Farmer's Market Love

If this were a love poem it would be written by Browning. A love song? Marvin Gaye. A painting? Hanks.
But this?
This is a Farmer's Market.
This.
This is the blending of sights, and smells and flavors.
This.
This is a gift.

This is The Little Italy Farmer's Market. I have traveled all over the city sampling the area Farmer's Markets, and none can hold a candle to this one. This is the type of Farmer's Market that you plan your day around. The one your child begs to attend. The one that feels like you've been on a date and not just food shopping.

And to prove it, I took a lot of pictures.

At the beginning of the market is the big, orange, coffee truck. It is not to be missed. The coffee is delicious.

And it is made with love. Really. I am a fan of Starbucks, but they cannot hold a candle to this.

 The produce is spectacular. Yes, I live in Southern California, but the selection at this market is beyond compare.

Gorgeous stripey beets...

 Blood Oranges by the bag...

 Cherimoyas. Wait, what exactly is a Cherimoya. Well, the man selling them said they were a tropical fruit. In flavor they resemble a banana crossed with a pineapple, but you eat them with a spoon. We bought 2.

 Oh, and flowers. Starting with my favorites! Nothing says happy, quite the way a Sunflower does.

 But there are flowers you've never seen before too. Like this one. The Pencia.

 And this one, which I think came from Alice in Wonderland, simply labeled, "Smell Me.". Who wouldn't succomb to such a basic plea.

There are musicians playing accordians, which will shockingly have you clapping along.

And it is dog friendly. In fact, there might be as many dogs as people. 

 You would be a vision strolling through the market with this basket over your arm, full of the day's produce.

And speaking of produce let's get back to it.

Agretti. What is it? Well I've been told it is a staple of Mediterranean cuisine. It is a green, not an herb, often served in pasta and delicious with lemon. Yes, we bought a bunch.

 Oh! Le Creperie. Even if you aren't in the mood for crepes, stop and watch him work. He is an artisan. One man, two skillets, and a line down the block. Worth the wait.

 Why yes, Karen Ray did get Nutella.

This is a sneaky picture of my favorite cheese place, Spring Hill. You've heard me talk about them before, here and here. I bought some today too. We will be serving it with Ranier Cherries tomorrow.

 mmmmmmmm. It's getting to be peach season. Fire up the grill.

 And more music.This time it's Spanish.

 The market is on Saturday, and if you live within driving distance it is not to be missed. We were there 2 hours, and could have spent the whole day!

And if all of that isn't enough to tempt you into visiting...
This.
This is the days haul.