WE'RE THANKFUL FOR NEIGHBORS
Since our debut in June the Mercato has grown faster than any of us anticipated, thanks to you! A great farmers' market needs two things to thrive and grow: wonderful farmers and other vendors, and enthusiastic shoppers. Neither can succeed without the other; it's the quintessential (organic) chicken and (farm-fresh) egg equation. Without the best offerings, shoppers will go elsewhere for their groceries. Without neighbors who return each week to buy, the farmers can't afford to bring their harvest to our city streets. On this holiday dedicated to thankfulness, we just want to say thank you for allowing us to continue to be a special part of our Little Italy and farming communities all year long.

HEALTHY HOLIDAY DINING
Hopefully you did your Thanksgiving shopping at the Mercato last Saturday. This week combine holiday shopping with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to balance out that party food. Pick up fresh citrus and juices at Polito Family Farms' booth to ward off winter colds, broccoli and greens from Campbell Farms and Milpa Organica for healthy and flavorful meals, and farm-raised pork and beef from Da Le Ranch for protein. Give your immune system an extra boost with a delicious Collard Wrap from Peace Pies and a Green Fix smoothie.

PERFECT PAIRINGS!
Our fabulous cheese vendor Springhill Farms shares perfect holiday wine, cheese and food parings for the season. Pick up fresh ingredients at the Mercato, grab a bottle of wine at Mona Lisa, Tango Wine or Filippi’s, and dazzle your guests with these.

Butternut Squash Soup & Dry Jack Cheese.
Wine pairing - Sauvignon Blanc.

Rack of Lamb & Garlic Quark.
Wine pairing - Syrah.

Fondue & Smoked Mike’s Firehouse Cheddar.
Wine pairing - Cabernet.

Roasted root vegetables & Sage Goat Cheddar.
Wine pairing: Chardonnay.

BRIGHTEN SOMEONE’S DAY
Visiting friends or family? Attending a holiday party? A lush poinsettia from Casa Blanca Nursery’s booth makes a great gift for your host or hostess, and a simple way to bring the spirit of the season into your home or office.

Shop the Little Italy Mercato every Saturday from 9 am to 1:30 pm, year-round. Shop Date Street from Kettner to Union

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MUSIC TO SHOP BY
Coco and Lafe will be at Date & India this weekend sharing music from their newest CD Café Loco. At the top of the market, Sonia Marie Olivas is back with her enchanting harp music. Musicians interested in playing at the Mercato can contact mercato@littleitalysd.com for more info.

COMING NEXT WEEK
Join us for Little Italy’s annual Christmas tree lighting and – new this year – Natale Village featuring select Mercato arts and crafts vendors for easy holiday shopping!

Mercato shoppers eat all week long! Advertise your restaurant or lifestyle items in the Mercato Monitor, the newspaper that covers the pulse of the Little Italy Mercato. Winter 2008 issue coming soon. Email mercato@littleitalysd.com or call 619.233.3769 now!