Dear Ms. Haricot,
I’ve just moved to Santa Monica (to Los Angeles, actually!) and am looking forward to my first visit to the Santa Monica Farmers Market – but it looks like there are a few. Help! Thanks!
– Lilly Jacobson
Hi Lilly:
Welcome! This is a great time for your first market experience! Stone fruit season (cherries, peaches, nectarines) is just starting, so be on the lookout for Rainier and Sequoia cherries along with juicy cling peaches and sweet, white nectarines. The first corn of the season is now showing up at the market – the sweet white corn is outstanding and Fava Beans are amazing right now as well.
There are four Santa Monica Farmers Markets during the week:
– Wednesday: Downtown between 4th Street and Ocean from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
– Saturday: Downtown between 4th and 2nd Streets on Arizona Ave. from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
– Saturday: Pico at Cloverfield Blvd. from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
– Sunday: Main Street at Heritage Square from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Depending on which Santa Monica Farmers Market you’re going to, each one has it’s own very special nuances.
For example, Wednesdays at the market are normally a who’s who of the culinary community so you’ll see quite a few of Los Angeles’ top toques walking the market, carts loaded to max capacity.
Parking at the downtown markets is easy – there are a number of City of Santa Monica public parking structures close by where the first two hours are free. There is a large parking lot for the Saturday Pico market and for Main Street there is metered street parking.
So, to get you started, here is just a partial list of some of the farmers and what they grow. Each market has an information table should you have questions. Enjoy!
Weiser Family Farms. From purple fingerling potatoes to their newest spud, the red thumb (yes, they make great red mashed potatoes!) to purple, yellow or red carrots, Weiser Farms is a specialist in cutting edge root veggies.
Gloria Farm. Get your Sweet Corn here! Gloria also grows amazing greens – mustard, collard, and lettuce along with awesome beets and strawberries.
Schaner Farms. Incredible onions including the versatile and delicious cipollini. Also amazing green garlic and wonderful citrus.
Harry’s Berries. In addition to their super sweet Gaviota’s and Seascape strawberries, Harry’s has also brought back the Chandler – it’s a classic and we’re glad it’s back. They also grow sun gold tomatoes and make and sell pickled Dill Beans.
McGrath Family Farms. Fava Beans, English peas, baby green onions and beets are just some of Phil McGrath’s specialties.
Clearwater Farms. Your mushroom resource! Morels are plentiful right now so stop by and say hello to Mushroom man David West…Greet him in Italian – he likes that!
Pudwill Farms. Grows a number of different berries – from yellow raspberries to blackberries and they’re not only eye candy, they taste like candy too.
Do you have a question about the Santa Monica Farmers Markets? Email your question to askmsharicot@gmail.com.