PICK A PECK OF PEPPERS
Peppers of all varieties, sizes and shapes are in season now and their uses are endless. Slice and sauté bell peppers from Randazzo Farms with onions to serve with sausage from Knight Salumi, in a fritatta with eggs from Swiss Mountain, or in a stir fry with an assortment of the Mercato farm stands' fresh vegetables. Chop jalapeños, tomatillos and heirloom tomatoes from Sage Mountain farms into a perfect salsa fresca. Stuff roasted poblano and Anaheim peppers from Richie's Roasted Peppers with cheese and sauté for a simple chile relleno. While you're at it, place your order now for fresh, flavorful, fiery Hatch chilis, coming next month to Richie's at the market.

DON'T FEEL LIKE COOKING?
Pick up ready-to-eat prepared foods at the Mercato and make it a simple supper tonight. Sliced smoked brisket or pork in one pound packs from Ranchwood Deli makes an easy bbq plate - don't forget the sauce. Montana's Turkey Chili is making Donna famous, and makes your dinner simple. Gourmet Tamales are made without lard and with fresh vegetables grown by Valdivia Farm. We wish Peace Pies would bring their tostadas to the Mercato, but their raw, vegan Pizza and Collard Wraps are wonderful too. Panang Curry over brown rice from Saranya & The Black Thai makes an easy heat-and-eat dinner, and new vendor Zaiqa Fusion offers Indian specialities like Chicken Vindaloo made with boneless organic chicken breast, and vegan Aloo Gobi in convenient 16 ounce containers. See? Dinner's in the bag!

BETTER BOTTLED WATER
For those times when you really need the convenience of bottled water, Nika Water is the way to go. Pick some up at the Little Italy farmers' market this weekend, and check out their website for info on how they work to offset 100% of their carbon footprint, and donate profits to communities who need clean drinking water.

AFTER THE MERCATO
Check out San Diego Roots' first annual Growing Places event, celebrating San Diego's sustainable food project and raising funds for their upcoming farm and education center. The event starts at 3:30 and goes to 9:30 pm, just a quick stroll from the Mercato at 1446 Front Street. For more info: San Diego Roots

GYPSY MUSICIANS
The Grass Gypsys are visiting from Boston and they'll be with us at State & Date on Saturday, before shows at the Handlery Hotel and Backstage at the Bitter End next week. At Date & India, Little Italy favorite Justin Malizia is back with his trumpet. Musicians interested in playing at the Little Italy Mercato can send info to MERCATO MUSIC for scheduling details.

Photos by Ramona d'Viola, April Gillette, and Tim Stahl.

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

DATE STREET BANNERS
There are a variety of ways that local businesses like Market Street Vet and Bo Concepts support the Little Italy Mercato. Interested in sponsoring a banner, sidewalk signs or our soon-to-debut demo kitchen? Contact mercato@littleitalysd.com or call 619.233.3769.

WILL WORK FOR FOOD?
Help Plant the Seed at the Little Italy Mercato by volunteering. You help us monitor traffic and take shopper surveys, we give you Mercato Money to use at any booth. Enjoy Saturday morning surrounded by fresh air, live music, friendly folks and farm fresh food. Email VOLUNTEER for more info today.