Sunday At The Farmer's Market

Today was one of those perfect Sundays.  You know the ones that include catching up with friends, naps, and an afternoon coffee break.  Clear skies, crisp morning, and Farmer's Market Day!  I checked out the one in Studio City, and I have to say it was a lot of fun.  I found a few amazing vendors, scored some amazing deals, and look forward to a week full of fresh fruits, veggies, herbs and breads!

Located between Radford and Laural Canyon on Ventura Place stands the Studio City Farmer's Market, SCFM.  It's open every Sunday, from 8 am to 1 pm.  Though it is relatively small, two rows of stalls that line this short street, there is no wanting here.  I saw all kinds of fresh fruits and veggies, as well as prepared foods.  And by the way, just one hint.  Don't eat breakfast before you go!  There are so many free samples, I was stuffed before we left.

All the rage it seemed was for a small fruit I had frankly never heard of before, pluots.  Apparently, these are a cross between plums and apricots, and are 100% delicious.  We tried many different varieties, and ended up purchasing several dino eggs and flavor grenade pluots.  It was exciting to see something new an unexpected, and I look forward to making several tasty recipes with them.  I've seen a lot of plum tart recipes lately, and that might be on the list of things to bake this week!

Two amazing stands that I loved were Homeboy Bakery and a handmade olive oil/vinegar stand(I forgot the name, opps).  While it has a funny name, Homeboy Bakery has an amazing message behind it.  It allows the recently incarcerated, those considering gang life, or other at-risk teens to learn a trade that will keep them from a life of crime, or from returning to it.  We purchased fresh made tortilla strips and a loaf of french bread here, and both were amazing!  The tortilla strips have three ingredients: corn, vegetable oil, and salt.  So simple, yet very tasty.  We will definitely be back!  The second was a California olive oil and vinegar stand.  I tasted a few varieties, but my favorite was their Meyer's lemon olive oil.  I'm trying to think of recipes to add this one to, but I see it mainly for salad dressings and dipping.  Yum yum yum!

All in all I would tell you to check out this market if you live in the area, but I doubt I would drive very far to get to it.  It had a cozy atmosphere, and I completely plan on coming back next week.  I want to try to make something with rhubarb, which I saw in a stall when we were walking out, and didn't have time to grab it.  Do any of you go to a local farmer's market you would suggest?

The hubs and I will be eating very well tonight!  Take a look at our haul.

So excited to play with these!

Grab Bag of Fresh Herbs - $2!!

Guten Appetit!!