Third and Fairfax Farmer’s Market - What’s Your Fancy?
Friday, March 23, 2007 10:45
I think that a trip to the Third and Fairfax Farmer’s Market is in my future, perhaps as soon as tonight. Some may think of the market as a glorified food court, but there are some delectable finds.
I rotate through my favorites, Moishes for skewered chicken wings, Pampa for Brazilian or Loteria for platains and tacos.
Some people trash the Gumbo Pot, but my sample of one cup of gumbo warmed my tummy in a positive way. Magee’s Kitchen is the original food stand that started the influx of restaurants in the market, but I haven’t tried it. Du-par’s Restaurant followed Maggie’s, and is recently open after being closed for renovations. Reviews after the renovation are mixed, however.
The Farmer’s Market is a unique spot where a group can divide up, grab their favorites and meet back at one of the outdoor picnic tables scattered around the grounds. You can even pick up a pitcher of beer or bottle of wine and I have seen people bring in their own libations from time to time.
And that leads to my question. Where do you eat at the Farmer’s Market? Do you mix it up, or stick with your favorites? Dessert at Bennets, or a donut at Bob’s?
Let us know in the comments.
By Jonah (see more of his posts). Jonah is the founder of la.foodblogging and also created Digesty, a food blog aggregator and Cheww.com, a spam free foodblog search engine.
Taste-Buzz says:
March 23rd, 2007 at 2:04 pm
Magee’s has pretty decent corned beef, though I still prefer Brent’s. Most often I’m at the French crepe place for a savory crepe though I do like the BBQ joint next to Magee’s.
I don’t see what the fuss is all about with regards to Banana Leaf. Yeah, it’s okay, but it still doesn’t wow me.
Artista says:
March 23rd, 2007 at 2:17 pm
I really like the Korean stand for Bi Bim Bop! My favorite thing there by far. I live a few blocks from the Farmer’s Market and I’ve tried pretty much every stand. I always like to get a fancy/unique soda from the Refresher (the stand selling just sodas in glass bottles) and then get my entree at the Korean stand.
MaxMillion says:
March 23rd, 2007 at 4:57 pm
Singapore’s Banana Leaf features truly authentic laksa and rendang. It’s the sort of stuff I need if I’m feeling homesick. (I used to eat a lot of Malaysian food in my hometown, Sydney.)
I really don’t like the crepes there *at all*. Would rather go to Morels or Figaro for crepes.
I love Loteria Grill bc it’s tasty and you can get a small bite for lunch if that’s all you require.
I also quite like Monsieur Marcel. Do they also serve crepes?
teenage glutster says:
March 23rd, 2007 at 5:17 pm
Monsieur Marcel.
Who knows when i would of finally experienced Real French food if it wasn’t for this quaint, little place. (cheap and sophisticated)
Christina says:
March 23rd, 2007 at 7:05 pm
The boreks at Moishe’s are the bomb! We have them at least one weekend morning each weekend, sometimes both.
The Farmer’s Market is the best around 8am or 9am in the morning before the tourists arrive. Then it’s just locals reading the paper and doing crosswords - lots of character.
Fru says:
March 23rd, 2007 at 8:43 pm
I’m 47 and things have certainly changed since I was a kid. We used to park at Farmer’s Market, go to Magee’s for a roast beef dip sandwich and walk to LACMA through La Brea Arms before it was enclosed. No more glass blown animals or gold filled name bracelets! Now DuPars is owned by Tiny Naylors.
Jonah says:
March 24th, 2007 at 8:28 am
Yes, we did end up at the Farmer’s Market last night (and we saw The Namesake - great movie). I stuck with an old favorite, Moeshe’s skewered chicken wings with cold couscous salad and minty potato salad. We wife went for Loteria and ran into some severe service issues, painfully slow wait and not too helpful counter folks. Also, the tacos seem to have gotten smaller, pushing the edge of being worth the price. Still delicious though.
Rachael says:
March 24th, 2007 at 8:32 am
I like the falafel place and the crepe place. (Sorry, dont know the names! SHameful.)
I would NEVER think of it as a glorified food court though! ACK!
KT says:
March 24th, 2007 at 9:16 am
I like Singapore’s Banana Leaf. I think it depends on what you’re expecting there. It’s authentic street food so you’re not going to get anything fancy, just the same kind of stuff you’d get from any old stand in Singapore/Malaysia but you’re not going to find that all over in L.A. so I am glad it’s around.
I also like the muffaletta and the drunken shrimp at Gumbo Pot.
I love Mr. Marcel’s for a real sit-down dinner.
Bob’s Donuts are still the best.
When I need some comfort food, I go for a slice of Patsy D’Amore’s pizza. Greasy and not in the slightest bit good for you, but really hits the spot if that’s the kind of thing you’re craving.
Eddie Lin says:
March 25th, 2007 at 9:48 am
A bowl of gumbo at the Gumbo Pot. A coffee and glazed donut at Bob’s. A shot of Pepto at home.
mooncrazy says:
March 26th, 2007 at 4:27 pm
I can’t remember the name but the corned beef sandwiches are to die for. Don’t forget the kosher dill pickle.
thranduil says:
March 28th, 2007 at 7:08 am
Definitely Loteria! Sometimes the wait is a bit long, but it’s always worth it. The Gumbo Pot is good too, but I prefer my muffalettas toasted and the gumbo with a bit more ‘bam!’ to it.
Kiki Maraschino says:
April 1st, 2007 at 3:27 am
I am obsessed with the Gumbo Pot’s blackened catfish po’boy. I can’t ignore its siren song. I wasn’t that impressed with the Banana Leaf or the French Crepe Company. I am looking forward to trying Msr Marcel’s if I can only avoid the Gumbo Pot!