Little Italy Mercato Blog

Get your bruschetta fixin's at the Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market! Grab a crunchy baguette from Bead & Cie or Assenti's Pasta, then get creative with your toppings!

Try a classic italian style bruschetta with fresh tomatoes from Maciel Farm, minced and drizzled with Thyme of Essence olive oil, a pinch of Sel de Mer salt from Salt Farm  and slivered basil from Rivera's Treasure Garden. This recipe variation looks delicious! 

Looking for something more unique? Roasted fig and goat cheese bruschetta will hit the mark! If it was us, we'd start with this recipe using figs from Creekside Tropicals, Polito Farms or Terra Bella Ranch, add chevre from Taste Cheese or Nicolau Farms; but also add microgreens from Suzie's Farm and drizzle Fig Balsamic from Bistro Blends on top. 

With so many fruits, veggies, flavor boosters like oils and salts, cheese and more available at the Mercato, your bruschetta will be delicious! 

Find the finest oil for salad dressing, sauteeing and more at the Little Italy Mercato. Visit the Farmer’s Daughter for cold pressed extra virgin olive oil from their own groves in Hemet; they also bring Bella Vado avocado oil from Valley Center to the market. Get all the spices and oil you need at the market to make this great dressing recipe. 

Gourmet Delights offers arbequina and ascolano olive oils from 4th generation Napa Valley growers, as well as grapeseed oil which is ideal for high heat cooking; bring back your empty bottles for a discount on your next purchase. The California Olive Oil Company’s offerings include delicate and robust oils from the Central Coast and imported Italian balsamic vinegars, while Bistro Blends features infused oils like their popular Hot Bistro Oil as well as marinades and grilling sauces.

Thyme of Essence's oils are all sold in recycled liquor bottles from local restaurants. They bring arbosana oil from Mariposa County, and don’t miss their zaatar blends. Visit Assenti Pasta for infused avocado oils from Pacifica Culinaria that are perfect for drizzling over their fresh pasta. It's oil good! 

Love your skin at the Little Italy Mercato, with an amazing selection of naturally invigorating body care products! Holistic Science has handmade, animal product-free apothecary products like Botanic Body Butter, Sugar Scrub and Tonic Mist. Miracle Clay has holistic health products that use magnetic clay to detoxify the skin and body; in addition to clay masks and body wash, their offerings include all natural, fluoride free toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, and sunscreen, which we highly recommend if you’re shopping under the sunny skies in Little Italy!

Make your own beauty products using Paradise Valley Ranch avocados, fresh lemons, Mikolich honey and olive oil. Try this honey and avocado hair treatment. Keys Creek Lavender Farm can make anything from lavender! Bath salts, hand soap or try their fur washes for pets - ideal for animals with sensitive skin, and it naturally repels pests.

Nicolau Farm offers all natural soaps made from goat’s milk; they’re completely free of alcohol, but high in natural glycerine and vitamin A. Enjoy their scented soaps including lavender, orange-clove and oatmeal-honey. Pamper your skin naturally!

READY, WILLING & TABLE

Shop the Little Italy Mercato to set the table for an outdoor birthday bash, bridal shower, barbecue or garden party. Pick up lovely Provencal linens at Desire Tablecloths, and choose a handmade ceramic bowl from The Wheel to fill with market fresh fruit for a centerpiece. Bottlehood’s unique tumblers made from repurposed craft beer bottles are perfect for fresh squeezed lemonade, iced tea, or cold beer.

Visit Contes Bella Vino for whimsical wine bottle stoppers that also make great gifts for your guests. Fill a fair trade wooden salad bowl from Seven Hopes United with farm fresh greens and tomatoes, and pick a beautiful carving board frm Artistic Woodcrafts for a cheese course. Send treats home with your guests in a colorful reusable bag from Re-Pac Bags. Find beautiful candelabras at Iron Eyes if it’s an evening affair, and fresh flowers from Dram and Echter are a great touch for anytime. Happy hosting!