A new, weekly culinary adventure is set to begin Thursday, June 14 when the Sunset Strip Market officially launches. The weekly nighttime certified farmers’ market and community event will celebrate the best in locally-grown produce and artisan food, featuring an eclectic collection of locally-based farmers and vendors with a commitment to supporting sustainable agriculture.
The Sunset Strip Market will take place Thursday nights from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the City parking lot located in the “heart” of The Strip at 8755 Sunset Blvd. Staying true to the boulevard’s entertainment DNA, the Sunset Strip Market will feature live acoustic entertainment, pop-up art events, bocce, a “pairing pavilion” that will allow patrons to pair their Market choices with local wine and beer selections, and a “veggie valet” that will give guests the option of checking in their produce bags while they explore the boulevard’s many nearby restaurants and retailers.
Described by the Los Angeles Times as “an all-star lineup (5/3/12),” 40 Southland vendors will offer a wide array of organic agriculture and artisan food, including greens, vegetables, nuts and fruit, specialty Asian produce and herbs, farmstead cheeses, locally-grown olive oil, dates, pasture-raised chicken and eggs, grass-fed beef, gluten-free and vegan baked goods, sustainable fish, and artisan prepared foods and breads.
Some of the first-time farmers’ market participants include Fontanella Olive Oil, which is grown and produced in the Pacific Palisades; Oasis Date Gardens, a 100-year-old organic date farm; and Masa Organic Tamales. The farm and artisan vendor section was curated by Diana Rodgers, a respected leader in California community farmers’ markets who established the Santa Monica Main Street and Mar Vista markets.
“The Sunset Strip Market emerged from a shared vision between business owners and nearby West Hollywood residents to create a fun and accessible weekly community event that would appeal to locals and visitors,” says Sunset Strip Business Association Executive Director Todd Steadman. “The night hours of the Market will allow attendees to shop for fresh produce after work while also providing a place for neighbors to meet and enjoy live entertainment in a relaxed atmosphere.”
“The Sunset Strip Market is a great addition, not only because of its focus on sustainable and local agriculture, but also its inclusion of entertainment and chef driven programs," noted Nick Mathers, owner of the Eveleigh and SSBA board member. "Guests will be able to enjoy cooking demonstrations and chef-prepared dining options in a casual, outdoor setting. Chefs will also be able to utilize the Market’s unique restaurant program to help create local, farm-focused menus. We can’t wait to welcome locals and visitors to this exciting night market."
One of the unique restaurant programs the Sunset Strip Market has developed is the “Chef Shopping Program,” which will provide local restaurants and chefs with the opportunity to shop at the Market from 4-5 p.m. and select fresh produce for the night’s menu or to order produce in advance for pick-up at the Market. Participating Sunset Strip restaurants will also create special Thursday night “Market Menus” that utilize produce from the Sunset Strip Market’s farmers. A listing of participating “Market Menu” restaurants will be featured on the Market’s website.
Ample parking can be found along The Sunset Strip and near the Market (a recent study determined there are more than 2,000 spaces within 550 yards of the Market). To ensure affordable parking options are available to attendees who choose to drive, the Market has partnered with parking operators to provide $5 validated parking. Options include:
Validated $5 self-parking lots
9000 Sunset Blvd. (Sunset and Hammond Street)
8570 Sunset Blvd. (Sunset and Alta Loma)
9040 Sunset Blvd. (Sunset and Doheny)
9026 Sunset Blvd. (Sunset and Wetherly Drive)
Validated $5 valet parking at nearby businesses
BLT Steak (8720 Sunset Blvd.)
Mirabelle Restaurant (8768 Sunset Blvd.)
Additionally, City of West Hollywood public parking lots are within walking distance of the Market and are available for $1 per hour (9056 Sunset Blvd. at Doheny) and $2 per hour (8459 Sunset Blvd. at Queens Road).
The Sunset Strip Market was developed by a committee of dedicated business owners and residents. Members of the committee include Nick Mathers (owner, the Eveleigh), David Vialli (general manager, The Standard, Hollywood), Bruce Silberman (owner, Allied Parking) and Nic Adler (owner, The Roxy Theatre). Validated parking sponsors for the Market include AAA Parking, Allied Parking, Auto Plex Parking, AMPCO System Parking, Towne Park, Broadreach Capital and Mani Brothers. The SSBA would also like to thank Athens Services and the City of West Hollywood for their support of the Market.
For more information about the Sunset Strip Market, please visit www.sunsetstripmarket.com, Facebook.com/SunsetStripMRKT or @SunsetStripMRKT.
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