What I Love About the Leucadia Farmers Market

Move over, Oprah! We’re not talking about your favorite things. This week, we’re talking about our favorite things from the !

Of all the markets I have been to—both throughout San Diego County and in other cities across the country—the Leucadia Farmers Market has definitely become one of my favorites because of its unique (yes, a farmers market can be unique) charm. There are many things I love about the market, but here are some of my personal faves:

Every Sunday, as soon as my husband and I park our car, we make a beeline for—wait for it—the Caffé Espresso coffee cart. Have you had this coffee? It’s so good it will make you forget about that place with the green logo. I always order a hazlenut latte, sans whipped cream. And so does my husband, except his is larger, with whip. The coffee is so good that if I ask my husband to hold my cup for a minute, when I get it back, it’s usually empty!

Then we usually start thinking about brunch. Sunday brunch at the market is perfect because it’s relaxed, outdoors and the options are endless! I usually go for a crepe, sushi, a sandwich from Olive Oil Organic Cafe or a wrap from the Ready Veggie stand.

Once we’re awake and filled up, we stock up on the week’s bounty. Making our way down the aisle of prepared foods, we love the fresh bread options, hummus from Baba Foods and prepared exotic fare from Masala Cottage Indian Food.

Then, if we’re out at home, we make sure to get Mr. Bear’s Badass BBQ sauce and Miss Gracie's Pucker-Up Pesto. The BBQ sauce has become a staple in our household. Marketeer Courtney Ostanik was right when she said it's –I have even put it on my eggs! That was not one of Ostanik’s recommended uses, but it certainly shows how much I love the sauce.

Then, we move on to the fresh foods and support the local farmers—the reason we come to the market in the first place. My husband raves about the sausage and steaks from . In addition to natural meat, I love that the Leucadia Farmers Market has . At Gary Nakatani’s stand, we pick up a dozen eggs, fresh garlic, onions and fingerling potatoes. After my mouth was awakened into the world of earlier this fall, we make sure to stop and see what fresh fruit is available at Trethowan Organics. We also love their dried oranges.

At , we get fresh herbs and whatever seasonal vegetables are available. Also for fruit, we stop by for their dried cherries and fresh apples. Across the way (usually) is where we excitedly pick up our quark—if it’s not already sold out! Then, it’s time to get a bottle or two of and visit the .

Obviously, there are a lot of things I love about the Leucadia Farmers Market. Those are my personal preferences, but now I want to know–what are your favorite things?