Candy the Butcher Will Meat All Your Holiday Needs

It's difficult to walk by Candy's stand at the West Hollywood Farmers Market without wanting to pull off a rib to nibble on, or a chicken wing from the stack grilling on the open pit.

For 30 years, "Candy" aka Candido Vivanco, has been the owner and master butcher of Candy's Gourmet Meat shop in Marina del Rey.

"I don't serve any side dishes," Vivanco said. "This is just all about the meat, but I also make sandwiches for people who want to eat something at the market."

And meat it is. The stand is stocked with racks of baby back pork ribs that have all been marinated and grilled with one of Vivanco's special barbeque sauces. The sandwiches are served on a toasted roll with wonderful sautéed onions and spices if you want the additional heat.

"It depends on how spicy you want it to be," he said. "I'm Mexican, so I can give you heat if you want, but not everyone likes that."

The grilled chicken (and pork) come in a variety of sauces and marinades such as jalapeno, rosemary, garlic, cilantro, and hot or sweet mango. There's also chicken with spicy chorizo sausage, corn, apple and peach flavors.

For those who enjoy these flavorful spices, there's Baja Fiesta and Fiesta Hot. Actually, there are more than 30 flavor combinations that he's able to use for any of the meats.

"Everything is all natural," said Vivanco. "I get the meats from a special farm in California called Manny's Beef."

Vivanco also offers lamb, veal, duck and quail. For Thanksgiving he also offers free-range turkeys.

"It isn't too late to get a turkey from me," said Vivanco. "Tell your readers I will be happy to deliver one to them. Just ask them to call."

It's this kind of customer service that makes Vivanco stand out in the crowd. He will also prepare and have ready for you to pick up at the market any special cut or variety of meat that you want.

Vivanco's sauces are also available at Costco and Whole Foods, where he's developed a cult following amon people looking for authentic, but all-natural healthy options.

"If you're invited to a football or a baseball party, bring my ribs," said Vivanco. "I guarantee you will be invited back to the next party."

Candy also does catering for special events where he will show up with his fire pit and grill a feast for your guests, or simply prepare a take-out spread for you to serve on your own. You can place your order with Candy's Gourmet Meats at 310-751-6277.

The West Hollywood Farmers Market is held every Monday (rain or shine) from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. in the north parking lot at , 1200 N. Vista Street. Parking is limited, so allot time and be patient. Call market manager Beth Smith at 323-848-6534 for more information.

David De Bacco is a writer living and celebrating life in Los Angeles. He has worked for some of the world's most famous chefs and restaurateurs, and along the way he became a little savvy about food and wine. He has published articles and cookbooks for Shibata Publishing Co. in Tokyo and is a contributing writer for Edge Publications. He is also the creator of the Cookin' with Mama blog, a meeting place to share recipes from our mothers.