RANCHO SANTA FE — The Rancho Santa Fe Farmers Market is about to turn two years old. For such a youngster, this little market was an instant hit and is going strong. On a recent Sunday morning, area residents carried away baskets of fruit and vegetables, armfuls of flowers, not to mention boxes of tasty looking pasta and sauces.“I buy most of my stuff here,” said Laureen Weaver. “Everything is so fresh and you need to support the community.”Her friend Paulette Matson agreed. “I love the fresh fruit and vegetables. You can’t beat the taste.”
Over at Smit Orchards, Gerard Brown picked a few apples.
“It’s great here. I come here weekly” he said. “Everything is fresh here and that is important.”
Vendor and jewelry maker Gina Fazio was arranging her jewelry while buyers perused her wares.
“I’ve been coming her for about a year and business has been good,” Fazio said.
Nearby was Allison Stevens, whose business Magnolia has earned her a reputation as a master flower arranger. Although she does not have a brick and mortar business, her specialty is doing arrangements for weddings and corporate events and, of course, offering beautiful bouquets at the farmers market.
Keeping the mood of the market light and smooth were musicians Dusty Brough and Julien Cantelm, who played lovely background music, perfect for shopping.
The Rancho Santa Fe Farmers Market is at the Del Rayo Village Center, 16079 San Dieguito Road in Rancho Santa Fe. It is open each Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and offers an array of products, not just produce.
There is also clothing, olive oils, breads, opportunities to buy gourmet coffees and teas, sauces, fresh fish, tamales, paella, chocolate and much more.
The Valdivia Farms booth was crowded with customers picking fresh vegetables from vendor Chris Munoz. A pile of fresh green beans caught the eye of just about everyone.
The berries looked fabulous at the Pudwill Berry Farms tables. Angela Heninger, who was selling the raspberries, blueberries and blackberries, said they are picked and transported from the central valley on Saturdays.
“I love the berries,” Kelly Thompson said. “You can’t beat the quality of the food.”
Thompson had her dog Sparky in tow along with 2-year-old son Eli, who was eating a cheese sample from Spring Hill Cheese.
“This cheese rocks,” customer Tess Largent said.
There are activities for children while their parents shop and a bike valet who watches the bikes so their riders can shop with peace of mind.
And for the person who wants to run a few more errands after shopping at the market, the Veggie Valet will keep purchases cool until you are ready to pick them up.
To learn more about the Rancho Santa Fe Farmers Market, call (858) 922-5135 or visit ranchosantafefarmersmarket.com, where you can sign up for the monthly newsletter and receive notification of all the market news and special events.
