A Family Friendly Farmers Market With a View

Here’s a simple list of things we love most about LA: unparalleled produce, spectacular views, Hollywood history and fabulous family fun.   If only all that were available in one spot… the way it is at the Yamashiro Summer Farmers Market. Now open. Every Thursday. Too bad every parenting dilemma isn’t this easily solved!

You might be looking for fruits and veggies for lunchboxes, snacks and meals. Or perhaps just this evening’s dinner – so you don’t have to cook. Maybe you want some entertainment for the kids, while they devour ice cream and you sip a glass of wine and you all watch the sun set over the city. Whatever the reason you came to the Farmers Market on the top of the hill, you’ll be glad you did.

Shopping
Start the weekend one step ahead of the game when you stock up on the freshest summer produce around. You can grab fresh strawberries, carrots, tomatoes, and other greens from McGrath Family Farms. Don’t forget healthy hummus and dips from Brothers Products and Conscious Foods, breakfast treats for the weekend from I Heart Pies and Long Shot Coffee & Espresso, and loads more.

Feasting
Everyone will find the perfect nosh from one of the trucks or stands that peddle their wares weekly. Heirloom LA brings their kid-friendly lasagna cupcakes. Border Grill serves south of the border flavors with tacos and quesadillas (and ceviche cones for parents). The Flatiron truck has kid-catnip in the form of burgers, fries and bacon mac & cheese. Yamashiro offers up the tastiest tacos of fish, duck, chicken or beef. And that’s before we mention dessert – our pick being the Cool Haus truck, which has to-die-for (or to-draw-for…they’re inspired by architects) ice cream sandwiches. The flavors rotate but with choices like Dirty Mint Chip, Brown Butter Candied Bacon, Fried Chicken & Waffles, Salted Caramel and Coffee Oreo ice cream to sandwich between a variety of cookies, everyone finds something to adore. Be sure to remind kids that they can even nosh on the edible wrappers.

Playing
This summer there will be different family friendly entertainment each week. Magic, balloons, music or crafts – pick the evening that fits your family mood. Or come every week. Here’s a schedule of the entertainment this summer:

• Giggle Factory brings the fun on May 22, July 17 & 31, August 28, September 4
• Magic with Steve Wastell  appears on June 19, July 3 & 31, August 14
• The Ballusionist pops up on May 29, June 26, July 24, August 7 & 21
• The Skirball Cultural Center provides entertainment on June 5
• Mosaic Church supplies the activities on June 12 and July 10.

What to Bring
Seating is available for snacking and resting, so no need (or room) for blankets. The grounds are spacious so walking around with a stroller is feasible, if you want that option. Be sure to bring plenty o’ cash since many of the vendors won’t accept credit cards. And bring a camera with a flash to snap memorable photos of the kiddos because Yamashiro has some of the best views of the city and it’s especially fantastic at night!

Potty Presence
The restrooms are located inside the restaurant, within close proximity to the market. You might want to make a stop before dinner so that you aren’t standing in line for food when the need arises – you don’t want to lose your spot in line due to an unexpected potty emergency.

Parking
Parking is tight at the top, and just for those with Yamashiro reservations, so plan to park and ride. There’s a $2 valet with a shuttle running every 15 minutes from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Mosaic Church located at 7107 Hollywood Blvd. Entrance to the parking lot is off of Brea Ave.

Fun Fact: This is the 5th year of the Farmers Market and the 100th Anniversary of Yamashiro. The building was designed as an exact replica of a palace located in the mountains near Kyoto, Japan and you might recognize it from one of the several movies that have been shot here.

One Final Tip: This is a perfect outing for out of town guests, who will revel in the spectacular architecture, sweeping views and fresh local foods. But only bring friends and family you wouldn’t mind having as neighbors as this will convince them that we have our own slice of heaven right here in LA.

Yamashiro Farmer’s Market
1999 North Sycamore Ave., Hollywood
Phone: (323) 466-5125
Online: Yamashiro Facebook
Hours: Starting May 22 through September 4, every Thursday from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

What’s your favorite farmer’s market in town?

–Sommy Rhee

Photos courtesy of Heirloom LA, Yamashiro Hollywood and Cool Haus