Markets

By Max Lent

The heart of a city is its food markets.   Art museums are mausoleums of the artifacts of creative experiences of mostly white men.  Monuments are mostly mostly mementos of people killing each other or of the victors who killed the most people.  Grand architecture belongs mostly to oppressive government bureaucracies and religions.  Markets are alive, democratic, celebrate life, and are part of the present.  Unlike museums where what you see can never be yours, everything at a market is for sale is probably affordable.

Markets satisfy all of the senses.  To see a perfect tomato, to smell a ripe strawberry, to touch the most delicate of peaches, to hear the bartering of vendors and customers, and to feel the excitement of shopping are all part of the sensual market experience.

The following are some of my favorite markets from around the world.  Only the blue titles are links to reviews and descriptions.

Canada

• Ontario

  • Toronto

    • Chinatown

    • St. Lawrence Market

France

• Paris

  • Street Markets

Germany

• Aachen Christmas Market

• Cologne Christmas Market

• Dussedorf Christmas Market

India

• New Delhi

  • INA Market

Netherlands

• Amsterdam

  • Albert Cuyp Market

U.S.A.

• California

  • Los Angeles

    • El Mercado

    • Grand Central Market

    • Los Angeles Wholesale Flower Market

    • Los Angeles Wholesale Produce Market

• Maryland

  • Bethesda

    • Sutton Place

• New York

  • Buffalo

    • The Broadway Market

  • Fairport

    • Lombardi's

  • New York City

    • Zabar's

  • Rochester

    • Farmer's Market

    • Wegmans Pittsford Plaza Market