West Wind Public Market Blog

Middle Eastern Shuks, Public Markets, and a Day to Remember



Having lived in the Middle East for a year, when I hear the words “public market,” I think of the shuks and their crowded stalls where vendors sell tea, spices, dates, and nutty baklava that melts in your mouth. While the food was on one side of the market, the other side was filled with gorgeous di ...

Fresh Produce Shopping Tips


Jun 07, 2019

Summer is almost here, which means the weather is warming up and we are ready for sunny days at the public market! If you’re looking to get a head start on your “summer bod” or just want to eat healthier, then shopping at the public market is the perfect way to start. Our fruits and vegetables are i ...

Vendor Spotlight – Arturo Rodriguez



At West Wind, we strongly believe in the importance of bringing the community together and showing appreciation to those who make our public markets and drive-ins better, which is why we are launching a Vendor Spotlight series. Our first spotlight interview was with Arturo Rodriguez, a produce vendo ...

Selling at the Public Market



 Do you have any old clothes laying around the house that you’ve been meaning to get rid of? Power tools that haven’t been used in years? What about random household appliances or electronics? No matter what the item may be, the public market is the perfect place to sell them! Garage sales are great ...

Weekends at the Public Market



 Have you been looking for a place to do your weekend shopping, while spending quality family time? Well, look no further because the public market is the perfect place to do just that. The public market schedule varies across our six locations: Glendale, Solano, Oakland, San Jose, Santa Barbara and ...

Five Ways Public Markets are Underrated



Public markets are often overlooked, but I am here to tell you about all the fun you are missing out on. So, without further ado, here are my five reasons why public markets are underrated: Affordable Items: You never know what you will find at a public market on any given day. The items vary ...

A Day at the Public Market



 Recently I took a trip to the Coliseum Swap Meet. It was my first time at a swap meet/flea market/whatever you want to call it, so I had no idea what to expect. My experience was pleasant and I want to share it with you so you know what a typical day at the swap meet looks like.   One of the first ...

What Produce is Grown in California


Jan 30, 2017

Did you know that California produces nearly half of all US-grown fruits, nuts and vegetables?  Do you know which ones that they are?  Many people choose to shop local and go to the closest farmer's market or flea market.  West Wind Public Markets have many produce sellers that carry all of the prod ...

Seared Jalapeno and Serrano Corn Salsa


Aug 24, 2016

Seared Jalapeno and Serrano Corn Salsa This not so your traditional salsa works great as both a salsa or a side dish.  This quick recipe can spice up any meal by bringing sweet and spicy flavors! Delicious! Ingredients 4 ears of corn, shaved 2 jalapeno peppers, diced 4 Serrano peppers, diced 3 ge ...

Cherry Crisp


Jun 30, 2016

Summer is an excellent time to find the best fruits at your local West Wind Public Market.  Cherries are a favorite summer fruit in the US, where about 370 million pounds are grown each year.   July is the peak month for cherries and the perfect month to invite your family over to share this amazing ...

What's the Difference?


May 12, 2016

Having worked for West Wind Public Markets for over 18 years, I get asked what we are, all the time.  What is a public market and how does it differ from flea markets and swap meets?   The best way to look at it is that flea markets and swap meets are places that a person rents space to sell their g ...

Penne with Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes


May 05, 2016

Asparagus is one of the healthiest vegetables.  It’s a great source of vitamin A, B2, C and E along with potassium.   Just because it is healthy doesn’t mean that it can’t taste great.  Below is a great recipe from the Food Network, courtesy of Giada de Laurentiis . Most of the ingredients can be fo ...

Chile Con Queso With Nopalitos


Mar 14, 2016

West Wind Public Markets has amazing produce that can be found everyday.  Check the hours of your local Swap Meet or Flea Market so you can get some of the freshest produce available. March is the perfect time of year for Napoles (Cactus).  Many have never tried this delicious vegetable, so why not ...

March Featured Vendor - Jose Lopez



You can always find great shopping at West Wind Public Markets.  Just like Macy's and JC Penny's at your local shopping mall, you can find sellers that have been selling in the same spaces for many years. Jose Lopez and his wife Antonia have been selling at West Wind Public Markets for over 25 year ...

Brussels Sprouts with Butternut Squash and Pomegranate Seeds


Feb 01, 2016

The Winter is a perfect time to find great seasonal produce at West Wind Public Market.  This recipe uses 3 items that are readily available in the winter months.  Enjoy! Brussels Sprouts with Butternut Squash and Pomegranate Seeds 1 large butternut squash (about 2 1/2 pounds) 2 pounds Brussels ...



West Wind Public Markets offers a great place to make extra money selling new and used items.  There are many sellers that have been part of the West Wind family for years.   West Wind Public Markets and the Glendale Swap Meet congratulate Alejandro "Alex" Villalobos as the January Featured Vendor. ...

Spiced-Persimmon-and-Pecan-Muffins


Dec 30, 2015

This is the time of year that you will find Persimmons in the fruit section of every grocery store, farmer's market, and the West Wind Public Markets.  Traditional spiced muffins suddenly seem stylish when made with seasonal persimmons. There are two distinct types: Creamy-fleshed Hachiya is mashed ...


Dec 15, 2015

Sometimes in the midst of all the holiday hustle and bustle shoppers are determined to grab those door buster buys. Why not keep your wallet happy and save by shopping at the West Wind Public Market? "Some of its old, some of its new but you'll be paying less of a price here than you will at local d ...

Sweet Potatoes are in Season


Oct 15, 2015

West Wind Public Markets offer a wide selection of produce vendors all year round!  Check out the season recipe below. Smoked Chile Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe courtesy of Bobby Flay Smoked Chile Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Total Time: 1 hr 25 min Prep: 10 min Cook: 1 hr 15 min Yield:4 to 6 servi ...

Back-to-School Shopping



Everyone loves a good deal.  For most households, going back-to-school shopping is relatively easy at the local department stores. However, there are many items you can look for at the local swap meet. You can find gently used lunch boxes and clothing as well as brand new socks, uniforms and backpa ...

Recipe of the Month


Jul 16, 2015

West Wind Public Market offers shoppers a wide selection of fresh fruits and vegetables. Since it is June, we welcome the sunshine and summer with picnics, trips to the beach and BBQs.  Satisfy your sweet tooth with a lemon square recipe using lemons from our public market. Lemon Squares From Eating ...