Spring is in full bloom in Los Angeles and The Original Farmers Market, Los Angeles is celebrating the tasty flavors of the season with the spring edition of our popular Gourmet Grocers’ Open House.

If you missed our inaugural event last fall, our grocers came out to provide tips and recipes and answer questions from Market patrons. Huntington Meats & Sausage demonstrated the proper methods for breaking down a Tomahawk steak, the butchers at Marconda’s Meats and Puritan Poultry showcased flavorful chicken thighs prepared with Gardel’s chimichurri sauce, and most of the rest of the Market hopped into action with their own tastings and demos. The afternoon event was so popular, we’ve created an all new spring version to help you plan for Easter, Passover and the spring grilling season.

So, join us on Sunday, April 2 from noon to 4 p.m., and get ready to experience the best of spring, Farmers Market style. 

Cooking Demonstrations & Workshops

12:00 p.m.
Kombucha Making
Join Greenhouse Produce as they present a kombucha-making demonstration in partnership with Conscious Kombucha.

12:30 p.m.
Wine and Cheese Demo and Q&A
Filip Gloznak, the head cheese monger at Monsieur Marcel Gourmet Market joins Matt Polley, head of wine & spirits, and Nicole Carnivale of Buttonwood Winery in Solvang, CA, for a tasty wine and cheese demo and Q&A.

1 p.m.
Lamb Preparation and Grilling
On the East Patio with Huntington Meats and Sausage,  sponsored by Lynx Grills as provided by Armand’s Discount Fireplace & BBQ Company. The expert team at Huntington Meats will showcase the best methods for preparing and grilling lamb for your spring holiday meals.

1:30 p.m.
Spice and Tea Demonstrations and Q&A
Don’t be afraid to perk up your spring menus with a little spice. The merchants at Dragunara Spice Bazaar will answer your questions on which spices work best for your meals, while also showcasing some of their newest tea blends.

2:00 p.m.
Chicken and Veggie Stir Fry Demo
Lighten up your meals with a tasty Chicken and Veggie Stir Fry Demo. Diane Scalia of Melting Pot Food Tours joins up with Farm Fresh Produce to demo some of the freshest seasonal veggies and how to make a quick, easy meal for your family.

2:30 p.m.
Ask the Experts: Buying, Preparing and Cooking Meats
Not all meats are created equal. The butchers of Marconda’s Meats and specialists from the Piedmontese Ranch will answer your questions on selecting the best cuts for your recipe needs. And how to prepare those cuts for maximum enjoyment. Piedmontese beef is a healthier beef option with less fat, lower calories, higher protein and verified natural – no antibiotics, growth hormones or steroids

3 p.m.
Grilling Salmon and Oysters on the Half Shell
Spring foods always seem to taste best when they’re prepared on an open grill. The merchants from Tusquellas Seafoods  will demo exactly how long you should grill your salmon, while also showing exactly why grilled oysters on the half shell are so popular.  This demonstration is sponsored by Lynx Grills as provided by Armand’s Discount Fireplace & BBQ Company.

New Merchant Introductions – 12-4 p.m.

Michelina Artisan Boulanger
Meet the executive chefs and artisan bakers behind Michelina Artisan Boulanger, our newest merchant. Michelina will be giving away free baguettes for the first 200 guests.

Nonna’s Empanadas
Meet owner Mario Ekmekgian and the team from Nonna’s Empanadas.

Sampling Stations
Sampling stations are open from noon to 4 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

Dragunara Spice Bazaar
Mother Helda Easter Tea

Greenhouse Produce
Conscious Kombucha and assorted vegan wraps and snacks from Margeaux and Linda’s Vegan Kitchen

Farmers Market Poultry
Marinated chicken thighs

Farm Fresh Produce
Assorted salsas and salads

Huntington Meats and Sausage
Assorted sausage samples

Magee’s House of Nuts
Pecan and almond samples (for Charoset) and nut butters on Matzo

Marconda’s Meats
Grilled New York steak and hot dogs with Piedmontese Beef

Michelina Artisan Boulanger
Assorted croissant and pastry samples

Nonna’s Empanadas
Assorted empanadas

T & Y Bakery
Paska (Easter raisin bread), coconut macaroons

Other Events and Activities

12 p.m.
Free Baguettes
Come early. Our newest merchant, Michelina Artisan Boulanger will be giving away free baguettes to the first 200 customers to say “Bienvenue.”

12-12:30 p.m.
Decorate Your Own Dog Cookie
Drop by The Dog Bakery and can custom decorate a very special cookie for your favorite canine. (Limit one cookie per family.)

12-2 p.m.
Metro Art Family Workshop
This free demo for the whole family, held on the Farmers Market Plaza, will inspire you to create art in celebration of the Purple Line Extension Section 1. Tap you’re your creativity and celebrate your civic pride.

1-4 p.m.
Cookbook Signing, Salad Demo
Pasquale Beale, the author of the books Spring: A Menu for All Seasons and Salade: Recipes from the Market Table will sign her books at Monsieur Marcel Gourmet Market, while also demoing the tasty salads from her books.  

2-4 p.m.
Fresh Horseradish Making Demonstrations
Magee’s Kitchen has a long history as a provider of some of LA’s best horseradish, “with a kick like a Missouri Mule.”  Watch how they prepare their most excellent, handmade horseradish.

Spring Cup Decorating
Recently RICE, a Danish houseware and accessories company, opened their first U.S. location, RICETERIA at The Original Farmers Market. Known for colorful melamine, handmade baskets and hand glazed tableware, RICETERIA will be showcasing ways you can put a personal spin on their colorful cups.

Throughout the day, you also will have an opportunity to enter to win great raffle prizes, including a $500 grocery shopping spree for one lucky winner, and collect a variety of easy-to-prepare spring recipes.   Strolling musicians will also be performing throughout the Market from noon to 4 p.m.

And remember, while you’re here, be sure to order your Easter and Passover hams, lambs and other goodies to complement your holiday meals.