Patch Blog: What's Your Favorite Vendor at The Farmers Market?

This week, after a six year hiatus, I made my triumphant return to the

Growing up in South Pasadena, Thursday was my favorite day of the week. Either we would visit the market together or my mother would pop up the block for an hour and return with scrumptuous fingerling potaties, succulent fresh berries and fun surprises like fresh popped kettle corn.

Walking down El Centro Street Thursday, my mind was flooded with great memories of those times—and it did not disappoint. Here are a few of my favorite vendors for you to check out:

My first stop was Bill's Bees, where honey-lovers go to worship. The difference between the honey you buy at the grocery store and Bill's, is that Bill's does not heat or filter its honey. This ensures the flavors are intense and the enzymes are preserved, creating a healthier, better tasting honey. Their selection rages from Clover, Wildflower, Sage, and Buckwheat to Avocado Blossom and Citrus. They also sell tons of flavored honeysticks for your wee ones. Throw a honey bear beeswax candle into your bag for an extra sweet souvenir! www.billsbees.com

For some mouth-watering Mediterianian fare, hit up Mom's Products Inc. They sell about ten different types of hummus, including Black Bean Chili and Artichoke. They also specialize in several different kinds of olives. Don't forget to grab a bag of fresh pita chips, or soft, pillowy pita bread for your everyday dipping needs. My favorite take home from Mom's was the spicy Spinach and Feta turnover. Heat in the oven at 350*F for 10 minutes and you have a perfect warm, cheesy snack to end your day. 

Planning an English tea for your lady friends? Look no further than Sugarbird Sweets and Teas! With a dainty little selection of loose leaf organic teas (Raspberry Vanilla Rooibos and Organic Green/Mint and Cacoa Nibs, just to name a few) this darling little stop will encourage any gal to call her girlfriends over for tea as soon as possible. Try their Mixed Berry and Gluten Free Peach Scones to complete your visit. sugarbirdsweets.com

For the mushroom lover, head on over to LA FungHi where you can choose between giant Portabella caps and dainty Chanterelles, or soft Button Mushrooms, flavorful Criminis or classic Shitakes. The selection and prices cannot be beat! Anyone up for Mushroom Ragu tonight? www.LAFungHi.com

A trip to the Farmer's Market wouldn't be complete without a perfect baked good to take home with you. Planet Cookies packs a punch with every type and flavor of cookie you can imagine. From classic Peanut Butter to Coconut Macaroons, shoppers will gladly leave Earth to enjoy a few bites on Planet Cookies. These guys also sell moist and delicious Banana Bread and Zucchini Bread (2 for $5!) www.planetcookie.com

The South Pasadena Farmer's Market also features a variety of produce stands. Trust me when I tell you that you will find no better produce and you are supporting small local and organic farms. The vendors who sell potatoes and fresh berries are two of my favorites and they can be found side by side near the intersection of El Centro Street and Meridian Ave. 

Now that Summer is officially upon us, head over to the SP Farmer's Market, every Thursday from 4-8pm and bring the little ones with you! There is live music, fresh lemonade, snow cones, cotton candy and kettle corn to enjoy. For even more vendor information visit www.southpasadenafarmersmarket.org

And, stay up to date with the local food haps by visiting my blog, The Happy Mouth.