh local ingredients at our local farmers’ markets (or if you are lucky enough to be among Bay Meadows’ community gardeners at Persimmon Park, you may find these recipes handy for your seasonal bounty.)
Pssst… Did you hear? We are interested in starting a farmer’s market at Bay Meadows and need your help – please take a few minutes to participate in our survey (click here to give input); we appreciate any insight you are willing to lend.
Winter months bring Arugula, Asparagus, Beets and Bok Choy! Discover fresh new ways to use your Farmers Market finds with these handy recipes:
Arugula: Choose arugula with firm, bright green leaves. If you are buying it bunched, it should feel heavy. This is a sign of moisture and freshness. Arugula pairs well with citrus, roasted beets, pears, and apples, pine nuts, olives, tomatoes, and robust cheeses such as goat, blue and Parmesan.
Spaghetti with Lemon, Arugula, and Prosciutto
Asparagus: Select bright green asparagus with closed, compact, firm tips. Avoid wilted or limp stalks, as that is a sign of age. Asparagus is packed with nutrients and easy to make ahead for a crowd.
Asparagus Soup with Lemon and Parmesan
Beets: Skin should be smooth, unbruised, and unwrinkled. Smaller beets are a bit sweeter than larger ones. If their greens are still attached they should not be wilted. The root of the plant is what most people eat, but did you know that the greens are also edible? Just sauté like you would other types of greens, or eat raw in a salad!
Beet Panna Cotta and Meyer Lemon Mousse
Bok Choy: Look for leaves that are brightly colored and not wilted, brown spots on its leaves or stalks can be trimmed and indicates bruising. Not only is this tasty green high in vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium, it also low in calories. Whether it’s steamed, boiled, or sautéed, bok choy is sure to be a crowd pleaser!
Stir-Fried Sesame Baby Bok Choy
Udon Soup with Poached Egg and Bok Choy
Shanghai Baby Bok Choy With Black Bean Sauce
Enjoy this list of convenient spots to shop fresh, close to home:
San Mateo Certified Farmers’ Market
College of San Mateo, 1700 West Hillsdale Boulevard, 8 minutes from Bay Meadows
Saturdays: 9:00am to 1:00pm. Year-Round.
The CSM Farmers’ Market operates year round, rain or shine offering fresh California grown fruits, vegetables and fresh-cut flowers from several area farms, baked goods, hot foods and other high quality local products.
194 W 25th Avenue, 3 minutes from Bay Meadows
Tuesdays: 4:00pm to 7:30pm. The market will reopen on Tuesday, May 1. May to October.
Enjoy a taste of California’s best at the 25th Avenue Farmers’ Market in San Mateo, transforming the parking lot into an agricultural marketplace featuring the best and freshest California-grown fruits and vegetables from the fields and orchards of local farmers.
1299 El Camino Real, 8 minutes from Bay Meadows
Sundays: 9:00am to 1:00pm. Year-Round.
The produce is always fresh, always seasonal, and always provided by your local farmers and ranchers. The full range of California’s agricultural products, including fruit, vegetables, nuts, honey, flowers and more! Our markets also offer fish, baked goods, fine prepared foods and other locally made products.
Missed the weekly farmers market and can’t wait a week? Just around the corner at 1010 Park Place, Whole Foods Market serves up fresh produce from local purveyors year round. Whole Foods Market has been serving the community since January, 2003, with fresh, natural and organic foods, and excellent customer service.
Walkscore.com rates Bay Meadows high on the list for walkable locations to live on the San Francisco Peninsula and for good reason! Why? Because we are steps from shopping (Hillsdale Center), groceries (Whole Foods), parks, a farmer’s market and an easy bike-ride from downtown San Mateo with its burgeoning restaurant scene. San Mateo’s shared Bay Bikes are on-site, so no need to own your own. And Caltrain is a quick stroll from anywhere in the neighborhood. Learn all about connecting the dots for your many transportation options with Connect San Mateo.