It's happening right now, the Artisanal LA Spring 2011 Show at Santa Monica Place!This is the premier locavore shopping event in Los Angeles, with over 60 vendors of unique products-going on today and tomorrow!
What do I love about Artisanal LA? Well, living in a time where it seems everything is made overseas, Artisanal LA is creating a community of local producers of fine products that source locally. Beneath the surface of this fun, and tasty event, is an event that can make you proud to be American. No flags or slogans, just your neighbors and their talents and crafts on display to taste, wear,store,drink,drizzle and grow.
Last night I attended my third preview event--as a life-long friend of Artisanal LA founder Shawna Dawson, I will always be in attendance, and on the list.
This is a chance to get to know the who's who of the locavore movement, and meet the next local food stars.
The vibe is always superb, with the right amount of shop,party, and family.It's a perfect shopping date for you and your girlfriends, but even us guys can have a great time, yes I said it--shopping!!
Speaking of rising stars, it was back in the Fall Show of Artisanal LA that I first heard of a lovely pair of gals called Lindy and Grundy. Heard of them? The Lobsta Truck, too was debuted at the Fall Show. Who will be the next locavore hit--place your bets.
Today, at 3PM, you can catch Ani Phyo, cookbook author and leader in the raw foods scene. She'll be speaking on raw foods and presenting her cookbooks: Ani's Raw Food Kitchen, Ani's Raw Food Desserts, and Ani's Raw Food Essentials.
Here are some of my favorite stops.
Farmscape will help you set up and maintain your own urban garden.
Did I say shopping is OK for guys? Well, I scream, you scream, we all scream for hot models serving ice cream!!Go visit Amie, Sarai, and Ashley, the ice cream girls at Beachy Cream, Malibu's delicious and natural ice cream--you'll need it to cool you off.
Cool wine gifts and bags from Saucy Sacks; make sure to stop by Sally's booth, it's her second time at Artisanal LA!
Global Gardens has amazing olive oils and vinegars. It's so great to see them at this event, I've been a member of Global Gardens, based in Los Olivos, for several years, and discovered them on my frequent trips to the Santa Barbara Co. wine country.Uh,yes, I'm a member of an olive oil club,ok ok, I love to shop, too!!
Good friend Stephane Bombet told me I had to try the desserts at Creme Caramel, and he said it with such a naughty French accent, he's French, that I had to try. This stuff is amazing, go and taste for yourself!!
Cast Iron is back, bringing the flavor; this place is a favorite always at Artisanal LA, be prepared to buy, have your dollars ready, because you're going home with something from this booth.
The guys at Daily Dose, opening soon, will be serving food, try the turkey meatball sandwich.
And, do stop by Primi al Mercato and Norcino for an indulgent taste of Italy.
I can still taste this buttery lardo, we were swiping fresh-cut pieces as the lights were going out last night--superb.
Drop what you're doing and head over to Santa Monica Place, or cancel those plans tomorrow for Artisanl LA's Spring 2011 Show.
Artisanal LA Spring 2011 Show
When: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., Sat., April 16th & 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sun., April 17th
Where: Santa Monica Place
Cost: $10, pre-sale. $15, door.
We know what you liked there better than the shopping ;)
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