The narrow roads that stretch from France to Italy along the Riviera can be quite congested on a sunny market day. The wise are riding something sporty like this with an ample sized basket attached. I love the contrast of this shiny white scooter and the well-aged box-sized basket, big enough to hold all the goods one might find at the market at Piazza Eroi Sanremesi.
The market is held from 8-1 on Tuesdays and Saturdays. There is an outdoor market filled with wonderful cashmere, silk, leather items {gloves and purses}, jewelry + an array of clothes, luggage and housewares {some of which are on the junky side} . The large indoor market is the place to go for fabulous olive oils, pancetta, nutty chunks of Parmigiano Reggiano, locally grown tomatoes and an immense selection of the most deliciously ruby and delicate procuitto hams. To make sure you choose just the right ham, they give you a taste of your selection before slicing it to order. The food market is open everyday from 6 -1:30, on Saturdays it reopens at 4:00 and stay open until 7:30.
After the market {or if you get stuck in the lull} there are plenty of restaurant to fortify you for the ride home. Pizza, pasta and seafood are the specialities of the area.
We had a great lunch at the classic and charming ristorante mare blu, just a few blocks away from the market. The Spaghetti Vongole {with clams} was one of the best I have had, and the seafood platter was fresh and flavorful with plenty of grilled vegetables.
Our wine was served in this charming little handpainted pitcher. If I were driving that vespa with the big basket, I may have had to negotiate the pitcher out of the restaurant. As it was, we were returning on the train, about a 1/2 hour ride of beautiful coastal scenery back to our home in Eze~bord~du~Mer.
If you are planning a trip here, be advised that the Piazza Eroi Sanremsi is about a 20 minute walk from the massive train station {so shop accordingly, or maybe bring one of those rolling market baskets}. There is parking near the market, which I found to be easily accesible during the off~season, but I am sure it is hard to find a spot there during the summer months.
Caio!
Emily,
I often think this but never comment – when I read your posts, I feel like I'm there (if even for a moment)! You are such a great writer. Always enjoy your experiences. Have a great weekend. M.
Thank you so much, what a nice compliment.
What a once in a lifetime trip! Just love the basket on the scooter!!