Little Italy Mercato Farmers’ Market

Best for: Dates

When: Saturdays, 8 a.m.-2p.m.

Where: Date Street, between California Street and Amici Park

We didn’t name this market best for dates just because it encompasses five blocks of Date Street. Boasting 200 vendors, it’s among the biggest in the county. Which means you and that special someone will have no shortage of farm fresh produce, meat, fish, flowers, and local chefs’ specialties to stroll between while you enjoy live music. Want to impress your date with your adventurous side? Try the just-caught sea urchin. Visitors the world over rave about it.

Hillcrest Certified Farmers’ Market & Open-Air Bazaar

Best for: Global cuisine

When: Sundays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Where: 3960 Normal Street

Hillcrest Market takes over the asphalt near the DMV with more than 175 vendors offering local produce, gifts, arts and crafts, flowers, clothing, and more. The large variety of prepared and hot food items includes an emphasis on international cuisine. And with free parking and a free shuttle (every 15 minutes) from San Diego Unified School District’s parking lot at 4207 Campus Ave., it’s easy to get here and start browsing. It’s the most fun you’ll ever have at the DMV!

Pacific Beach Farmers’ Market

Best for: When you’re low on cash

When: Tuesdays, 2-7 p.m.

Where: Bayard Street between Garnet Avenue and Grand Ave.

No cash? No problem! A unique feature of the Pacific Beach Farmers’ Market is that you can swipe your credit or debit card at the information booth to buy “market money” (does not expire) for use at all vendors. You’re welcome for that gift idea!

North Park Farmers’ Market

Best for: Coolhunting

When: Thursdays, 3-7:30 p.m.

Where: North Park Way and 30th Street

Perpetually on the hunt for trendy products? Look no further than this market in North Park, where vegan cookies, reusable straws, CBD tea, and alcoholic kombucha are just some of the cool commodities on offer.

Ocean Beach Certified Farmers’ Market

Best for: Grabbing dinner and watching the sunset

When: Wednesdays, 4-8 p.m.

Where: Newport Avenue

Ocean Beach’s signature funky vibe can be felt throughout this farmers market. In addition to fresh produce, there’s prepared food and live music to set the tone for a fun night out. The market runs until 8 p.m., so it’s the perfect time to grab dinner (might we suggest the Torpasta, a pasta-stuffed baguette?) and head to the pier to take in the sunset.

La Jolla Open Aire Market

Best for: Starting a family beach day

When: Sundays, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Where: La Jolla Elementary School, 7335 Girard Ave.

Wake up early and grab the kids to shop for a good cause. All of La Jolla Open Aire Market’s proceeds benefit La Jolla Elementary School. After perusing the 120 vendors offering local artisans, fresh produce, and delicious food, pick up some snacks and make the short journey to the coast for a family beach day.

Coronado Farmers’ Market

Best for: Fresh produce

When: Tuesdays, 2:30-6 p.m.

Where: 1201 First Street

One of San Diego’s longest-running farmers’ markets, vendors come here from all over the county to sell locally-grown, fresh-off-the-truck produce.

The 7 Best Farmers Markets in San Diego

Photo by Priscilla Iezzi

The post The 7 Best Farmers Markets in San Diego appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

The brothers have a wide assortment of pies and sweet potato biscuits available for purchase on their website. They also now have booths at the Hillcrest and North Park farmers markets and the San Diego Public Market, where they sell slices of regular and vegetarian sweet potato pie, gluten-free sweet potato cookies, sweet potato brownies, and sweet potato biscuits. All are $3 each or two for $5. And, Tony, says, Whole Foods will be selling their sweet potato pies within the next couple of weeks at area stores. Their goal, says, Tony, is to open a small café, where they can serve customers full time.

Cane Patch Pies

Sweet Potato Pie

All too often, sweet potato pie is heavy and overly sweet. Not these pies. It’s like eating sweet potato mousse—very light and rich in sweet potato flavor but just sweet enough. Add a dollop of whipped cream and you’ve got the perfect Sunday dinner dessert.

Sweet Potato Brownies

The brothers have a way with texture. These brownies, which have a touch of chocolate but really focus on the sweet potato, are the perfect sweetness and are wonderfully light—almost cakelike. Fabulous with a cup of coffee or tea.

Sweet Potato Biscuits

Biscuits can be a tricky business. I’ve had some that turn rock hard if not eaten within moments of leaving the oven. These are not those, but they definitely benefit from reheating. And, of course, a warm biscuit just cries out for slathering with whipped sweet butter. Or dunking in maple syrup. Or drizzling with honey. On a plate with fried chicken or ribs? Count me in!

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