Produce at Market 32

When Mondo’s taco shop closed a few months ago, we were admittedly bummed. However, now that Market 32 Farmer’s Market (1000 Island Ave.) has moved in to the 10th and Island location in the M2i building (and with the excellent Lolita’s a few blocks south to serve our taco needs), we feel everything has worked out in our favor! Market 32 is a family-owned business which got its start at a fresh fruit stand in Yuma before moving to Downtown San Diego and opening the new East Village location. As a Yuma native living in East Village, this feels near and dear to my heart and I can attest that the owners have had over 50 years’ experience in farming and definitely know the ins and outs of the business. Thus, Market 32 can stock an impressive variety of local produce at excellent prices–much lower than even Costco–and I have a feeling downtown residents and restaurants alike will be frequent customers.

In addition to Market 32’s produce offerings, there is a wide array of nuts and dry goods to choose from. Baked goods are organic from Bread on Market a couple blocks away. There are even some grab-and-go sandwiches and salads. And at the counter, you can have a made-to order smoothie or acai bowl. You can also purchase fresh flower bouquets to spruce up your downtown condo!

Market 32 is open 8 am-7 pm on weekdays and 9 am-6 pm weekends. Seriously, check out the prices–you’ll be amazed. Also, there is something to be said for the pleasant evening stroll down to the corner market to pick up fresh, non-processed items–it’s part of the reason we moved downtown. And, should you bring your dog with you, there is always a water dish and treat jar out front!

Market 32

The Vagrant Row California Theatre has been purchased out of foreclosure by Beverly Hills investment firm Windmill Investment Advisors for $6 million. The building that originally opened in 1927 includes a 2,200 seat theatre, offices and storefronts.

I’m pretty sure this building has changed hands at least 63 times since becoming inoperable about 20 years ago. The sad thing is that the spanish colonial building could be restored and would once again be a shining Downtown landmark. Hopefully getting into this at $6 million as opposed to carrying the $15 million of the previous owners tab will give them enough room for the project to pencil out. But for now, at least one knows where to get their smack fix…

Recently the Balboa Theatre underwent a tax dollar funded $24.5 million dollar renovation before it re-opened in January of 2007.