Image remolded in time for community’s 125th birthday

The certified farmers market in Ocean Beach has slowly transformed into one of the trendiest farmers markets in San Diego. A cleaner appearance, new vendors and new music lineups draws impressive crowds on Wednesdays between 4 and 8 p.m. during non-winter months. Located on Newport Avenue between Cable and Bacon streets, about 150 vendors offer a plethora of goods like flowers, local arts and crafts, jewelry and clothing. Food vendors display a variety of food and taste samples. About 10 organic-produce vendors sell locally-grown fruits and vegetables. The improved look also includes llama rides and a big bounce house for children. A recent survey by the Ocean Beach MainStreet Association — the results of which are posted on its website — revealed that nearly 60 percent of the markets’ visitors do not live in Ocean Beach. The survey also showed that about 95 percent of those surveyed also patronize a local bar or restaurant during their trip to the farmers market. Keeping up with area trends, several vendors at the farmers market also offer vegan dishes, something that makes local Drew Coussins happy. He used to skateboard to the market on Wednesdays by himself. That changed with the growing vegan menu. “My girlfriend eats vegan,” said Coussins. “She was never able to find food she could eat. Lately, more vendors offer vegan-approved food. It’s healthier. People dig that. One of my favorites is the barbeque guy. I believe he smokes the meats prior to the market.” Coussins said he had ordered the pulled-pork sandwich. “It’s prime,” he said. “A great addition to the market.” The barbeque guy Coussins referred to is Tony Coronado, owner of Ranchwood Catering & Deli. Tony has been at the Ocean Beach Farmers Market for more than a year. Since he opened Ranchwood Deli six years ago, his experimenting resulted in a one-of-a-kind flavor. “I got pulled pork, beef brisket and tri-tip — plain, or on a sandwich,” Coronado said. “Our newest additions are different types of side salads like our vegetarian couscous salad or our awesome pasta salad.” Visitors interviewed during last week’s market said they have noticed recent improvement in the markets’ overall appearance. Several people observed there seems to be fewer groups of intoxicated people throughout the market and surrounding streets. Coussins agreed. “It [the market] also looks so much cleaner recently,” he said. “That makes a huge difference. I like it much better.” Cat Williams said she tries to come every week from National City. She likes good bread with a crunchy crust. “The very first time I came to this market years ago, I had trouble finding things,” said Williams. “Luckily, I stumbled upon the lady who oversees the market’s information booth. She helpfully pointed out the two or three baked-goods vendors to me. “I ended up at Peggy’s Pasta,” she said. “They got a great selection — with crunchy crusts. Right next to Peggy’s is the pesto guy. I buy my fresh hummus and fresh pesto from them. They also have an endless display of sample sauces.” Peggy and Richard Harben, owners of Peggy’s Pasta, said they love to work the Ocean Beach Farmers Market personally. “For eight years, we’ve been enjoying this market so much,” Peggy said. “Our customers make every minute of the hard work worth it.” Along with artisan breads, baguettes and rolls, Peggy’s Pasta carries freshly made pasta, pasta sauce and avocado oils. The pesto guy next to them, Costa Lisko, is the owner of Lisko Artisan Deli and Fish Market. He said he, too, prefers to personally work the Ocean Beach Farmers Market. He said he normally needs a couple of helpers because he always has a crowd at his booth. His specialties for the market are the freshly prepared pesto and hummus, a selection of gourmet cheeses, a selection of olives and fine European pastries. New on Liskos’ menu is the vegan garlic spread made of plain garlic, garlic curry and garlic-basil. For information about the Ocean Beach Farmers Market, contact manager David Kleman at (619) 279-0032. For music information and schedules, contact Michael Head at (619)316-5539. For other general information, visit www.oceanbeachsandiego.com.