Downtown L.A. Farmer's Market: Today's Discoveries.

Bought a bag of Hawaiian beans--about a pound or so--for a dollar. Only one booth seemed to be selling these and I'd never seen them before. A little cardboard sign said "like Kentucky beans." It looks like a green bean, but flatter, broader, longer. I have no idea how to cook these, but I figured Mother IE would have some idea. Though they look nothing like what I know as "string beans," that is exactly what Mother IE called them. "We didn't have a lot of variety in Hawaii, growing up. They were all 'string beans,'" she explains.

The major discovery was at the debut of a new booth. Ice cream at a Farmer's Market, can you imagine? These were the creations of "Flavor Developer" Jessica Mortarotti of Carmela Ice Cream. No website yet. No shop. Jessica's is a smallish operation but the flavor is unbelieveable. An impressive seven flavors were availble for tastes. A small cup runs $3, a larger one for $9. This is the latest entry in the Frozen Treat Wars in Downtown L.A. [which CeFiore is winning by a landslide since the Pinkberry has yet to open] and Jessica's got a shot. I'm not going to mince my words--it is expensive. But if you're having a great week (or a terrible one) perhaps this is the little indulgence you've been waiting for; it is amazing.





• Lavender Honey
• Fresh Mint with Cacao Nibs
• Toasted Almond
• Basil
• Spiced Strawberry Sorbet
• Brown Sugar Vanilla Bean
• Stovetop Espresso

I tried the super-summery Strawberry Sorbet and the Basil. Both were terrific. I loved the fresh fruit and texture, but she didn't have much of the Strawberry unfortunately so I am forced to wait for her return next week. She hasn't made her debut at the Silverlake Farmer's Market yet, but keep your eyes peeled--it may be soon.