Best Tamales

There are many reasons to visit the Saturday Farmers Market: In addition to the beautiful setting, which is there every day of the week, Saturday boasts the most vendors and the liveliest attendance (a nice way of saying the biggest crowds). But the irresistible draw, to our mind, is getting a plate of tamales at Primavera, a Mexican prepared-foods stand that always has a line (which is always worth standing in). We're partial to the pork version, chock-full of melting pig, perfectly complemented by the equally soft, corny masa; for $7.50, you get two plump beauties, with a spoonful of soupy black beans fragrant with the wild herb epazote. (We ask for a side of ripe avocado -- bliss.) But we're also fond of the green chile and jack cheese tamales. One of the stand's tart aguas frescas or a fresh strawberry lemonade makes a refreshing accompaniment. Primavera features several specialties each week, but the tamales are regulars. As are we.