Artisanal LA

This weekend my friend and I attended Artisanal LA (thank you, Connie!!).  It was so much fun. Artisanal LA was held at the LA Mart, now called The Reef.  The Reef combines the LA Mart, Maker City LA, and Magic Box.  It was over 100 degrees, so we were wuite happy to find that the event was being held indoors.  The second floor housed the various vendors, and I purchased more than I anticipated.  But, then again, doesn't that always happen that these things?  We also ended up spending nearly the entire time there.  It was open from 11am-6pm, and we arrived at around 12pm.   We decided the best thing to do would be to wait to purchase anything until we walked the who show.  Here is some of what we experienced:

Califia provides almond milk, juices, coffee, and other non-dairy beverages.  In all honesty, I am not a fan of their almond milk.  It reminds me of colored water.  That being said, I really liked the nog.  It's not thick nor as spiced as the real thing, but if you're sensitive to eggnog it is a nice alternative.  The one from Silk is as well.  We also tried the pumpkin spice and peppermint mocha.  I don't remember the pumpkin spice being all that pumpkin-y (then again, when is it?), and the peppermint mocha tasted like peppermint chocolate milk.  Then came the aftertaste of coffee.  Very interesting, and worth a try if you're into something that's non-traditional.  Califia gave out free shakers to people, during the event, who followed them on social media.  What a wonderful gesture!  I don't know where they sell the totes, but I think they are super cute as well (see the haiku guys' photo below).  And since I mentioned The Haiku Guys, they were there to provide free haikus to anyone who wanted one.  You gave an idea and they came up with something.  I found it fascinating how well they could come up with something "on the fly".

Califia's new seasonal beverage line.

How generous!  I love this shaker.

These guys provided free haikus!

I want this tray...and the tote.

A little haiku.

 

There were so many vendors it was hard to keep track of them all.  Here are some photos of the different vendors.  From artisanal pastas, pies on sticks, pickles, and jams, to all types of snack items, crafts, and gardening products, everything was under one roof.

Semolina Artisanal Pasta

Naked Hippie Snacks

My friend's hand got in the way. 
Super cute Noshkins display!

I bought sushi & a banana
for my nephew's kitchen.

 










A HUGE "thank you" to Connie for the ticket to this event!  She is the maker of Noshkins and Facekins.  She, along with her team, makes each piece by hand.  A combination of hand-stitching and a sewing machine create these wonderful products.  When we walked up, she was hand-sewing part of a watermelon!  Everything is so cute and washable!  Did I mention that the banana comes out of its peel, and the sushi can be deconstructed?!  Where were these when we were kids?  My friend purchased a pack of Facekins, which are reusable face pads.  There are also nursing pads.  Even though I am not nursing, I find them very comfortable when it's that time of the month.  Unfortunately, bras... and any fabric, really... kills my chest when it touches it.  My lower back also kills me, but I guess those are in exchange for not having cramps.  Anyway, they alleviate a lot of the pain because they are so soft.  Facekins are machine/hand-washable, and perfect for any situation.  I have used them on sets, on travel adventures, at the gym, and while at home.  Each pad can be used twice; use one side in the morning, then one at night.  Wash the pad at night, and it'll be dry by morning.  You can read more about my experience with them in my review, here.     

Just a couple of days before I was looking at a product package for some chalk stickers I bought.  On the tag were pie pops.  Yes, they were Photoshopped whole pies on sticks.  I was talking to my partner, and we both wondered if these actually existed.  The question was answered when my friend and I walked by and saw these:

Pies on a sitck!

The shop is called Hello Sweetie Pies, and according to the company, the pies will not fall off the sticks.  I'm not sure how that's possible, and unfortunately I did not get a chance to purchase one.  Honestly, we were so shot by the end of the day, I forgot to go back for a blueberry one.  It's a long story, but my grandfather always used to ask if we wanted blueberry pie and ice cream, even though he never had it.  It became a running joke.    

Blonde ramen dessert bars.

I purchased a bag of Blonde Ramen from Spoon Me Sweetly.  I know what you're thinking, but it was really good.  In the past I have had ramen noodles with butter & sugar.  It's much like sweetened nurungji, which is a nice snack.  Not the healthiest, but I like how it tastes.  Anyway, instead of taking the traditional approach and using Rice Krispies, they are replaced with ramen.  There were three versinos:  Blonde, Chocolate, and Peanut Butter.  I really liked the Blonde and Peanut Butter, but opted for Blonde since I could do more with it.  She also had spoons (pictured below) that soften in hot drinks.  You can eat it when it softens, or flavor up your beverage.  Spoon Me Sweetly also makes some fun flavored sugar, such as Unicorn Poop (a warm vanilla) and Pumpkin Spice.   

Owl's Brew

I bought White and Vine.

Owl's Brew is a tea concentrate that you add to booze.  If you aren't into liquor, you can mix it with anything:  Seltzer water, juice, sodas, etc.  The vendor happened to have already paired them with liquor.  I tried one with tequila, and my friend tried the vodka.  I can't remember the exact notes, but each one was delicious.  They also had these nifty cards that gave recipe ideas.  I think I will frame mine, because they are little works of art.  

Akasha Peach Bourbon Jam

There were a few jam stands, and I was torn on which to buy.  The stand I was looking for didn't have the product I wanted in stock, so we tried out the products at Akasha.  Their jams, preserves, and chutneys were wonderful.  They were not overly sweet, and were full of fresh fruit flavor.  The representative were also amazing, which made the experience all the better. 

All-in-all, it was a wonderful experience.  The vendors were so nice, as was the crowd.  It was a very relaxed atmosphere.  If you get a chance to attend an event like this, or any future Artisanal LA show, please do so.  It is a great way to support small & local business and immerse yourself in all types of crafty wares.  I hope there is one lined up for the holidays.

Stay beautiful!