grill

Sweet summer corn from Maciel Farm and Kawano Farms at the Little Italy Mercato is ready for the grill, salads, and salsa. Smear Springhill Cheese Company’s European style butter on an ear of freshly shucked corn before throwing it on a charcoal grill just long enough for the kernels to turn golden brown, add a little more butter and a pinch of Sel Gris salt from Salt Farm before you dive in!

Steam corn just until tender before slicing it off the cob to toss with diced red onion from Sage Mountain Farm, a little basil from Rivera’s Treasure Garden, and a drizzle of freshly pressed olive oil from the Farmer’s Daughter; serve chilled for a refreshing summer salad.

Grab a handful of hot peppers from Proios Farm or Suzie’s Farm, green onion from Schaner Farm and cilantro from Vang’s Farm for a bright salsa - try it over a grilled seabass filet from Poppa’s Fresh Fish, your friends will think you’re a natural-corn chef!

LIFE’S A  PEACH
The season’s first white and yellow peaches from Smit Orchards and Lone Oak Ranch sweeten up the Pacific Beach Farmers’ Market this Tuesday. Fresh, juicy peaches are perfect on their own, or sliced and tossed with strawberries from Kawano Farms, blueberries from Smit Orchards and tangelos from John Gilruth.

Peaches are a grill’s best friend; if you’re firing up the barbecue tonight, start your dinner with this grilled peach and avocado salad with hass avocados from Mexico Lindo. We couldn't believe what grilling adds to peaches and avocados. Grab some early season tomatoes from JR Organics, thyme from Suzie’s, fresh goat cheese from Nicolau Farms and citrus balsamic vinaigrette from Bistro Blends for this peach and heirloom tomato salad.  For a unique and refreshing summer sipper, pick up lavander from Gilbert Quintos and honey from Mikolich for peach-lavander agua frescas.  

Have a little more experience in the kitchen? Finish dinner with a flourish by bringing home pastured eggs from Paradise Valley for this sabayon with balsamic peaches.  We’ll see you at the Pacific Peach Tuesday Farmers’ Market!

SHOP & SCORE!

Score a big win with your Super Bowl party guests by shopping the Little Italy Mercato today. “Lucky” ticket-holders will be bundled up in big coats, hats and mittens in Indianapolis with a predicted high in the low 40’s. Really lucky fans here in sunny San Diego can enjoy the big game in tees and sandals, so think about picking up some organic Viva Pops for dessert, along with gooey bars from Olive Oil Cafe (you'll never guess they're gluten-free.)

Start with your appetizers - grab a few baguettes from Bread & Cie and infused oils for dipping from Gianni’s or California Olive. Choose manly cheeses like Fiscalini aged cheddar, Mimolette or Ewephoria (great with beer!) from Taste Cheese and fill your shopping bag with scarlet grapes from Smit Orchards. Forget the fried potato chips and salty dips! Pick up fresh crunchy carrots, celery and sugar snap peas from J.R. Organics, Maciel Farms or Gilbert Quintos to dip in some chipotle Bitchin’ Sauce and hummus from Baba Foods or Lisko Artisan Deli. While you’re at the Bitchin’ booth- grab some extra tubs to spread on your pre-game sandwiches, grilled chicken or fish! Poppa’s Fresh Fish will supply the oysters.

Speaking of the grill, get in on the biggest grilling day of the year with some kickin’ sausages from SonRise Ranch or tri tip and ribs from Da-Le Ranch. Make it a great ‘Half-Thyme’ meal with spices from Thyme of Essence for your grilled meat or veggies.

Not hosting the game this year? Bring a tin of honey cinnamon or spicy roasted almonds from Hopkins AG and a bottle of San Diego merlot from Triple B Ranches for the host. You’ll be Most Valuable Guest, for sure.