Venice Farmers' Market

Just back from college and living at home while working in Venice, I needed to find a new farmer's market to replace the one I used to frequent regularly in my college town. Well, the Venice Farmer's Market is tiny in comparison to any other farmer's markets I've been to before, but it packs a punch. Just last week, I got up early before work and came home with a treasure trove of goods. I not only picked up perfect ready-to-eat white peaches and fresh strawberries ($7 for 3 baskets! quite good by LA standards) I also met a couple of guys whose wares stood out in particular. One is Dave and his Korean food stand. He prepares incredible vegetarian options like spicy tempah with jalapenos and barbecued tofu, both of which are great in salads or on their own. Dave introduced me to lotus root a couple of weeks ago, and his spicy vegetable mix last week. Eaten on their own, or in soups or salads, is a delicious and refreshing departure from my normal vegetarian fare. Also there's a fellow who sells dried fruit and nuts. After trying some tamarind fruit, I asked him where I could get tamarind juice in LA, a highlight of my recent trip to Guatemala. Well, it turns out that this fine gentleman had been making it himself at home. Now I'm going back this Friday to pick up my own special batch that he offered to bring just for me! What a wonderful eclectic mix of foods, produce, pastries, and flowers too, in a tiny lot with a lot of soul.