MERCATO IS FULL OF TREATS
Since the Little Italy farmers' market falls on Halloween this year, we're offering shoppers who come in costume $2 off at any Mercato booth. Just sign in with your name and email address at the Information Booth at State & Date. Additional prizes will be awarded to the best farm-related costumes. Oh, and Joes on the Nose is offering a free coffee this week to anyone dressed as a pumpkin or an Organic Orange Coffee Truck (see coupon in this week's Reader).

Don't forget to bring the kids out on Friday night, October 30, for Trick or Treat on India Street. Merchants throughout Little Italy will fill their bags with goodies!

PLETHORA OF PUMPKINS
It's pumpkin season, and they're all over the market this week. Follow the booths all the way from Kettner to Union to find these treats.

At Loic Patisserie, choose from pumpkin scones, pumpkin chocolate chip cupcakes and pumpkin crème brulee

Suzie's Farm and Maldonado Farms both offer pumpkins ready to carve into Jack o' Lanterns or bake into homemade treats. 

Lisko Imports tempts with individual pumpkin cheesecakes and cupcakes

Viva Pops has a new Chocolate Pumpkin popsicle

Raw, vegan pumpkin pie at Peace Pies features an almond-date crust and cashew, date and pumpkin filling

Bread and Cie debuts their seasonal Pumpkin-Cranberry-Walnut bread on Saturday along with pumpkin muffins

As always, Basiltops offers Pumpkin Seed Pesto in regular and spicy versions

Belen Bakery's flavorful pumpkin bread loaves come with and without walnuts

Choose between Pumpkin Mousse Cheesecake and a pumpkin tart with a caramelized hard shell top at Patisserie du Soleil

Montana's has perfect pumpkin pie at the market and is taking whole pie orders now for the upcoming holidays

Make a hit at the Halloween Party with Pumpkin Spice Tamales from Gourmet Tamales

Oh, and wash it all down with hot spiced cider, brewing at Roots Fine Foods at the market this weekend.

HOME ON THE GRILL
What's that thundering herd coming toward Little Italy? California raised bison, often referred to as buffalo, steaks, roasts and burger available this weekend at Da Le Ranch's booth. Some 30 percent lower in calories than most beef, and lower in cholesterol than even chicken or fish, this healthy, grass-fed local meat is a great choice for fall dinners.

TASTE OF LITTLE ITALY
Get ready to stroll Little Italy on Wednesday, November 4th from 5 to 9 pm, sampling specialties from 27 neighborhood eateries including Enoteca Style, Caffe Italia, Po Pazzo, the Waterfront and Pappalecco. Live music along the route adds to the fun. Tickets for the last two events sold out. Click here to buy yours online now!

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

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

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS
Our beautiful Mercato Banners are just one way local businesses like San Diego National Bank and Spa Velia support the Little Italy farmers' market. Interested in sponsorship? Email mercato@littleitalysd.com or call 619.233.3769.