There’s little doubt that the Wednesday Santa Monica Farmers Market assembles the most impressive produce in the Southland, but there are fringe farmers markets that actually offer more compelling prepared foods. Case in point: the Friday evening market in Eagle Rock.

The market’s sign touts “arts & crafts, fruits & vegetables, int’l food court, children’s zone.” That combination is indicative of Eagle Rock, a model Eastside community that houses Occidental College and plenty of young families. It’s interesting that the farmers market has so many elements, but my focus was on the “int’l food court.”

Eugene Hong started serving his Hawaiian Chicken at farmers’ markets before opening a sit-down restaurant in Chinatown with brother Alex. Thankfully for marketgoers, Hong hasn’t forgotten his roots.

The coal-fuel flame licked at the rows of rotating spice-rubbed yardbirds.

A whole butterflied rotisserie chicken cost $12. It featured bronzed skin (which could have been crisper) and fairly moist meat, but the highlight had to be the addictive red dipping sauce flecked with red chilies and garlic.

The small “plate” of boneless marinated chicken ($7) probably packed more flavor than the rotisserie poultry, and the dark meat was especially juicy.

Aracelli “Ara” Alfaro and husband Julio have been market regulars for six years. Ara’s Kitchen specializes in “authentic” Salvadoran food and claims to be “where the good stuff comes from.”

Ara’s Kitchen has gained acclaim for their aguas frescas: Melon Madness (light yellow), Magical Watermelon (red), Mindbending Lime (green), Cup O’ Lightning (yellow) and Original Salvadoran Horchata. Cup O’ Lightning was outstanding, combining sweet pineapple, bits of tart green apple and mango; Horchata was a little too watery, but combined vanilla, cinnamon, coco and morro seeds to flavorful effect.

Ara grills 12 varieties of pupusas, all containing cheese. Pupusas are available with beans, pork, chicken, beef, mushrooms, spinach and jalapeno, to name seven, but Julio suggested the pupusa with shrimp and potato ($5). The cornmeal pancake came with a nice char, containing plump shrimp, chunks of firm potato and pockets of oozing cheese. Ara will ask whether you want your pupusa with curtido (vinegary slaw), hot sauce and sour cream. You should certainly opt for at least the first two, which contribute nice tang and spice.

Ara’s has more interesting options to explore, including some seriously tempting fried plantains, and the rest of the market has other intriguing bites. Eagle Rock is a known hub for Filipino-Americans, and the market had a good-looking Filipino food stall. There will definitely be a return visit.

Hours:
Friday: 5 PM – 8:30 PM

Related Posts

1. Ferry Plaza Farmers Market – San Francisco, CA – July 5, 2008
2. Senor Fish – Eagle Rock, CA – March 24, 2005
3. Larkin’s – Eagle Rock, CA – January 20, 2007
4. Il Grano (Sagra Del Pomodoro) – Los Angeles, CA – September 10, 2008
5. Gevanty’s Bakery & Grill Opens in Eagle Rock

This entry is filed under California, Eastside, Los Angeles, Market, South American.