February 9, 2007

Kitchen Confidential

La Cocina Farmers Market Booth

Before Top Chef, getting kicked out of the kitchen was no big deal. Mom’s been giving you the old heave-ho forever.

But you won’t get the boot from La Cocina Community Kitchen — the Mission’s nonprofit that helps launch local, lower-income food businesses.

Just head to their new stand right next to Blue Bottle Coffee at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market on Saturdays and pick up savory noshes like Anna Shi’s fresh spring rolls, plantain chips from Estrellita’s Snacks, and Mystipies (South African meat and veggie pies).

Spoil your appetite with Clairesquares, Kika’s Treats, alfajores by Sabores del Sur, and Mirabai Chocolates. All-natural jams make scrumptious gifts. This summer, be on the lookout for a rotating selection of hot food (soul food, Filipino stuffed milkfish).

Every weekend, you’ll get another chance to sample a new vendor.

You’ll kick yourself if you don’t.

La Cocina Community Kitchen (lacocinasf.org); Saturdays at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, 1 Ferry Building, at Embarcadero (415-291-3276 or ferrybuildingmarketplace.com).