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Michael's Meet-Ups: Make the Most of Morning Marketing

Source: LAist - Going to the Santa Monica Farmers' Market with local chefs is something near and dear to us, since that's the core of our From Market to Menu series.

Our last trek was in the company of Chef Mikey Stern, the executive chef at Michael McCarty's Michael's restaurant in Santa Monica.

It seems doing the shopping and the talking is something the two Micheals enjoy doing, because they have created a monthly event called Michael's Market Meet-Ups for people to take part in and learn about cooking with the seasons.

The Meet-Ups begin at 8:30 a.m. at Michael's, where guests can enjoy cappucino and pastries, and a cooking demo using a featured seasonal ingredient--the take home being recipes and suggested wine pairings, and a copy of McCarty's book Welcome to Michael’s: Great Food, Great People, Great Party!.

After the demo, it's off to the market, just 2 blocks away, where Stern will help guests navigate the popular weekly market, introduce them to his favorite farmers and vendors, give tips on selecting produce, and talk more about the featured ingredient.

Your backstage pass to the Market, as guided by Stern and the folks from Michael's, will run you $60 and a few hours of your Wednesday morning. The first monthly Meet-Up is tomorrow, October 13, and the featured ingredient is kabocha squash. To reserve a spot, call the restaurant at (310) 451-0843.

Know Your Farmers' Market

Source: Laist - The last days of summer may be rushing up behind us, but the season’s harvest still overflows in Los Feliz, thanks to the two (yes, two!) weekly farmers' markets that serve this community. One is the Los Feliz Farmers' Market, while the other is the LA Medical Center Farmers' Market, which visits Los Feliz every Wednesday from 12-6pm in the lower parking lot of Barnsdall Art Park on Hollywood Blvd.

The booths of the Wednesday market burst with organic goodness, including fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, nuts, dried fruit, baked goods, free-range eggs, and plants and flowers. Among the special treats are the homemade cheeses, hummus, and pitas of Ari’s Foods (as well as Ari himself, who will make you a delicious Middle Eastern hors d’oeuvre sampler), tamales, pupusas, corn-on-the-cob, sweet potato pie, fruit juices, and—a new addition—the Marigold Café, which cooks up delightful vegetarian Indian fusion foods, including their award-winning chili.

All of this makes the LA Medical Center Farmers Market a perfect midweek lunch stop. And the grassy lawn of the Barsndall Art Park on the upper level provides an ideal picnic area, complete with panoramic views of LA and the Hollywood Sign. So, bring your shopping bags and if you stay for a picnic lunch, and say hi to your neighbors!