From Jamie’s Desk:

Everyone who reads this newsletter knows how much I love LA. I won’t bore you with all the reasons, but one that stands out is the farmers markets. From Calabasas to Santa Monica, Studio City to Brentwood and Larchmont—the list of incredible markets goes on. But for the past 20 years, one has had my heart: the Hollywood Farmers Market.

When the girls were just babies, we went every weekend. We’d get balloons, listen to Eddie's Jamaican tunes, and wander from stand to stand. Back then, I didn’t know one vendor from the next. I was just there to kill some time and try a few samples of fruit, veggies, oysters shucked right in front of you, and of course, Delmy’s pupusas (still the best). 

Over the years, I’ve come to realize just how central the farmers market is to LA’s food scene. Friends like Jon & Vinny, Evan Funke, Jon Yao, Chad Colby, and home chefs like Leanne Citrone, Catherine McCord, Francesca Paige, Mark Feuerstein and Ali Taekman helped show me the way. This newsletter is your ultimate guide to the Hollywood Farmers Market. Keep it, save it, share it, refer to it.

There’s always debate about the “best” farmers market in LA. The holy grail is the Wednesday Santa Monica market, but since that is on a weekday morning and across the great divide (AKA the 405), it isn't in my rotation. While I have to give the Santa Monica Farmers Market props, the Hollywood Farmers Market is where you can find me on any given Sunday. At this point, it’s where everybody knows my name—or at least my face. It’s where Logan and his dad have been selling me seedlings for my garden for two decades, where the odd balloon guy still floats around, where Ari sells the best yogurt and tzatziki in the state, and where Leona sells my favorite fresh pasta in the city. The Hollywood Farmers Market is another weekly reminder of why LA really is the greatest city in the world.

Like so many others, this market is a powerful reminder that immigrants are essential to the fabric of America. For those of us fortunate enough to be born here, we have a responsibility to stand up for those being unjustly and unlawfully targeted. Now is the time to double down on your shopping, and when necessary, protesting. These are the people who truly make America great.

Discussed in this issue: Hollywood Farmers Market, Wes Moore, Athletes Unlimited Softball, and how to get delicious Maine Lobster anywhere in the country

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If you’re looking for something to make your Fourth of July BBQ more exciting, check out my buddy Mark Murrell’s company Get Maine Lobster. I have been ordering from here for the past decade, since my father first introduced me to them. They have lobster roll kits and live lobster, all of which are sure to make cooking at home much more fun. And don't sleep on the Labadie's Whoopie Pies! They are addictive. Enter the code JAMIESLIST for a discount.

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Hollywood Farmers Market

Sundays 8 am-1 pm at the corner of Ivar & Selma Avenues

Tips:

Thanks to my group of trusted sources, I’ve curated a list of must-visit Hollywood Farmers Market stands. See the cheat sheet below for who shared what, including some of the top chefs in LA who are sharing their insider knowledge so you can get the best of the market.

JG Berries: (JP, CM, FP, JS, VD, JY, CC, BH, LC, BR, CB, MF, BM, KB, CR)

The main reason I go to the farmer’s market every weekend is for JG Berries, and I am not the only one. The line is always long, sometimes longer than the line at Courage Bagels, but it is a rite of passage. No matter how long you wait, when you finally get greeted by Luis (not the most warm man, but that’s part of his charm), and you get a taste of his delicious berries–it is all worth it. Pro Tip: talk soccer and you are guaranteed a warmer conversation

Harry’s Berries: These may cost more than your car lease, but one bite and you’ll understand why. (CM, JY, JP, BH, JV, BM, KB, DN, CR, JS, JPO)

Murray’s Cherries: The long line is worth it, especially when they’re in season. The flavor is out of this world. I know Michael Cimuristi from Providence uses these as well. (JP, CM, JY, BM, BH, MK)

Tennerelli Orchards: The best of the best stone fruit. (CM, AJ)

JJ’s Lone Daughter Ranch: Evan Funke’s favorites are the citrus, avocado, and figs. (EF, CC, JY, JV, JP, BM, CR)

Weiser Farms: (CC, CM, JY, EF, AJ, JP, BM, BH, CR, JS)

Alex Weiser is truly the king of the Hollywood Farmers Market. He took over the farm from his parents, expanding the business and creating a biodiverse farm that applies sustainable farming techniques. Today, they sell a variety of melons, carrots, radish, herbs, potatoes, citrus, and more. Alex has also started planting heirloom and heritage seeds from Row 7, harvesting some of the most exciting produce to come out of the market in years. Definitely don’t miss this booth. (Review by Catherine McCord)

Evan Funke’s favorites are the potatoes, chicory, carrots, and broccoli.

