SOUP UP YOUR SUPPER
WITH HEIRLOOM TOMATOES
Beautiful
heirloom tomatoes are still in season, and they won't last forever.
Pick up your favorites this Saturday from Schaner Farms, Sage Mountain
Farm, Randazzo Farms and other Mercato farm stands. Sliced, with a
little salt and pepper, they make a great side at any meal. Add a drizzle
of olive oil from CaliVirgin or Italianissimo and increase the absorption
of healthy lycopenes from this fantastic fruit.
If you
caught Chef Eric Bauer of Anthology at the market a couple of weeks
ago, you know that our heirlooms make an amazing gazpacho. We loved
the way Chef used a dollop of avocado puree in the bottom of his,
and topped it with a perfect grilled shrimp. Try this simple recipe:
Cut
into manageable chunks and combine in food processor: 1 & 1/2 pounds ripe
heirloom tomatoes, 1 onion, 1 cucumber, 1 bell pepper, 1 tomatillo, 4 cloves
garlic, a handful of fresh basil and juice of one lemon from Mercato farm stands,
along with 1/3 cup olive oil and 1/4 cup
wine vinegar. Season to taste with smoked sea salt, and coarse
black pepper. Serve chilled.
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NUTS TO YOU!
Did you think you had to book a trip to Hawaiian to get Macadamia nuts? Think again! Bushy macadamia trees do well in the same growing conditions that make for great avocado crops, and that means San Diego County is just about perfect. Fallbrook, in fact, is second only to Hawaii in macadamia production. Look for the smooth-shelled variety this week at Maness Vineyard's booth at the Little Italy farmers' market. They're great for snacking, but we like them crushed and used as a coating for red snapper from World Famous Fish, too.
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DON'T SHOP HUNGRY
Surely you've heard the advice not to grocery shop on an empty stomach. Well, there's no excuse for that at the Little Italy Mercato. Grilled sardines on a stick from Searocket Bistro or sausage from Knight Salumi, fresh fruit cups from Gourmet Tamales, hot paninis from Seb's or crepes from La Creperie are all simple to eat while you walk. Scones, cookies and macaroons from the market's amazing bakers will also take the edge off. Eat, shop, repeat.
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FEED YOUR CHILDREN WELL
Contrary to popular belief, it's easy to convince kids to enjoy fruits and vegetables as snacks, and it's better for them than chips, candy or even granola bars. They're naturally drawn to berries, apples, watermelon, and carrots. Bring them to the Mercato and you'll discover that their young palates are even more impressed by farm-fresh produce. Of course, tempting them with Viva Pops popsicles made with organic, locally grown fruits is a special treat. To learn more about sharing good eating habits with your children, join us on August 22, when Chef Ryan Johnston of WhisknLadle Prep Kitchen will show us how to use fresh farmers' market
ingredients to prepare healthy and delicious school lunches.
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Photos
by Ramona d'Viola, April Gillette, and Tim Stahl. |
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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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KEEPING
IT COOL
Our wonderful insulated, zipper-top Mercato shopping bags to keep your produce, eggs, fish and cheese cold while you shop and on the way home are available every weekend at the Mercato for just $10 at the Information Booth.
MAN WITH A HORN
Justin Malizia got such rave reviews at India & State last week that he'll be back again this Saturday, serenading us with his jazz trumpet stylings. Musicians interested in playing at the Little Italy Mercato can send info to MERCATO
MUSIC for scheduling details.
VOTE
FOR
THE MERCATO
Click the button above to help the Little Italy Mercato be recognized as
America's favorite farmers' market and win $5,000 from Care2.com and LocalHarvest.org.
After you vote, email your friends and family, or use Facebook, Twitter
or your favorite social networking tool and ask them to vote using this
link. Thanks for spreading the word!
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DATE
STREET BANNERS
There are a variety of ways that local businesses like Porto Vista Hotel and Footwear, Etc 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. |
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