Jesus, from Charcuterie Ismael
My favorite person when I go shopping His name is Jesus . Always attentive and energetic wait for me in the Ishmael delicatessen stand , inside of the Anton Martin market . Is to see me in the distance and prepare my arrival with a piece of that cheese so rich that you know I like , of ham (“good”) or whatever you're packing for another client at the time. He is the same one who does me the favor of cut off those ham legs that I am happy about the Christmas basket and about vacuum-packing them so that, at dinner time, I only have to open one (put the right amount, no more, no less) while I have a glass of wine. Some bread from my favorite bakery in Barrio de Las Letras, Moega , and the days when I don't feel like cooking I have it all figured out. I see little of Jesus since during the week my schedules make it difficult for me to visit the market, but i do my best to go say hi and buy him something whenever i can . He is always there, waiting. And today more than ever.
Right now, as you read this and wait for the days to pass for everything to go back to the way it was before, the markets of Madrid (supported by City Council platforms such as mercado47.com or lacompraasidagusto.com) and from Spain are still open for stock our pantry (either going to do the shopping, picking up telephone orders or delivering to the door of the house ) and, even so, the barrage of people who continue to invade large surfaces and forget about the stalls that await us day in and day out is unstoppable.
Is it that nobody thinks about the greengrocer anymore, who is fascinated by finding avocados at their right point (for today, for tomorrow, for the day after...) and who always know how to hit the mark? Or in the casquero who is looking forward to sharing with you the secrets of his recipe for callos a la madrileña ? Or that nice lady whose Jaen olives have the whole family join you while you cook at aperitif time?
Let's contribute. Let's support.
Recently, the Madrid Vallehermoso Market revealed the support need by customers who are currently opting for large stores instead of their facilities, which have made an effort to follow the letter of the necessary hygienic measures . “Over the years, we have had better and worse moments, we have been able to adapt to the times, first with the opening of the restaurant area , surrounding the food market and feeding on it, and then with the first permanent gallery of producers ”, they reported in a press release dedicated to all the media, imploring help to attract an audience that is conspicuous by its absence and that has forced them to close in the afternoons.
“We have some cherry tomatoes on the branch that if you touch them they leave you with an amazing tomato smell, and you won't see when you taste them. Our tuna is round and round and freak out, not to mention the mini cuttlefish, the skewered hake or the cod. Vegetables from Navarra that arrive every day , a chicken that tastes like chicken (who was going to tell us that one day we were going to have to highlight it), traditional offal, meat galore, rice dishes, fruits, vegetables, roots, spices, preserves, milk, oil , cheese, sausages, ham, beers, wines, soft drinks, eggs...”. They have everything and at a good price, but why doesn't anyone take advantage of it?
Today more than ever we should pick up the phone and entrust our markets and small businesses with the purchase, cravings and basic needs What do we need to get ahead these days? They are the ones we brag about so much to put our neighborhoods on everyone's lips and who are responsible for giving them character, those who fight franchise competition s offering quality instead of quantity and in which the smiling faces (and often tired, yes, because undertaking is exhausting and sacrificed, but they do it with strength and enthusiasm) of its owners are always the order of the day.
In Barcelona, for example, the gastronomic community All Those , responsible for the ephemeral market that showcases artisans and producers in each of its editions, has launched its grain of sand with an initiative with which it seeks support and promote small local businesses , publishing a list that indicates the businesses that are still open and the projects that offer safe deliveries . "These are often the friendly side of the city, those that give life to a neighborhood and make us reflect on our consumption habits," they clarify on their website. "That's why, from All Those we want to support you more than ever during this period of instability and uncertainty ”, they conclude.
Now she touches you.
Photo from the 'I'm still' campaign by All Those (Barcelona)