Foodwise | October 6, 2023 | View as Webpage

Bay Area Restaurateurs Discuss the True Cost of Food—and What You Don’t See on Your Dinner Bill

You’ve just finished a delicious meal at your favorite neighborhood spot, and the server drops off the check. The tab is more than you expected, and you wonder, How did we spend so much? You’re not alone in feeling the sting of rising food costs. With inflation, consumer prices have risen nearly 5% in the past year.

Restaurants have been feeling the impacts, too. Between operating costs, fairly compensating employees, sourcing quality ingredients, and keeping food affordable for diners, running a food business in the Bay Area is a tricky balancing act. In September, Foodwise hosted a gathering to discuss “The True Cost of Food,” and what factors impact food businesses’ bottom line.

This Week's Picks

See more picks

Tomorrow! Foodwise Demo: Aaron Escalada, Abacá

Celebrate Filipino American History Month and stop by the Foodwise Classroom for a cooking demo featuring the seasonal bounty of the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market with Chef Aaron Escalada of Restaurant Abacá.

Learn more

One Week to Go! Reserve Your Seat at Foodwise Sunday Supper, October 15

Support local farms, food access, and youth education, and do it deliciously at our Sunday Supper fundraising gala! Join Foodwise at the Ferry Building for an abundant reception and four-course feast prepared by 30 of the Bay Area's best restaurants, showcasing the bounty of the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market.

Reserve your seat now

Shrimp and Fonio Grits

At the Foodwise Classroom, Pierre Thiam, author of Simply West African, shared this recipe for a delicious taste of West African food, featuring seasonal greens from the farmers market.

Try the recipe

Ferry Plaza Farmers Market: Featured Vendors

New on Saturdays! Kuali's Salsa Macha Brings the Heat

Kuali is a Latino-owned artisanal salsa business bringing the bold, authentic and unapologetic flavors of México into their small batch salsa, hecho en Oakland. Visit their stand on Saturdays to try their rotating menu.

Meet Kuali

Fall Fruits Arrive at Blossom Bluff Orchards

Blossom Bluff Orchards is a multigeneration family farm in Parlier, Fresno County. The Loewens produce over 100 varieties of certified organic tree fruit, including persimmons, stone fruit, and more.

Meet Blossom Bluff Orchards

Mission Community Market: Featured Vendors

Pick Up the Perfect Loaf from Fox & Lion

Baker Xan Devoss uses organic ingredients and whole-milled grains. At the Mission Community Market, pick up sourdough rounds, brioche braids, baguettes, and more.

Meet Fox & Lion

Dine on Papa's Dumpling's Northern Chinese Cuisine

Jojo Zhu started Papa’s Dumpling in 2019 to increase representation of Northern Chinese food. Visit her for freshly made and frozen dumplings and buns, including vegetarian options.

Meet Papa's Dumpling

Community Happenings

Vacant to Vibrant Pop-Ups Launch| October 6 | SF

Meet & Greet with Chef Eric Ripert | October 7 | SF

Illuminations: An Illustrated Journey through Issues Shaping Our Futures (use code "EXPLORE" for 20% off) | October 8-28 | SF

Edible Schoolyard's Fall Festival | October 14 | Stockton

Salsa in the Streets | October 21 | SF

Día de los Muertos and Halloween at Mission Community Market | October 26 | SF

Common Ground Film Screening at the Roxie Theater | Starts October 27 | SF

Ferry Building Marketplace Trick-or-Treat | October 30 | SF

Bayview Uncorked 2023: Southeast San Francisco Celebration | November 4 | SF

Slow Food East Bay’s Celebrating Cultural Food Traditions: Philippines | November 5 | Oakland

Market Updates

This is the most up-to-date info about this week's seller attendance at the time of publication. Please check in at the Foodwise Info Booth for any last-minute changes.

Ferry Plaza Farmers Market: Saturday, 8am-2pm | October 7

La Cocina Pop-Up: Camucha's Kitchen

Mandela Partners Pop-Up:Chef Sarah Germany

New! Kuali

Returning: Capay Mills, Old Dog Ranch

Out: Bariani Olive Oil, Encina Farms, Fifth Crow Farm, Hodo, Knoll Farms (until December), Lagier Ranches (until December)

Ferry Plaza Farmers Market: Tuesday, 10am-2pm | October 10

SF Black Wallstreet Pop-Up:Mo'Raysha's

Out: Twin Girls Farm (until November)

Ferry Plaza Farmers Market: Thursday, 10am-2pm | October 12

SF Black Wallstreet Pop-Up:Sukulenta SF

New!SF Chickenbox