I think I like this place because it represents the melting pot of ethnicity that I love about L.A. and for me, anyplace that features this kind of food line-up is heaven. The whole family, heck the whole extended family could come here and find what they have been craving. Everything is here, groceries, shops and dining choices from tacos (Loteria!), to molluscs (Tusquellas Fish & Oyster Bar), so you can eat it here or collect everything you need to prepare the food at home, including the pot itself (Sur La Table). Growing up on the Westside, it was like a field trip for me as a kid to venture off to Fairfax and go to the Farmer’s Market and still feels a bit that way today. This is not to be confused with The Grove next door, this is pure old school. Independently owned businesses that have been passed down through generations and still operate today.
I had the good fortune to meet some friends there last Sunday morning. We plunked ourselves down at the tables and went ballistic at Bob’s Coffee and Donuts, stall #450. They were out of their famous cinnamon rolls but had fresh glazed donuts that were still hot, Krispy Kreme doesn’t even come close! One of our party decided it was early enough for ice cream, hey it’s 5:00 p.m. someplace… She ventured to Bennett’s Ice Cream, Stall #548 (which in full disclosure is owned by one of my best friends). I am a die-hard fan of the White Chocolate Raspberry and the flavor named after the proprietor Scott’s wife, Fancy Nancy. I think there should be a name for ice cream creators, I mean coffee houses have baristas, right? But anyway, recently Scott brought his artisan drumsticks to a party and that was that, my new favorite! Go by sometime and watch him make the ice cream on-site through the window on the side of his stall.
I cannot leave out Du-par’s Restaurant, which is open 24 hours and it’s the perfect late night stop or for breakfast. Think short, fat and warm coffee cups that are re-filled regularly by waitresses with attitude, has every kind of pie you could want and you get the gist. And it’s been around almost as long as the market itself… Lastly, Huntington Meat & Sausage is the way to go for all things meat, as they are one of the few purveyors of Harris Ranch beef and have the most amazing sausages to throw on the grill or that perfect Shelton Thankgiving turkey.
If you really want a treat, show up on Saturday nights for karaoke, there are some regular characters (and I mean characters) that can’t be missed, hilarious! Or visit one of the many events that are featured here throughout the year. There are too many other great places to see to mention here. So do yourself a favor and just go, wander around and be open to trying something new, you might just like it!
365 Things To Do in Los Angeles 