Saturday Morning at the Little Italy Farmers Market
The Little Italy Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8:00am – 2:00pm on Cedar Street between Front St. & India St. It is one of the best farmers markets in San Diego. The May gray had taken a morning off and we decided to walk down there (about a mile from where we live) as it had been about a year since our last visit. The market is a great event to find local home grown fruits & vegetables. Organic meats, farm-fresh eggs, and honey can be easily obtained as well.
When you go to the Little Italy Farmers Market –go hungry!!! (Or don’t go hungry if you are trying to be calorie conscious :). Most of the vendors offer plenty of samples. I will not buy fruit from a vendor that isn’t offering samples. I walk the entire market sampling each fruit and then purchase from the vendor I find to have the best. The colors and varieties of fruits and vegetables is astonishing. I have been known to make purchases based on colors alone, not knowing anything about the taste of the fruit or the vegetable.
There are samples of hummus of all different types–curry, red pepper, beet, jalapeno, and more, from several booths. Brick’s favorite is Bitchin’ sauce–an almond based sauce similar to a hummus. There are 5 different bitchin’ varieties to sample. If un-ground almonds is more your thing you can purchase a variety of different almonds from 1 vendor (Mexican Chocolate is my favorite). They also offer raw, salted, honey-roasted, and many additional flavors.
For the daring, or those that are aware of how delicious it can be, fresh (and I mean fresh–still alive) Uni or sea urchin is available. For $7.00 you can bring it home to prepare yourself (not something we are skilled enough to do), or for $10 they will open, clean and serve it to you. If you are not sure, I suggest the ceviche style, with lime and salsa, for $12.
Is meat and cheese more your thing? You can purchase beef jerky, salami, sausage, etc. from a variety of vendors. Fine cheeses and cheese curds also can be found and sampled. You can purchase fresh bread to accompany your cheese for a later picnic along the waterfront. If you desire wine with your cheese, you can find that too, but be discreet if you are going to picnic with it. Technically it is not allowed.
In addition you can find a variety of jewelry, art, clothing, soaps, woodwork, kitchen tools and other items hand crafted by local artisans, as well as fresh flowers to adorn your table or other location in your home.
Food trucks are scattered throughout the market. You will find local vendors selling fantastic coffee–the first thing I go for at 8:00am. Saranya, from Thailand, offers a great selection of her native cuisine. She is exceptionally friendly and personable, as is her husband–“Mr. Saranya”. If you get the chance, indulge in one of her curries, coconut pancakes, or Thai teas. You will not be disappointed.
You will also find Indian cuisine, Italian, Mexican, and other ethnic varieties. If you are wanting BBQ-there is a Sundae made with BBQ meat, mashed potatoes, and BBQ sauce. This vendor has other more traditional BBQ offerings as well.
After spending the morning at the Little Italy Farmers Market I suggest that you head to one of the many restaurants in Little Italy for a glass of wine. Then check out some of the boutiques in the area. It is a very quick walk to the harbor where you can walk off some of the calories while walking along the waterfront. If you are early and walk a ways South you might even be able to purchase some seafood from local fishermen at the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market. It is located at the Fish Harbor Pier between the USS Midway and Seaport Village.
There are many farmers markets held almost every day in San Diego–each one offering a unique selection. It is a great way to discover new things and to learn what is in season.
