KCET FOOD

L.A.’s Newest Farmers’ Market: The Autry in Griffith Park

Popular culture makes it seem as though Angelenos only get truly excited about a club opening. But we think that, in truth, it’s a new farmers’ market that really gets our collective engine going. This past Saturday saw the debut of one such market, in the parking lot of the Autry National Center in Griffith Park. Vendors already signed up for a stint were selling products ranging from honey to kale, cheese to berries, daikon to pastries. Food trucks also run the length of the market, and the museum’s cafe will be open for brunch and mimosas. This is something of an elegant affair, and we’re wondering: does the famed Hollywood Farmers’ Market have some competition? Check out our photos, by the talented R.E., and tell us what you think.

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Scenes from the Studio City Farmers’ Market

The Studio City Farmers’ Market is one of the most actively family-friendly in the city: in addition to all the produce and prepared-food vendors, there is a petting zoo, a moonbounce, an inflated slide, and a miniature train. Luckily for those of us who aren’t small enough for these diversions, the market is currently full of lots of leafy greens such as spinach, chard, and bok choi, as well as roots like parsnips, beets, turnips, and radishes. Jerusalem artichokes also make a special appearance here.

Our favorites this week included dried Asian pears and persimmons from Fresno’s Arnett Farms, and Fuji apples from Kingsburg’s Island Farms. Givens Farm had the best selection — or at least presentation — of organic produce, with a table stacked high with fennel, cauliflower, and kale.

What’s your favorite market find this month?

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Scenes from the Hollywood Farmers’ Market

It may be the middle of winter, but the colors of the farmers’ market are already as bright and summery as can be — the winter crops are showing off, with purple potatoes and cauliflower and pink turnips and radishes overshadowing the lettuces and artichokes, as vibrantly green as they are. What’s your favorite market find this month?

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The Model Farmer of Flora Bella

Julie: How does your family heritage and the food you ate growing up influence the food you make now?

Julie: You worked for many years in the modeling industry. What was the tipping point that inspired your career change?

Read more, and her broccoli soup recipe, here!

Scenes from the Alhambra Farmers’ Market

The Sunday Alhambra Farmers’ Market is a true neighborhood institution: the weekly turnout is consistently huge and the prices, across the board, make the produce a steal. Right now the market is full of multi-colored beets and carrots; tangerines, which seemed to be the most popular item; and Buddha’s hand, which is becoming more ubiquitous.

In Alhambra you’ll also find some products that you might not come across elsewhere. There’s a big grain selection, unusual greens like bok choy stems, and sugar cane, which can be bought whole or sliced up. What’s your favorite market item right now? Let us know in the comments.

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Scenes from the Glendale Farmers’ Market - click here for more…

Each week bartender Matt Biancaniello visits at least five local farmers’ markets to source fresh ingredients for the cocktails he makes at the Roosevelt Hotel’s Library Bar. His passion for developing drinks with homemade components and unique flavor combinations has earned him devoted fans. On any given night, regulars fill the zebra-striped bar, and all eyes are on Biancaniello as he serves up a combination of the recipes he has developed over the last few years and new cocktails made from his latest market finds. (He’s also a beekeeper, working on sourcing all of his honey from the apiary he set up at a friend’s farm.)

Biancaniello asks customers which spirit they prefer or what ingredient laid out on the bar intrigues them. Then he slices, muddles, stirs, shakes, and tastes until the drink lives up to his standards - then presents it with a big smile. Biancaniello’s enthusiasm shines through in every cocktail.

Biancaniello looks for new flavors to infuse into spirits or to combine in an original way. After discovering a particularly smooth walnut oil, Biancaniello paired it with Benedictine, lemon and cocoa nibs, and named it the Nutty Monk. Though the list of ingredient may sound challenging to the palate, the combination works. It’s a cocktail recipe that would not have happened without regular trips to the farmers’ market.

Read more here!