Grand Central Market is Los Angeles' largest and oldest public market. There are a number of vendors, but the ones I visited were: Fat + Flour, La Huerta Candy, McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams, Sarita’s Pupuseria and The Donut Man.
"When the doors first opened in October 1917, the "Wonder Market," as it was then called, was billed as "the largest and finest public market on the Pacific Coast." It filled the entire ground floor of the Beaux-Arts-style Homer Laughlin Building, the region's first steel-reinforced, fireproof structure. At the time, Los Angeles was the country's tenth-most-populous city—and downtown was the epicenter of a flourishing metropolis," reads the website.
"Today, the Market's 40 stalls are home to an only-in-LA blend of legacy vendors like China Cafe and Roast To Go (Grand Central Market tenants for over half a century), rising stars, and success stories from the city's buzzing food scene. The Market is a microcosm of the historic immigrant communities that have shaped Los Angeles and a mosaic of the creativity and vision of the people who call this city home."
McConnell's Fine Ice Creams have "dense and pure-flavored, with smooth, consistent texture and a rich, velvety mouth feel." I actually went for a sorbet, but I can confirm, it was super smooth and refreshing.
"Taste what America’s “foodies” and ice cream aficionados have been raving about for decades. Local, sustainable and organic, ingredients are sourced from many of the same farms and purveyors they've partnered with throughout their 70-year history. Cool down with a float, Build-Your-Own ice cream sandwich, sundae, scoop, or another, tempting menu favorites," reads Grand Central Market's site.
The mango sorbet uses ripe, golden mangoes, pureed to a buttery, honeyed perfection, with just a trace of lemon juice for acid backbone.
SUPER refreshing - especially on a hot day. Sweet, but tart at the same time in the best way.
Next up is Fat + Flour. A tiny pie and cookie shop from the one and only Nicole Rucker. Featuring coffee by Right Quick Roasters.
All of the pies and cookies looked tempting, but none as much as the fruity pebble rice krispie treat. I am a sucker for rice krispie treats - maybe because I never really had them growing up? But if they are up for grabs, I can't turn one down.
And this one being homemade and super ooey-gooey with just a bit of fruity flavor put it over the top.
Plus a delicious sprinkle cookie!
Then I stopped at La Huerta Candy: "Since 1999 La Huerta Candy has sold a wide variety of classic American candies, novelty Mexican nuts, dried fruit and other delicious snacks. Perhaps one of Grand Central's most visually dynamic stalls, La Huerta is bedecked by colorful bins of sweet and savory snacks in variable textures, tints, and tastes. Don't miss their famous gummi's covered with chamoy and chili lime!"
I picked up a few candies here, but specifically the little fruits that squeeze juice and are super popular on social media.
Next up is The Donut Man. The Donut Man has been serving up high quality delicious treats for nearly 50 years. Originator of the Fresh Strawberry and Fresh Peach donut.
I had to try the fresh strawberry donut, which is a giant mass of strawberries, dough and sugar.
Tasty? Yes. Messy? Oh yes.
Sarita’s Pupuseria is next!
Based on family recipes from owner Sara Clark, Sarita's serves handmade pupusas with dozens of different fillings (including vegetarian options) to choose, as well as fried plantains, yuca con chicharron, stews, and other celebrated Salvadoran dishes.
I enjoyed a pupsusa with cheese. Pillowy but a fresh crispness from the slaw or curtido.
I loved everything I had from this market and the market itself.
Grade: A
