A Saturday spent at Little Italy Mercato

One of San Diego’s many farmers’ markets offers food and flowers, among other hidden treasures

Angelina Dinsmore / Asst. A&C Editor / The USD Vista

Every Saturday thousands of people head to Little Italy to explore the vendors of San Diego. Over 200 tents line West Date Street, from Kettner Boulevard to Front Street. The farmers’ market takes over all of Little Italy, and the tents can be seen from every street. People of all ages are willing to face the crowds in the hopes of purchasing their favorite products, or discovering something new. Both sweet and savory scents fill the crisp morning air. Bustling crowds of people share their favorite samples from the excited vendors. It is a great place for a first date, lunch with the family, or a solo adventure. 

The options are endless. Little Italy’s Farmers’ Market offers all kinds of food and drink including freshly-brewed coffee, green juice, french bread, spicy salsa, and ground hummus. The Baba Foods hummus was particularly popular, as they had a consistent crowd under their tent. They offered samples of over 10 different hummus flavors with their homemade baked pita chips. People could not get enough of this all-natural snack. The Farmers’ Market offers small businesses an easy, fun way to promote their product. The Pacific Beach peanut butter was also a crowd pleaser, as it had four different flavors, both with and without sugar. Another high-demand product is the fresh fruit, as there were plenty of oranges, apples, and berries available for purchase. 

Once their stomachs are full, the farmers’ market goers may want to browse the various clothes, art, and jewelry stands on display. Vibrant pictures of the San Diego sunsets were available for purchase, along with handmade accessories from Mexico. Trendy jewelry of all kinds and prices attracts the fashionistas of the city. The handmade goods are great for gifts to someone special, or a well-earned treat for yourself. There is also all-natural lotion and soap that people could test before they buy. Shoppers can listen to live music that plays throughout the streets, which contributes to the pleasant ambience of the day. It is pet-friendly, so people can make furry friends in between the lines for vendors. There is also a man, set up with a typewriter and parchment, prepared to write a poem on demand for whoever requests it. With countless things to see and do, a visit to the Little Italy Mercato makes for an excellent Saturday activity. 

USD sophomore Sarah Kushner visited Little Italy this past Saturday and was drawn to the atmosphere.

“I felt like I was truly living a San Diego lifestyle, surrounded by the culture and people while exploring my new home,” Kushner said.

Kushner is always looking for new things to do in San Diego, as she believes it has so much to offer. She doesn’t want to waste any time in her four years here. She took advantage of the good deals and got a large bag of oranges for only $5. 

Sophomore Caroline Alexander, who attended the market with Kushner, enjoyed the diverse crowds she encountered. 

“It was so cool to see such a diverse group bond over their common love for food,” Alexander said.

Alexander was one of many to love the Baba Foods hummus stand, and bought three containers of it. Snacking on hummus reminded her of going to the farmers’ market in her hometown, Ladera Ranch, with her family. 

Little Italy Mercato brings the people of San Diego together into a tight-knit community. They are grateful to all the vendors for their contribution of spreading the love of food. Farmers’ markets offer so much to communities. They put out fresh food that is in season, at its peak of nutrition and flavor. Farmers’ markets are also easy to find all over San Diego, and they provide delicious, local, foods which might be difficult to find elsewhere. It is a rewarding way to support your local farmers and economy. Visit Little Italy Mercato on Wednesday and Saturday mornings for a taste of San Diego.