The Independent Marketplace

Just returned from the First Thursday dinner. It was a complete waste of money. I can’t say I had high hopes in the first place but I felt I’d give it a chance as I do like to try new and different things. It was a complete bust. The crab cioppino was cold and not impressive at all. The service was unprofessional. I can go and on. I will not go back to these First Thursday events.

Seriously one of the coolest food/​crafts events happening in the Monterey Bay Area. Great food, live music, crafts, art, beer and wine.
Parking can be a bit of a pain so get there early.

High energy atmosphere, fabulous food and drinks, local and exotic handmade everything — well worth the trip!

Now that they’re charging a $ 5 cover, I expect a bit more.
The good: the hot food served outside (you can get this without paying a cover). Vendors vary from month to month, but on this visit my buddies had pork shoulder tacos ($ 4 each or $ 10 for three, I think) from Carmel Valley Ranch, which they said were incredible. My vegetarian tacos (2 for $ 4) made with Sweet Earth Natural Foods seitan were also very good, though they were rather messy, and the vendor had no forks. I also heard from friends that the Happy Girl Kitchen Thai food was good. The Penny Ice Creamery ice cream inside was also excellent (I had a variation on rocky road, and my friend had butterscotch.) Also, the proximity to the Post No Bills beer venue is nice. Crowds at the Marketplace seem to be less dense now that they charge to get in, which is a positive, IMHO.
The not-​so-​good: the DJ inside, playing hip hop & dance music at a rather high volume. A few people were dancing, but I think most of us were barely tolerating it. I hope that live music returns to the Marketplace. Also, the funky penny they give you when you pay your cover charge is supposed to be good at vendor booths, but it’s of very limited value. For example, you can buy two ice creams and get one free, or get $ 1 off some excellent but rather pricey artisanal cheese. Much of the space is devoted to kids/​kids’ activities, but it didn’t seem to be getting used much by the time we got there (shortly after 6:00). Some additional seating space would be nice, too.

Amazing event. Great staff, great ppl that come to the event and great food booths!!!

Review for Independent Marketplace — Take Two — May 3, 2012
(first Thursday every month)
Cinco de Mayo theme… I only have less than an hour here and didn’t buy any veggies besides a bunch if organic baby carrots so I didn’t get a chance to leave them at the «veggie valet»… I kid you not. How sic!
Tequila sampling by Surf & Sand from the lovely family that owns Bruno’s Market in Carmel by the Sea… I got a good deal on a bottle of Jimador — Reposado that came in a gift box with a free keepsake glass (I’ve bough this same set before at Terrace Liquors on Seaside) just to get a free Jimador hat… I’m a sucker like that.
Fun craft soda booth, Mundaka was there in full effect representing the 5^th with churros served with a side of warm Mexican chocolate and some thin tortas using their popular acorn fed Jamon Iberico. sold out within an hour.
I had my old friend Dr. NiNi and her Mom meet me there since they were visiting from out of town, Oakland and Los Gatos respectively. Nicole and I attended York together over a decade ago so they are very familiar with 831 culture and they warmly surprised and happy to feel the buzz and the foodie forward revolution going down in Sand City. Oh the Vallarta Splash cocktails didn’t hurt either!