Co-op Farmer's Market in Ajimu

It is my routine to walk around my neighborhood during weekends.  Last Saturday, I found coop farmer’s market near Ajimu city hall.   They sell local fresh vegetables such as spinach, scallion, Aralia cordata, bamboo shoot, strawberries, Hassaku (Japanese oranges) and more.  Also, they had pastries and lunch boxes.

Sardine Sushi and Petasites Japonicus Tempura

What I found especially seasonal and local were sardine sushi (450 yen) and tempura of petasites japonicus (280 yen).   Both dishes appear only in this season, but sardine freshness doesn’t last long. So, it has to be made into sushi immediately after caught.  I had them for lunch, and they were fresh.  It had good amount of fish meat, so it was pretty satisfying sushi.  Tempura of petasites japonicus was also delicious with delicate spring flavor.  People say it is usually bitter taste, but it wasn’t.

Potato washing basket

Aside from food, they sell crafts such as bamboo baskets and other handmade things.  There was an interesting shape bamboo sculpture  in front of the store.  I thought it was something relating to lighting or torch…   However, it was beyond my imagination.  This was created to wash potatoes.  This handmade craft is sold only 1700 yen. I would like to  own one and wash potatoes in the river someday…

A good cup of kukicha, and a bowl of miso soup, as we wait for the entrees.

Note the sardine nigiri (middle of the tray) above. Terrific and unusual. We ordered it earlier than the other items, because it requires some careful deboning. I picked the brown rice option for my sushi.

Geisha Japanese Restaurant & Tea House
200 Monterey Ave
Ste 3
Capitola, CA 95010
(831) 464-3328