With tote bags in hand, we arrived mid-morning to a crowded market. So many people, smells, and colors. The heat and sun didn't deter me or anyone else from slowly parading through the rows of tents. Within the first five minutes of walking, we'd already purchased a baguette and some fresh sweet corn. In between the typical US farmer booths (greens, carrots, corn, radishes), exotic flowers, fruits, and Island fusion food options were plentiful. It was so neat!
Interesting observation...the longest line I noticed was at the Fried Green Tomato booth. The plates that drifted by me did look delicious, but I'll wait until I get back to Nashville for some fried green tomatoes and instead spend my calories on fresh seafood and Asian dishes that are superior here. We saw a booth selling live abalone and many other plate lunch choices. Along with fresh salsa and chips, we grabbed fresh romaine from the Big Island - the crispiest lettuce I've ever had.
Just before calling it a morning, we returned to the pizza tent to get a piece of margarita pizza, all fresh, local ingredients. I wasn't very hungry after a filling breakfast and couple of handfuls of kettle popcorn (will have to go back next Saturday to buy a bag), so Jeff just got one piece to try. Matt and Erin also got a piece. It smelled divine! Jeff had a couple of bites before passing it to me. The look on Jeff's face was not becoming. He told me that his mouth was feeling odd as well as his throat.
Now, we are aware of one tree nut allergy to walnuts, and suspect another one to almonds, but he's had pesto before without trouble. Poor guy was a trooper as we made it back to the car, drinking a whole bottle of water while part of his lip swelled up. We all kept a conversation going, while I watched to see if Jeff's symptoms worsened (they didn't). After grabbing another bottle of water, we dropped Erin and Matt off at their hotel. I began to do my thing - Google. Since the only thing on the pizza besides tomato, cheese, and crust was the pesto, I searched for info on allergies to pine nuts. Apparently, people can be allergic to just certain types of pine nutst. We figured out that Jeff is allergic to whatever one is growing in Hawaii.
Thankfully, after a little snack and more water, Jeff's symptoms diminished. We were both super relieved. I have my fingers crossed that a return trip to get more salsa and some of that kettle popcorn will be much less problematic.