Wong Family Farms: Their cherry tomatoes and peppers are incredible. (CM, JV, JY, JP, BM, MK)

Flora Bella: Where Evan Funke gets his fresh arugula. (EF, JY, BM)

Two Peas in a Pod: Multi-colored cauliflower grown right here in California. Their beans are some of the freshest you’ll ever have. (CM, BM, KB, BH)

Givens Farms: Beautiful tomatoes and sweet peas. (JP, JV, BM, KB, BH)

Tamai Farms: Tamai herbs, beets, strawberries, tomatoes, Valdivia tomatoes, and squash blossoms. (EF)

McGrath Family Farm: Great zucchini and carrots. (ML)

Autonomy Farms: (JP, AJ, CM, EM)

Meredith Bell started Autonomy in 2014 after leaving a successful corporate career. Today, she raises over 30,000 chickens and turkeys, plus a variety of cuts of beef, pork and lamb that can now be shipped nationwide. Her focus on soil health and humane animal conditions are some of the key factors that set Autonomy apart. Note: she’s only there bi-weekly on the 1st/3rd/5th Sundays. (Review by Catherine McCord)

SZ Ranch: Be sure to ask for the secret stash of giant brown eggs. (JP, FP, JV)

Lily’s: They have great eggs and chicken. (JV, JP, BH)

Anyone who knows me knows that I love tasting a variety of foods. Luckily, aside from the produce booths, the Hollywood Farmer’s Market is full of food trucks and stands–no cooking required. Here are a few of my favorites:

Dave's Korean BBQ: (JP, JV, KB, MF, CR, JPO)

Everyone has their go-to order at Dave’s, but Mark Feuerstein has his favorites down to a science. Here are his top picks:

El Machete: Oscar is the owner and makes amazing mocajete salsa, guacamole, chips, and tortillas. So few ingredients, yet so delicious. Pro Tip: Experiment with the different tortillas made with everything from Butter to Beef Tallow to Oil. (JP, FP, BH, CR)

Leona Pasta: She has some of the best fresh pasta in the city. Pro Tip: Order her fresh ravioli on IG before going or it will be sold out. (CB, JP)

Ari’s Natural Foods: Maybe the nicest man you will ever meet serving the best in yogurts, dips and Feta. Pro Tip: Get the feta jalapeño and white mulberry. (JP, FP, KB, CR)

I’m lucky to call Governor Wes Moore a friend. Long before he made history as the first Black Governor of Maryland, we met and immediately connected. I first discovered him through his powerful book The Other Wes Moore. If you haven’t read it yet, you should. His story is extraordinary: he lost his father at age three, was in handcuffs by eleven, joined the military, became a Rhodes Scholar, led Robin Hood–one of the most influential anti-poverty organizations in the country–and ultimately became Governor. It’s a journey defined by hardship and unbelievable resilience. And if you were in Vegas betting on who will be President in 2028, betting on Wes wouldn’t be the worst bet. When that happens, either in 2028 or beyond, it will go down as the greatest political journey.

This wasn’t his first appearance on Lunch With Jamie, and even with everything happening in the world right now, we started where all good conversations should: crab cakes and 90s hip hop. This was also the first time I had ever hosted an in person conversation with a guest , without a live studio audience. Wes swears by a spot in Maryland, and we bonded over our mutual love for Das Efx and golden-era rap. The energy was easy. Ian Edelman and Jaron Lowenstein both commented that Wes and I seem like twins, maybe the greatest compliment I have ever received. Not sure I see it, but isn't the rule when someone compliments you just to say thank you? So, thank you fellas. Either way, I love chatting with this guy and can’t wait to do it again.

From there, the conversation deepened. We covered the LA protests, and his dream of being Governor to the future of the democratic party. You can listen to this episode as a podcast, and members can check out the full conversation below.

As many of you know, my brother Jon Patricof co-founded Athletes Unlimited with Jonathan Soros just five years ago, with a bold vision to create new pathways for women to play professional sports in the U.S. What began with a single softball league in Chicago has quickly expanded to include volleyball and basketball. At the time women’s sports weren’t even on the radar for most, aside from a few die-hard fans.

Fast forward to today, MLB has officially invested in AUSL Softball, marking the first softball league backed by Major League Baseball and the first serious professional softball league of its kind. It’s a huge moment not only for Athletes Unlimited, but for every college athlete who wondered if there was a future beyond the NCAA. Stars from the Women’s College World Series, one of ESPN’s highest-rated events of the year, finally have a platform to continue chasing their dreams.

I had the privilege of attending Opening Day in Chicago, where AUSL commissioner Kim Ng (the first female GM in MLB history) kicked off what is sure to be one of the most exciting additions to the professional sports landscape.

There are too many rising stars to name, but I’m keeping a close eye on Volts pitcher Sam Landry—she’s got all the makings of a household name by the 2028 Olympics. Others to watch: Michaela Edenfield, Montana Fouts, and Bri Ellis.

AUSL games will take place this summer in cities across the country including Austin, Seattle and Chicago. If you can’t make it in person, you can watch on one of their many TV and streaming partners, including ESPN and MLB TV. Here is the full schedule with ticket and broadcast information. And if your company is looking to support fresh talent or align with the next big thing in sports—now is the time to get in the game.

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Today’s email was brought to you by: Jamie Patricof, Michaela Sullivan and Lauren Malanga