Recently, when I was having coffee with our good friend "Alle" and went over my typical Saturday morning errands she was incredulous and couldn't quite believe I could make 5-6 stops and finish in 3 hours and change. So today, I decided to pay a bit more attention to things and decided to do this silly Saturday post.
My Saturday usually starts with a cold brew from Bay Park Coffee. I usually get there around 720 – 730, get my cold brew and head on down to the Little Italy Mercato. As I mentioned in an earlier post I park on Ivy, I'm usually there around 745 or so and take a nice stroll to the market. I always enjoy the art and slices of life I see along the way.
Though there have been adjustments and different vendors I'll check out; the first place I stop is across Columbia Street at the Indian Summer stand, which I also mentioned in that earlier post.
The proprietor, Andrew knows all his regular customers and is a really friendly guy. Andrew has 20 dozen eggs for sale each Saturday. It's kept behind the counter. It's the Missus's favorite eggs at this time, so I usually get 1 or 2 dozen each week. I'll also get various produce items as well.
I'll then cross Columbia and hit up the produce stands there.
Being careful not to disturb the "Shiba gang".
The Missus is currently on a blueberry kick ("it's brain food!"); so I'll pick up a three pack from here.
I then cross over India to do more shopping. Right now, the Missus's favorite avocados come from this stand.
The folks here are so nice. I'll tell them I need three avocados, one for tomorrow, then another two days after, and then another for one to two days after that. They'll pick out a set of fruit to match my requirements. Such great service!
Little Italy Mercato
Saturday 8am – 2pm
I'll then head back to the car either taking India Street…..
Or Kettner. Anyone want to title the photo below????
This morning it was 820 when I headed off to my next stop. There's not much traffic or crowds at this time of the morning on Saturday.
My next stop is just 10 minutes away as I head up India Street, then take a right up Washington to…..
For certain produce items (they often have decent white asparagus when in season) and specialty grocery like the stuff below that the Missus is currently obsessed with.
Lazy Acres
422 W Washington St.
San Diego, CA 92103
Well, remember those avocados? The Missus is still wanting avocado toast a couple of times during the week, so I have to make a stop at Con Pane for some sourdough. This morning, my drive down Washington to Pacific Highway, then Barnett took a mere 12 minutes. Yes, Con Pane is super busy on weekend mornings, but since I'm not getting sandwiches, etc, I can take the "Bread line".
Even if there are one or two people in front of me, I usually get out and to my car (I usually just park by Slater's 50/50) in 20 minutes.
Con Pane Rustic Breads & Café
2750 Dewey Rd.
San Diego, CA 92106
My next drive is the longest. I usually drop by Nijiya every Saturday morning. There's usually something we need from there; whether it's tofu or sencha for the Missus, or like right now, She is requesting Katsu Don or Kelaguen on a weekly basis and prefers the chicken from Nijiya. I make Nijiya my fourth stop since it opens at 9am. This morning, the drive took 17 minutes and I arrived at 910 avoiding the initial mass of humanity at the doors waiting for the market to open.
Nijiya wasn't very busy on this morning, so I got out of the place in 15 minutes!
Nijiya Market
3860 Convoy St Ste 109
San Diego, CA 92111
Now on occasion I'll stop by the 99 Ranch Market on Balboa…which would make it a "seven for Saturday". But there was no need on this day so it was off to my next stop; down Balboa and onto Morena.
This morning it took 14 minutes to get to the Fruit Stand. I can't believe I last posted on the place 17 years ago! Anyway, more produce, especially when I'm grilling veggies for the Missus.
The Fruit Stand
4330 Morena Blvd
San Diego, CA 92117
The last stop, for odds and ends, is only a few blocks from home; Sprout's. Even with the hell that is the road and pipe work happening on Clairemont Drive (we avoid like the plague during weekdays) it was but a 10 minute drive.
On this day, it was scallions, sweet onions, alkaline water (for the Missus), and some various snacks. I take advantage of the self check-out here which is usually much faster than waiting for the cashier.
Sprout's
3015 Clairemont Dr
San Diego, CA 92117
I walked into the house with our bags of groceries at 1020! Just in time to start working on lunch! Sigh……
Thanks for indulging me and I hope you have a fantastic weekend!