2011 November 01

I discovered the mecca of all outdoor markets in Los Angeles this afternoon – The Farmer’s Market at The Grove.

It was love at first sight. Obviously.

My brother has been telling me about the Farmer’s Market near him ever since he moved here t4 months ago. He told me it was a very ‘Meghann place’ and that I would really enjoy a visit there while he was at the hospital doing whatever it is doctors do (you know, saving lives and all that jazz).

He wasn’t kidding – I loved it! The whole area reminded me of a LA version of Reading Terminal Market. There were lots of booths with different items to sell, places to eat, and sweets to drool over.

There was one stand in particular that Josh told me I had to check out – the peanut stand.

Why the peanut stand? Because of this little baby.

Homemade slow churned specialty nut butters!! Jackpot!

My brother knows me well. It didn’t take long to find a fabulous nut butter that met my fancy and shell out the ridiculous price tag for it.

This baby is coming home with me.

After drooling at the Farmer’s Market, I headed down the street to Toast for lunch.

The restaurant had caught my eye when I ran by it this morning. When Josh told me it was a good spot, I knew I had to try it.

I ordered the grilled farmer’s panini melt, which was stuffed grilled veggies, pesto, and goat cheese.

It was amazing.

Check out the colorful fruit cup it came with!

Now, THAT’S a fruit cup. Yum.

I headed back to the Farmer’s Market after lunch for something sweet.

The cream puff had my name on it.

Then I walked to Trader Joe’s where I spent too much time buying things that’ll never fit in my suitcase. Fail.

Super jealous my brother lives so close to a Trader Joe’s! The closest one to me is in Atlanta.

I’m pretty sure I walked over 3 miles this afternoon just exploring. I love this little area and how walker friendly it is. I just wish I would have thought to wear different shoes.