WE'RE FALLING FOR FARMERS' MARKETS

IT ALL COMES OUT IN THE SQUASH
Nights are growing cooler, sweaters are coming out of closets, and the first of the hearty autumn squashes are arriving at the North Park, Little Italy and Adams Avenue farmers' markets.  Look to Suzie's, Sage Mountain and Schaner Farms for gorgeous fall colors and flavors; Sweet Dumplin', Delicata and Red Kabocha squash have already been spotted this week, along with small pumpkins.  Enjoy the soothing smell of roasting squash while you decide what to top them with - we like a drizzle of local honey from R&L Farms and a sprinkle of cinnamon from Just Spice for real comfort food.

YOU'LL FALL FOR THIS SALAD
Don't put that grill away yet, we've got a great salad idea inspired by local rancher Dave Heafner.  You'll need some ripe Bartlett pears, fresh mission figs, and Fourme d'Albert bleu cheese from Taste Cheese.  Halve the figs and pears, and core pears.  Brush the helved fruits lightly with olive oil and grill cut side down for two minutes; flip over and put a dab of the cheese on each piece.  While the cheese begins to melt, toss arugula and spinach with your favorite vinaigrette, then top with the cheesy fruit and a sprinkle of crushed walnuts from Terra Bella Ranch or Heritage Family Farms. You carnivores, feel free to add Dave's grilled pork tenderloin, too.

SNACK CITY
The return to school means busy schedules for parents and kids alike, and it can be tough to squeeze in a healthy meal between soccer practice, debate club and marching band - so stock up on now-in-season Gala and Fuji apples, red flame grapes and crunchy Hopkins AG almonds. Morocco Gold Dates are back at all three markets, supplying natural energy to keep your kids (and yourselves) healthy and happy in these busy times. Need something heartier? New Morocco Gold Date Jam, ready to spread on Belen Bread's rustic flaxseed and sunflower bread, with a schemer of almond butter from HopkinsAG.

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FARMERS MARKET VENDING 101
Learn how to apply for permits, how to apply for space, and how to successfully market your crop or product at San Diego farmers' markets. Tues, Sept 28, 6 pm to 8:30 pm Limited class size. Register now!

WILL PLAY FOR FOOD?

Want to make beautiful music at one of our weekly farmers' markets? Jazz, Funk, Latin, Fusion, or your specialty, we'd like our shoppers to hear from you. Contact us here with a link to your music site and let San Diego hear your tunes!

GETTING FRESH AT ADAMS AVENUE
We heard a rumor that there's a lack of sushi in Normal Heights and Kensington, so we invited Miss Sushi to bring her bamboo mats to Adams Avenue and blend the freshest local seafood with farmers' market produce in traditional and original rolls. Poppa's Fresh Fish will be supplying their market neighbor with fresh ingredients too. Last week she used fresh tuna, local avocados and crisp  Japanese cucumbers from Carlsbad Strawberry Company in a variety of sushi and a fresh seaweed salad. Sounds like an easy dinner while you shop for produce, meats, eggs and cheese for the week.

HOT AND COLD AT NORTH PARK
We absolutely love the hot coffee and espresso drinks from Java Jive, just the thing to perk you up while shopping on Thursdays.  You can also take home a pound of fair trade organic beans from Café Virtuoso. Hot BBQ from Ranchwood Deli, pupusas from Salvadoran Pupusa Company and toasty grilled cheese sandwiches from SoNo Trading company are other hot items. If you're looking for something cooler, how about a frozen Viva Pop, made from fresh, local and organic fruits and vegetables?  Cool sounds this week are courtesy of musical virtuoso Dennis Howard.

MAKE A DATE WITH THE MERCATO
Morroco Gold Date Farm doesn't come to the Mercato all year, but they sure do make an impression with their decadently sweet fresh medjool dates, which are harvested and sold for just a fraction of the year. Speaking of dates, if you've got one on Saturday, don't forget to grab chocolate truffles from Caxao or Eclipse, fresh flowers from Hidalgo, Maldonado, or Dram & Echter or - if you're going all out - a pretty trinket from LilyGirl or Isis Adornment. Enjoy the music of Notas Antiguas while you shop.