Hollywood Farmers’ Market — Attraction in Los Angeles

I loathe this market... and here's why:

The only customers that acted with any consideration for others were those over 35; virtually everyone younger was "plugged in", less than half-aware of the world around them and pretended as if they were the only living things on earth. Smug does not begin to describe the attitude, but again, this is Hollywood, where metrosexual wimps abound.

This is an enormous farmer's market, selling just about every kind of edible delight you can imagine, and the quality is superb. The tomatoes I mentioned earlier were excellent--but they were NOT three times as good as the ones I buy in the supermarket, though they cost three times as much. So did the broccoli I bought, which was not noticeably tastier than supermarket broccoli. What's worse is the tops turned yellow in only two days.

Of course, the Hollywood metrosexual wimps claim that "organically grown" produce contains more nutrition, though they have zero scientific research to back this claim. Granted, the growers don't use pesticides (or so they say), which means you can eat your produce without washing it first, as long as you don't mind that a hundred other people-- Hollywood metrosexual wimps no less--handled it before you, and God only knows where THOSE hands have been! Otherwise, pesticides wash off. So basically, when you buy organic foods for three times (or more) the price of those sold in supermarkets, you are wasting your money, and only a fool would do this. But once again, this is Hollywood, where fools cluster like pimples on a teenage boy's face.

Amazingly, the Hollywood Farmer's Market sells meat. I expected to see nothing but gluten-free vegan offerings that would turn a goat's stomach, so this was a pleasant surprise... and then I saw the prices. Over $10/lb for pork shoulder picnic roast? Are you kidding me? I could buy the same roast down the street at Jon's when it's on sale for one-tenth that price! And I defy anyone with taste buds to tell the difference between the two roasts in a blind taste test. Even if the farmer's market roast IS better tasting, it DOESN'T TASTE TEN TIMES BETTER!

Considering the massive scale of this temporary market, the layout on Ivar Avenue is about as idiotic as you would expect for Hollywood. First of all, every vendor parks his or her car along the street, then they set up their stands alongside their vehicles, on both sides of the street. This makes for a very narrow lane, so you have to elbow your way through a crowd of people--and keep in mind that more than half of these people are oblivious because they are plugged in, they are in a terrific hurry for no reason at all, they tend to take up as much room as humanly possible and expect you to clear a path for them and they have a God's-gift-to-the-world attitude because they are young, liberal and think they know everything without the benefit of any experience and an extremely narrow education (not to mention that most are graduates of LA City Schools and are therefore only marginally literate). The whole time I was there, I used my considerable girth to clear a path, I stared down yuppies that expected me to move out of their way and my elbows got a real workout. This was the...

"They like the smell of it in Hollywood... How could it hurt you when it

looks so good?

Shine your light now!

This time it's got to be good..

You get it right now, yeah

'Cause you're in Hollywood"

This Sunday Funday Fresh Farmers' Market is stacked! One of the biggest and coolest in the city of greater Los Angeles.

Located at the central focal point of 1600 Ivar Avenue, the Hollywood Farmers' Market, a.k.a. HFM, encompasses a solid stretch of this street (two blocks worth), but also some of Selma Avenue from 8am to 1pm each week.

The vendor list is stacked with fresh produce of all sorts from berries to squash to oranges, apples, artichokes, cabbage, legumes, nuts, pressed juice, plants, olive oil and even some wine in the mix... Sip sip!

And don't even get me started on those samples galore #BreakfastOnTheGo

HFM supports vendors of all kinds and is currently spotlighting queer owned business for pride season.

They have ready to enjoy food vendors (all on Selma) in the mix including hot treats, coffee, nom noms and some fun miscellaneous ones on the outskirts including cool cd, book and collectible guy just before Sunset Blvd (which are more on the unofficial official side for this trendy long-standing farmers' market).

I haven't been here much and definitely don't plan as well as the super locals when I catch the train over from the LA Valley/SFV side, but always enjoy my time here and the kindness.

Food Access LA who plans and runs this amazing market also does the Echo Park, Atwater Village, Crenshaw, Compton College, Central LA, LA River, and Watts Willowbrook FMs to name most.

A lot of frequenters (not all) can be in a bit of a bubble when walking about (does nobody say excuse me, pardon, sorry or thank you anymore... maybe I'm just extra polite) so I'd definitely say to be mindful of all the foot traffic flow as it picks up more around 10am (by the midpoint). There is parking in the area at a few lots as well as metered street parking - almost 2 hrs in all directions.

There's a pretty good sized public parking garage at the corner Southeast of Sunset Blvd & Ivar Avenue. You can get parking for $7 with validation when you visit the Food Access LA booth. Additional parking at the old Arclight/Cinerama (also validate - it's less, but a little bit further).

It's of course a wagon, cart and stroller friendly space, being an open air as well as outdoor.

Service animals are allowed, but no pets otherwise (for obvious health and safety reasons).

Some of the pricing is on the higher side for some vendors #2025Living - but you're supporting local and small businesses, which make our neighborhoods and city thrive.

It's cool. It's community....

The Hollywood Farmers Market holds a special place in my heart as one of my favorite go-to spots. While it might rank among the pricier farmers markets, the exceptional quality of the food is undeniable. The diverse array of vendors never fails to capture my interest. I'm particularly enamored with the option to indulge in oysters while treating myself to freshly squeezed orange juice.

Yet, my ultimate delight comes from a specific booth – the one manned by a gentleman who sells the tantalizing Rosemary bread. This bread is nothing short of heavenly. Each bite feels like a connection to the sublime human experience, and savoring it is a true joy.

My advice is to arrive bright and early in the morning. Fortunately, this market opens its doors at 8:00 a.m., offering an opportunity to beat the crowds. It's a wise strategy to secure the ingredients you desire before they run out. On the downside, parking can be a bit of a challenge. Although a parking garage is available, I personally prefer street parking. A practical tip I'd like to share is to bring your own cart. This saves you from struggling with the multitude of items you may end up purchasing.

All in all, the Hollywood Farmers Market is a treasure trove of culinary delights that's well...