Orsolya D.
Yelp
I have an unhealthy obsession with produce and eating raw. I find pure joy in merely looking at produce, discovering new fruits and vegetables, and indulging in farm-grown delicacies. Well, actually, I guess this is oppositely a HEALTHY obsession! Whatever you think of it, the point is that I adore farmers markets. The foodie culture, healthy and rare treats, the quality... it is unbeatable. How does the Noho version of this delectable way of shopping stack up?
The Noho Farmer's market is held on Saturdays on a small street strip by the post office on Chandler (the street gets shut down). The first red flag is the main uninviting aspect of the market with no signs, no official "entrance", and no beauty. Like the rest of North Hollywood it is ghetto, located adjacent to an ugly vacant lot (which is generally used as parking for film crews when shooting in the arts district) and by the post office parking lot so one will see constant post office traffic/mail trucks. To say the least, it is NOT great for the eyes.
Once inside the market, the term 'market' is used lightly. The Noho Farmer's market is literally a small, tiny strip which you can walk through in about 15 minutes. The number of stalls (which clearly vary each week) are low and barely offer a variety of products within each stall. Basically, there isn't much being sold or to see. Yes, there are occasional creative goods (British-inspired foods or jewelry) but one won't find the abundance of rare mushrooms, cheeses, homemade juices, salsas, etc that you can find at other markets. Plus, the produce simply looks like local residents grabbed them off the trees in their yards and are trying to sell them. It is ridiculous.
Looking for a petting zoo? Pony rides? Restaurants? You won't find any of those at the Noho Farmer's Market (I suggest the Studio City market). No dogs are allowed either so basically the little ones will be bored. The entire market is boring and an eyesore. Plus, North Hollywood is high in poverty with the use of EBT cards being plentiful. The EBT card is accepted at most farmers markets (such as nearby Studio City and Burbank markets) but is NOT accepted at the North Hollywood market. It is failing to cater to the nearby residents.
On the upside, most of the sellers (not all, but most) are kind and in cheery moods which does encourage one to buy from them.
The major proof is the fact that I, a produce whore, was in and out and highly let down. Skip this market. You will find more goodies at the local Ralph's.