ShopEatSleep

Since I started work at USC, I’ve been on the lookout for good, or at least decent, places to eat lunch. Then, lo and behold, a farmers market pops up a few weeks ago at the Shrine Auditorium nearby. I was so excited and went to check it out the very first day. What I found was a great collection of everything from fresh produce to clothing to made-to-order foods to jewelry — and even the Gastrobus food truck.

The market happens every Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the parking lot of the Shrine (the market is not part of USC). The first time I went, I tried the Gastrobus since I hadn’t before. In addition to its regular menu, the Gastrobus-ers shop the farmers market and create specials based on what they find that day. I had a corn flapjacks made with corn and cheese and topped with sour cream and scallions. They were pretty good, though I’m not sure I would pay $4 for them again. I then moved on to a stall that sells pupusas (the second time I went, I saw two stalls that sell pupusas; the one I went to is not the one with the big “Pupusas” sign). I got one filled with pork for $2 or $3, I can’t remember. It was really filling, so this was a good value. Next time I may try the cheese and squash version.

Gastrobus corn flapjacks

Pork pupusa

The second time I went to the market, I got a huge pork tamale (actually, I think I was given chicken though I asked for pork) for $3. I asked for both kinds of sauce — one red, one green and both delicious — at no extra charge. I also bought some really great plums from a stall run by a Korean family for $2/lb. The quality was superb, and there were four varieties. There was also an Indian food stall that had really tasty vegetable samosas for $2 (the were pretty big) and spinach paratha flat bread. The mint yogurt dip was really, really good.

Tamale

So if you’re in the area, stop by. There are also vendors selling cobbler, French pastries, dried fruits and nuts, agua frescas, hats, purses, and even a guy who plays guitar and sings while you shop. Hopefully I’ll see you there (it’s today!).