I love farmers markets. Just the abundance of fresh produce and local products. I'm all about helping the local economy.
The Americana at Brand is an upscale small outdoor mall with apartments located in Glendale, CA. If you've been to Los Angeles, you've probably be introduced to The Grove which is located next to the historic LA Farmers Market.
The Americana is the "sister" site of the Grove. Same developer, same style, but different stores and restaurants.
This past weekend they began something new. Glendale already has a farmers market on Thursdays. It seems like they were replicating the feel of what is at the Grove. (I figured as such) So, I was pleasantly surprised by the start of the new one called Gigi's Farmers Market. Who is Gigi? I did a little digging and found out that it is the name of the Americana developer's daughter.
I was able to sample some fresh made breads and some delectable asian pears, fresh fuji apples, oranges. There were handmade pottery and stitched market bags as well as fresh herbs and flowers. They offered some free tacos and fajitas courtesy of Frida Mexican Cuisine and cupcakes from Crumbs Bakeshop.
Two of the stalls in particular that I had visited that I would love to try more of their products.
Domenico's Artisanal Foods sold fresh pasta, sauces, pestos, read-to-go meals, tapenades. I sampled their sun-dried tomato pesto. It was nice and creamy. For those of you who been following this blog, know I'm a suck for a good pesto. This was more than good. They have also been featured in Bon Appetit Magazine, which was cool.
Gourmet Blends sold some fine flavored balsamic vinegars and flavored olive oils. A small bottle would go for about $18 and a large bottle for about $35. I had sampled the Basil Garlic Parmesan Oil and the Asian Dipping Oil. But the one I really liked was the Raspberry Balsamic Vinegar. Wow. The fruit really stands out, so there's a sweet combination with the acidity of the vinegar. That would go really great in a nice vinaigrette.
Note to self: Next time bring more cash. At least I know what the market has to offer for my next visit.
It's little bit more swankier than the Thursday bunch. But there looked like a good turn out for the first day and a nice variety of locally made items as well. Plus I got a free tote bag. I'm a sucker for tote bags, too.
Gigi's Farmers Market. It's every Saturday from 10am-2pm on Caruso Way in Glendale, CA. I'll be coming back.
You can view more photos by clicking here
32 comments:
I love farmers markets - we have some good ones here - I would love to visit yours...
I love farmer's markets! My first stop is to get cherry tomatoes to snack on while I shop for everything else! Yum!
doggy: Come on down! I'd love to visit the one in your area, too.
McTatty: Yum, cherry tomatoes.
that looked fun i love farmers markets to, theres a big one in Greensboro NC
Farmers Markets are wonderful, aren't they? There is a nice one about 45 minutes from my house - but it's definitely worth the drive!
man I cannot wait to move back....those are some great places among the many found in cali.
a great place to spend all day, roaming about...
Oh wow! I didn't realize there was a farmer's market at the Brand too! I'm obsessed with the one at the Grove. I am there practically every weekend for some fresh fruit and such!
Oh wow, what an awesome time! I can't wait to go to the Farmer's Market soon!
Dietitian for Hire: Nice!
jen: As long as it's worth it, then I'm all for driving where the freshest items are.
dawn: I wanted to spend hours, but I had some cooking to do that day.
diana: Ya, I love the one by the grove, too. But it's a bit of a drive sometimes.
sharon: I always get excited when I go to any farmers market.
I love going to the farmer's market. Now ours is nothing like yours, but still nice to go to. We have a garden and get a lot of really great produce from it during the summer. I can't wait!
I love your blog, you've got some DELICIOUS looking recipes here!
I'm always in favor of farmers and farmer markets. Here we're lucky to have farmer markets once a week in the square of our neighborhood. And I believe they should be supported more.
looks like I need to visit - this farmer's market looks fantastic. Although, i have to say the markets we have here are not shabby at all.
Heidi: For it it doesn't matter how the farmers market looks like as long as the produce is fresh, I'm all for.
Teresa: Thank you. Hope you stop by often.
zerrin: I agree.
OysterCulture: SF has some great markets. I'd love to visit them again.
I love farmer's markets. It's so much fun to see all the fresh produce and breads.
Thanks for doing this post! Good to know there is yet another great farmer's market out there.
Dera Jenn!
Gretings!
Whenever I can, I visit Farmers Markets. I even go as far as visiting local farmers!LOl
You just can't beat them!
Cheers,
Robert-Gilles
This is a really great farmers market! Thanks for sharing-love the pics!
Debbie: It definietly is fun!
Duo Dishes: No Problem!
Robert-Gilles:LOL. I wish I could go to the farmers own crops. But that will be a long drive.
Reeni: You're welcome!
Looks like a great place Jenn! I've only been to The Grove, though...hehehe I think we'll prolly swing by that place one of these days! :)
Zriz: It shows promise. Definitely check it out.
LOVE farmers markets. I don't have any good ones near by, though!
I'm drooling at those pics of fresh-baked breads! oo that PRETZEL!
burpandslurp: the breads are always a temptation for me when I go to farmers markets.
I'm jealous! Our farmer's markets haven't full opened yet (there are only a few vendors right now) and won't really be bustling until mid-May. A couple feature artisanal foods but they are much smaller and terribly crowded. [Sigh] I'll have to ask my sisters to take me both to this and the one at near The Grove during our next LA trip!
Tangled Noodle: Yeah, definitely stop by on you next visit.
I love farmers markets--there are none anywhere near my house, though, so it's always kind of a trek.
This one looks really nice--excellent produce!
TavoLini: Thanks.
Sophie: Thanks. It's great that there's a selection of international foods and local.
I envy you Jenn, we don't have many farmers markets in Hong Kong, not to mention the good ones. Thank you very much for sharing.
Kenny: Thank you for visiting. Hope you can stop by often. =)
For my part one and all ought to look at it.
Pretty effective info, thanks for the post.
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