Brentwood Farmer’s Market

Posted November 21st, 2008 by Meg

In the past 2 years, I have never walked down the road to the Brentwood Farmer’s Market on San Vincente (and Gretna Green) on Sunday. I have definitely ran past it quite a few times, but never thought to myself what a great idea it would be to stop in. Last Sunday, I made a point to wake up extra early on my day off to beat the crowd, heat, and find some good vegetables. I noticed I was falling into quite the stereotype as I made my journey there:

1. Apple product in tow
2. North Face hooded sweatshirt  - (outdoor performance clothes)
3. The fact that I was going to a Farmer’s Market
4. Searching for organic food

And I’m sure many others…

I got there at 9:15, but the place was already filling up with the yoga pant wearing yuppy moms and their children common to Santa Monica. Since it was early, everything went swimmingly. I came home with these goods:

I’ve only tried one of the eggplants and it was a little too ripe, but I have hope that the others will be better. The broccoli is good. I loved these bell peppers, but am afraid they might not be organic (they look too good to believe they are organic :P). I am used to getting apples from Whole Foods and for the most part they are much bigger than the ones I have been seeing at Farmer’s Market, but I took a chance with a few of these and they seem okay. I was only able to find fuji and pink lady apples, which is great because I enjoy both (especially the latter). However, I wish I could find some that are in better condition. I might have to continue shopping for apples at WF (although that can be expensive), I’m not sure though - I’m still searching for more local options.

One stand that I fortunately was able to try samples from was the Moon Pillow stand. Moonpillows are mochi truffles -  rice pastries with chocolate ganache centers. Exactly like mochi ice cream, but not with ice cream in the middle - but chocolate (the mochi exterior is a little softer). I was able to try the Chocolate Peanut Butter and it was amazing. They are handmade in small batches, so you won’t be seeing these sold at Starbucks anytime soon. In fact, I think the only place you can get them in Los Angeles is at the Brentwood Farmer’s Market (or you could order them online). The flavors rotate. Right now their website states there are Thanksgiving flavors (French Roast, Maple-Pecan, Passion Fruit, and Pumpkin Spice) which will be around until December 2nd. The picture is of the Maple-Pecan.

If I had had more cash on me that day, I probably would have bought some because they are fluffy, chewy, and delicious. Sadly, I had only planned ahead for vegetables and good chocolate is never cheap: $23 for a box of twelve, $12 for a box of six, $6 for a box of three. If you get a chance - check them out, buy a box, and then come over to my apartment to share.

Brentwood Farmer’s Market: 9am - 1pm