Farmers, Artisans and Chefs—Oh My!

Every Sunday, an invasion of white tents descends upon the La Jolla Elementary School (LJES) playground. The occupants? An army of farmers, artisans and chefs.

Locals recognize this event as the La Jolla Open Aire Market. A presence in the community since 1998, the market was originally founded to raise money for a new library at La Jolla Elementary School. From modest beginnings emerge great successes.

Now, 12 years later and a hundred vendors stronger, the market is pegged among the best of its kind in San Diego County.

"The timing was really good," says Sherry Ahern, founder of La Jolla Open Aire Market.

Ahern originally conceptualized the market in 1996 with two children enrolled at LJES. Enlisting the help of Friends of La Jolla Elementary Inc. and other supporters, she nurtured the idea through (what ended up as) a two-year approval process. Hard work paid off, and the market finally opened for business in October 1998 with 15 vendors.

Today, the market draws 100 vendors or more each week—closer to 300 during holidays. A mixture of artisans, chefs and Certified Farmers' Market vendors make up the event roster. Proceeds still go to various LJES improvement initiatives.

Ahern attributes the continued growth and success to a passionate team and a unique market structure. A circular layout provides an experience of community gathering in contrast to an assembly line of shops. And of course, the locale doesn't hurt—in Ahern's words, "there is only one La Jolla."  

Credibility is another driving force. Shoppers may notice clipboards hanging at some stands. These indicate the presence of Certified Farmers' Market (CFM) vendors. Recognized as a CFM by the state of California, the La Jolla market benefits consumers and farmers alike. Consumers gain control by knowing where their food comes from, and the farmer can sell products free from commercial expenses.

"The benefit of these markets is getting to talk to and buy directly from the farmer," says CFM vendor Matt Fink. Not your typical grocery shopping experience.

Nonedible art forms also have their place at the market. Artisans display unique work ranging from handmade jewelry to botanical ointments.  

Looking into the future, markets of this kind will continue to increase in relevance. With more state budget cuts for education on the horizon, and California farmers and artists often struggling to stay in business, La Jolla's Open Aire Market seems more important than ever.

Ahern hopes to sustain success and continue growing as much as possible for the benefit of the community. With what she describes as "very loyal and health-conscious customers," this goal seems attainable.

Aside from being socially conscious, the market is fun. You'll find live music, mingling shoppers and smiles among friends. Pleasing aromas from fresh produce and goodies sizzling on griddles waft through the air. Whether you're shopping, eating or just hanging out, the event makes for an enjoyable Sunday.

Read on for a quick look, and a taste, of things you'll find at La Jolla Open Aire Market:

**CAUTION! Mouth-watering may occur**

Suzie's Farm, Certified Farmers' Market Vendor

Here, baskets overflow with a variety of freshly grown items highlighted by seasonal selections. Located in southern San Diego County, this organic farm was established on principles of resourcefulness and peace with the earth. Shoppers can chat with an experienced grower about the selection of freshly grown veggies, roots, herbs and the occasional fruit.     

Casa Blanca Nursery; Certified Farmers' Market Vendor

Growing out of Valley Center in northeast San Diego County, Casa Blanca Nursery offers an array of herbs, flowering plants and succulents. Examples of selections (some varied by season) include peppermint, verbena, purple fountain grass and hibiscus. Shoppers are welcome to sample edibles while browsing. Matt Fink, partner to the owner, has a clear passion for dialogue around Certified Farmers' Markets. Stop in, chat about Casa Blanca products, and gain some valuable insight into the world of crusading CFM vendors.

The Morning Star Ranch, Certified Farmers' Market Vendor

Also based in Valley Center, this community of growers purveys organic, pesticide-free produce. The ranch is a unique, sustainable community where growers live and work together. One taste of the fresh grapefruit sample leaves no question as to the quality of the product and the farmers' love of sharing it. From behind the counter, Morning Star Ranchers anxiously await customer reactions to the first taste.

The group's signature "Green Drink" is another highlight. Made from grapefruit, kale, blue agave and a host of other certified organic ingredients, this taste-bud pleaser makes drinking your weight in fruit and vegetables, almost literally, a piece of cake!

Cookie Sandwich Co.

Catch your Sunday sugar buzz with one of these decadent cookie sandwiches. Currently operating an online-only store, the market is a unique opportunity to see the Cookie Sandwich Co. in person. Red Velvet is a foolproof choice—a winning combination of whipped vanilla cream cheese spread surrounded by two red velvet cookies concocted out of Ghirardelli chocolate and other fine ingredients. Who says you can't eat sweets at a farmers' market?

Thyme of Essence

This purveyor of organic spices and fine olive oils is based in northeast San Diego County. Stop by their market stand for product samples, highlighted by the Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Fresh and flavorful, the finished product exemplifies use of quality ingredients. This stuff is good enough to drink (not that we're recommending it).  

Daughter of the Earth Botanicals

Skin care goes au naturale at this market stand. Co-owner Scott Gladden, former chef turned botanical skin care guru, applies his culinary background to concoct healing mixtures with pleasant aromas. It seems the same principles that please our palettes work on the body's exterior. In fact, many of Gladden's products are olive oil based. No offensive smells, no scary ingredients. Stop by for a sample.

Crepes Up!

Have breakfast or lunch at the Crepes Up! food stand. The owner started with bubble tea, adding crepes a couple years ago. Observing the preparation is like watching art in motion. Modest crepe chefs claim, "It's all in the batter." The Kahuna is a fruitful choice with a dose of indulgence—bananas and strawberries piled high atop a Nutella-glazed wrap of crepery goodness. Meat and cheese filled varieties are also available.

Egyptian Delights

This stand (more visibly labeled as GYROS) brings Middle Eastern-style street vending to the heart of La Jolla—all you need to bring is an appetite. Try the Bomb Wrap, a savory option with chicken shawarma accented by veggies, falafel and yummy tahini sauce. All selections are made with fresh ingredients, most notably, hot-off-the-spit meat. And here, it's all about the meat.      

The La Jolla Open Aire Market is located at the corner of Girard Avenue and Center Street. Check it out Sundays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

For more information on La Jolla Open Aire Market and vendors, visit its website.