Old Towne Orange Farmers and Artisans Market {Shop Talk}

Have you heard?  The Old Towne Orange Farmers and Artisans Market opened May 7, 2011.  The farmers market is located at Chapman University’s Historic Villa Park Orchards Packinghouse near the Orange Circle.  Don’t be surprised if you find your self shopping next to Gabbi Patrick from Gabbi’s Mexican Kitchen or Diego Velasco, the executive chef and co-founder of The Memphis Group.  Both restaurants have been involved with the success of this market and are using its high quality produce in their weekly menus.

Approximately 20 booths deliver a wide array of locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, and specialty food items.  The market will run weekly from 8:00 am to 12 noon every Saturday through November, rain or shine.

Remember to bring cash and per the health code, no animals are allowed.  Parking is located in the parking lot at the corner of West Sycamore and North Cypress (approx. 125 spaces) as well as street parking along the North Cypress Street (approx. 45 spaces). 

Here are a few shopping tips followed by a list of vendors.

Get there early.  Arrive just after the market opens to find the abundant supply of fruits and vegetable.  These artichokes were amazing, when they sell out.  They are gone. Bring a cart/wagon if you are purchasing numerous items.  It can be a heavy walk to the car.

Ask questions.  Friendly vendors will share what is in season and what new produce will be arriving in the following weeks, and, which vegetables are taking their final bows.  Cherries are just beginning to hit their prime now, June to August.  This find was delicious.

Unexpected treats.  A list will keep you focused, but don’t be afraid to try new things.  There are always unexpected treats at the market.  The Honey vendor provided a sample and I was sold.  I simply could not leave without it.

Here is a list of the vendors found at the market and ingredients you will begin enjoying at many local restaurants:

Farms

Kennedy Farms nuts & dried peaches (Both with and without preservatives)

Jim Davis and Mountain Meadow Mushrooms Avocados, tangerines, lemons, oranges, and mushrooms

Pure Land Farms Herbs, blueberries, gojiberries, Herb & Fruit Nursery transplants

Kane Family Farms Avocados

Boujikian Farms nuts & dried fruits

Ha’s Apple Farm apples, dried apples

Tamai Farms strawberries, cherry tomatoes, super white corn, root and leafy vegetables

Hopkins Ag Almonds, Almond butter

Yao Cheng Farm Asian Fruits & Asian Vegetables

Gaytan Farms vegetables

Dey Dey’s Beef Pasture raised, grass fed only Beef, Chicken, Lamb, and Pork

Gamma Farms Eggs, Potatoes, Oranges

Armenta’s Farms Oranges, limes, lemons, grapefruit, tangerines

OC Produce Vegetables & strawberries

Food Artisans

Baba Foods hummus, pita bread, pita chips

Angel Bites Cookies Italian style cookies

Gallery on Glassell olive oil, tapenades, fruit syrups, sourdough bread, ciabatta, etc..

Guerilla Beekeepers honey and honey-based products (FYI if you have a bee hive invade your home and don’t know what to do. Call The Guerilla Beekeepers (949-939-3296) They will safely rescue the bees. Give them a home out in Silverado Canyon and lovingly take care of them. With the Bee Hive Colony Collapse epidemic, we need this smart couple – good people)

OC Baking Co European Artisan Breads, Assorted Pastries

La Nogalera Walnut Oil

Julep’s Floral Upscale flower bouquets

Sara Nicole Flower arrangements

Sorry, I was unable to take photographs at every booth. I was busy shopping! Go and check it out for yourself.  I hope you come home with a delicious bounty.

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