SD: gourmet markets, ethnic grocers, cheese shops?

[LisaRB]

Hi all--My supper club based in north county inland is planning a "field trip" for our next meeting. Instead of doing a themed potluck in someone's home, we were going to Venissimo cheese shop in Mission Hills and then to Extraordinary Desserts. Well, we meet on Sundays and it turns out that Venissimo is closed on Sundays. So I need some ideas of other interesting food-related places we could try before we gorge on dessert.

Thanks!

[d2u]

Since you will be in Mission Hills, you might want to make a stop at the Hillcrest Farmer's Market. They are open on Sunday from 9-1pm. There is a wide selection of fresh fruits, vegetable, flowers, and a wide array of other gourmet foods. There is a vendor that sells gourmet chocolates that are wonderful. She is from Peru and was written up in the Union Tribune (or whatever the name of the San Diego paper is). I am not a huge chocolate lover, but she has a chocolate that has passion fruit and a chile one that I think is fantastic. There is also a desert vendor, I think he is called the French Gourmet. Also a crepe stand that makes delicious looking strawberry crepes. One of my personal favorites is the stand where they sell fresh fruit seasoned with lime juice and cayenne, and flavored lemonades, strawberry and cucumber are great. There is also a cheese vendor and a woman that sells great flavored butters, salad dressings and fresh pastas. Whatever you end up doing, it sounds like a fun way to spend a Sunday, have fun!