San Diego’s Little Italy hosts one of the most unique farmer’s markets – The Mercato – every weekend on India Street. 

Throughout the month of June, The Mercato is celebrating its One Year Anniversary with a host of tasty and fun special engagements. Get a taste for what you can expect all month long, starting with the must-see World’s Largest Caprese Salad! 

Saturday, June 20: World’s Largest Caprese Salad

Six local chefs, including Chef Eric Bauer of Anthology, Chef Rob Conaway of The Glass Door, will join forces to build a 24 foot long Caprese Salad of traditional ingredients: tomatoes, fresh basil, fresh mozzarella and olive oil. CaliVirgin Olive Oil – a California grown and pressed oil and Mercato vendor - is providing oil (may also have Italianissimo Italian olive oil and Bellavado local avocado oil.) Four farm booths will provide locally grown tomatoes and Archi’s Acres will provide fresh basil. Chefs will bring their own mozarella, and we’re hoping to see some house-made.

Hungry? San Diego shoppers will be able to buy servings of the completed caprese salad and some proceeds will go toward the Washington Elementary Kinder Garden program. 

More Anniversary Events

June 13: Mercato Scavenger Hunt
Find and/or buy 15 items within the market area, then turn in your completed form to win prizes including Mercato bags & t-shirts and gift certificates from Little Italy businesses. 

June 27: Bruschetta Showdown
Six San Diego chefs will each work with a Mercato shopper assistant to shop the Mercato for ingredients then prepare the chef’s version of bruschetta. Judges will score various styles, and shopper/spectators can vote as well. Confirmed Chefs: Eric Bauer of Anthology, Hanis Cavin of Kensington Grill (CRA 2009 Chef of the Year), Brian Sinnott of 1500 Ocean at Hotel Del (Little Italy resident, Cooks’ Confab member and Mercato shopper).

The Mercato is held every Saturday, rain or shine, on Date Street (from Kettner to Union) in Little Italy and boasts more than 70 local participating merchants with fresh organic produce, farm-fresh eggs, meats, olive oils and cheeses, pastas and other authentic foods; artisan crafts; viewing of live chef demonstrations, tastings and more. 

Learn more about Little Italy in San Diego, and Discover Top Ten San Diego Natural Food Resources.