Now, non-LA *natives may be inclined to ask, "Which Farmer's Market?"  And though myriad temporary green markets abound on designated days in la la land, "THE" Farmer's Market generally refers to the permanent fixture next to CBS (where a college version of me once shot an episode of The Price Is Right alongside a frightening, makeup caked Bob Barker, thereby destroying perfectly lovely memories of Plinko watching on childhood sick days).  Anyway, though the countless food stalls would be draw enough for me, I love coming here because–in a city that many people insist isn't, well, a city–a cross section of people descend on this one spot.  And, yes, I must mention the The Grove outdoor mall is next door, which is fantastic if you like to watch fountain water choreographed to Celine Dion tunes. Actually the movie theater is great.

Everyone has a favorite Farmer's Market eat: my father has vacillated between Kokomo's BLT and Bob's Coffee & Donuts' apple fritter (before Kokomo's moved to Beverly Blvd).  My husband, Andrew, can't resist Moishe's Chicken Shwarma Sandwich.  But, personally, I love the mint meringues best for many reasons, not the least of which is that they resemble meteors from an alien land.  Secondly, meringues are generally made from basically egg whites and sugar and the simplicity appeals to me.  Thirdly, close encounters with mint chocolate meringues are rare.  And lastly, they literally disintegrate, as they touch your tongue.  Like many of the best things in this world, they're crunchy on the outside and chewy inside.  What could be more perfect than that?

xo – N.