The freshly opened Market boasts an array of organic treats
Going to the market in Santa Monica has suddenly taken on a new meaning. Now, instead of going to the farmers market on Wednesday, Saturday or Sunday– or to Whole Foods, Pavilions, Ralphs or the like– your food-filled destination can be the third level of Santa Monica Place, adjacent to the Dining Deck.
Simply named “The Market,” it’s a sky-lit, spacious collection of vendors of organic, artisanal and gourmet food, wine, face, body and bath products and gifts, reminiscent of a smaller version of San Francisco’s Ferry Building.
Here’s what not to bring: a calorie counter. Among the treats in store are homemade ice cream from Malibu’s Beach Cream, beautiful pastries from Rockenwagner Bakery, premium cheeses from Norcino Salumeria Cheese Bar, decadent handmade chocolates from L’Artisan du Chocolat and delicious coffee drinks from Groundwork Coffee Company, as well as a curated selection of fair trade beans you can take home or have them grind for you.
There’s even a cooking school on site, the Gourmandise School, with three-hour, hands-on classes offered daily in two state of the art kitchens.
Wine aficionados will find an eclectic collection of vintages and a tasting room at Venokado, along with beautifully packaged gifts like rare art books and witty housewares.
Esteemed restaurateur Piero Selvaggio of Valentino brings a more casual restaurant concept called Primi Al Mercato to the Market, a casual trattoria serving handmade pastas made on site with fresh sauces. He’s also behind a second restaurant, the previously mentioned Norcino, which features charcuterie plates with assorted fine cheeses. They can also be purchased to take home.
An added bonus over the next several weeks is the pop up foodie fun sponsored by Artisanal LA. On this visit, three local vendors sold homemade fruit preserves, syrups and candied fruit, Greek pastries and California grown olive oils and a selection of balsamic vinegars.
The only thing that didn’t ring our bell– the three dollar apiece, average sized chocolate chip cookies. But that’s the way the cookie crumbles.
The Market, Santa Monica Place Level 3, 4th St. & Broadway, www.themarketsmp.com M-Th, 10-9, F-S, 10-10, Sunday 11-8
Upcoming Artisanal LA Pop-Up Schedule:
May 29-31: Ebisu Roll, Bangers & Smashed Gourmet Mashed Potatoes, and Kings Road Apothecary
June 1-3: Modern Bite, Anca’s Romanian, and SugarBird Sweets and Teas
June 4-6: San Angel Mole, Morning Glory Confections, and Batch From Scratch
June 7-9: Orgasmo de la Boca, I Heart Pies, and Bare Skin Organics
June 10-12: Janie XY, Cast Iron Gourmet, and Friandise Pastries
