LA Farmer’s Market – Celebrating 75 Years of Food and Fun
Posted in Family Fun, Food, Restaurant, Shopping, Travel | By Roger Gillespie | Tags: Food, Historic, Los Angeles
For over 75 years at Third and Fairfax, the L. A. Farmer’s Market has been an institution.
Just west of downtown L.A., and just south of Hollywood on what was formerly a dairy farm, the Farmer’s Market has grown from farmers selling their products from the back of their trucks to a mostly enclosed building offering groceries, shops and restaurants.
LA Farmer's Market
The atmosphere is festive and busy, but there are so many choices that is difficult to decide what to choose. Everything from a farmer’s produce stand to sit down locations, delis, Asian options and much more tempt the hungry shopper. There are 35 restaurants and drink choices with over 20 grocery and specialty food outlets. You can’t decide what to eat? Well, try a few!
With a plethora of dining choices, what did we decide on? The Pampas Grill.
Is it a cafeteria? Is it fast food? No, it’s a churrascaria (Brazilian steakhouse barbecuing meat on a skewer). But this is not the fancy steakhouse that has become common in many large cities. Set on a corner on the north side of the market, stall #618 seems very unassuming. But, the line of customers that wrap around waiting to pick up a plate and tray say otherwise. You pick out your side dishes first, salads, corn, pastas, yucca fries, etc. before moving to the main course station.
There you tell the man behind the counter which cuts of meats you would like (beef, lamb, chicken wrapped in bacon, etc.) If you would like more than what he sliced off of the skewer, let him know – he won’t be shy. Reason: you pay by the pound. The meat servings can be generous – but you decide.
That’s why you see many people opting for light salads.
You have three options: Buffet dishes only – Buffet/Meat – Meat Only (most expensive option).
Once served, you find a table and “picnic.” Your empty tray will be cleared off, promptly, by staff.
Looking for a grocery store that carries something a little different? Try Mr. Marcel Gourmet Market. A very helpful staff will literally run to help you! Things started to back up at the gourmet cheese counter and other staff came on the double to help! The selection includes gourmet cheeses, olives, cold cuts, wines, imported cookies, crackers, jams and much more crammed into a small, permanent Farmer’s Market location.
Another long time favorite is Bennett’s Ice Cream. They make it themselves and many people were queueing up to get dishes, sodas and sundaes. They are in Suite 548, just down the row from the Mr. Marcel.
Bennett's Ice Cream
Trolley at Farmer's Market/The Grove
Parking: Parking lots surround three sides of the market, but good luck finding a spot on the weekends. Instead, you will probably have to opt for the parking garage at The Grove next door.
Farmers Market Rates with Validation: ?2 hours free with purchase from a Market merchant?
$3 for the third hour?
$1 for each additional 20 minutes ?
$15 maximum
Farmers Market Rates without Validation 
$2 for each 20 minutes ?
$20 maximum
The Grove Parking Structure: One hour parking in the structure is free.
Fountain in The Grove (adjacent to Farmer's Market)
6333 W. 3rd Street
Los Angeles, CA
http://www.farmersmarketla.com
Tags: Food, Historic, Los Angeles