It’s only right to start out this weekly section on farmer’s markets by focusing right on the big one in the middle. Located in the DMV parking lot on Normal Street, the Hillcrest farmer’s market consistently takes the cake as San Diego’s favorite farmer’s market. Their non-so-secret secret: Rows and rows of amazing farmers and vendors. Plus, easy access and longer hours (open till 2 pm) really make this convenient market worth a quick stop or stroll through on the first part of your Sunday.
The Hillcrest farmer’s market has become a bit of a Sunday tradition for me and my wife. Breakfast here would make my 3 Meals & A Bar survey, as this is a go to when friends are visiting. After first walking up from University, we meander along the marathon long row, each farmer’s tent a new discovery of what ripened up that week. We definitely prefer the stroll through method here. Nearly every vendor has sliced up samples waiting for you– it’s like a fresh, non-stressful Costco. This week peaches, nectarines, and pluots were flowing ripe and juicy.
After looking, tasting, smelling, but not yet buying, it’s time for brunch. The winner for us this week (and the last few weeks): East African Flavors. It’s pretty close to Indian Food– think seasoned rice topped with curried lentils and chick peas– but they utilize the grill for their cooking. Their food tastes rich and flavorful, with the bbq fresh off the grill smell and texture.
Meet my new best friend:
Name: Alvin
How long at the Farmer’s Market? 5 years
What does everybody need to try? “You need to try the Sambusas. They go with everything. And our Nyama Choma, or roasted meet. This is the main entrée of East Africa so it's what we do best.”
After eating a hefty lunch, it’s time to actually buy some produce. My favorite for fruit: Sweet Tree Produce. Just don’t tell the guy next door. After lunch, before packing up, these two vendors at the North end of the market get into an intense vocal selling match, unloading all of their left over produce for a discount (no use trucking it back to the farm.) Although we’re usually here earlier to get our heaping share of in season produce, today we filled our bags with pounds of peaches and plouts on the cheap. What a deal.
No doubt the most fun part of the Hillcrest farmer’s market is jamming out to the 7th Day Buskers. This folksy country group performs here every single Sunday. The lineup changes a bit, but always provides the same fun playing, kids dancing, market rock I enjoy each week. Look out for their drummer, T-Bone, in bands such as Bartender’s Bible and Mr. Tube and the Flying Objects.