Los Angeles has a fascinating history as a city obsessed with trends and modernity. It began as a settlement with a few dozen from Mexico in 1781 and was named the “El Pueblo de la Nuestra Senora de la Reina de los Angeles (the town of our Lady of the Queen of the Angels).” It eventually grew to be the second-largest city in the country today, and it has all the chaos and craziness that goes with it.

What I find the most interesting about the backstory is that it happened in between. I am interested in its old Hollywood beginnings and how the entertainment industry started. But I’m also drawn to its humbler aspects. I love seeing photos of when the L.A. basin was just ranch and farmland, with dirt roads instead of the clogged ten-lane freeways we’re all too familiar with now. Between what is now downtown L.A. and Santa Monica was a dairy farm that soon became a drilling area when oil was discovered.

After the city grew and surrounded the field, which prevented further construction of the oil drills, two businessmen started a stand where farmers could sell their produce in 1934, with the family’s approval. From there, the Farmers Market became a place for families to shop and tourists to visit. Celebrities like Frank Sinatra would have a bite or buy some produce.

So, continuing with my L.A. visit and the Burbank Airport from last week, here's why I love the Original Farmers Market

Part of my personal history

When I worked at an ad agency on Wilshire Boulevard, the Farmers Market was just a few blocks away, separated by the May Co. department store (now the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures) and the Park LaBrea apartment complex. I couldn’t go there for lunch often, as my breaks were too short. But I would head over there after work and get a quick dinner. I can tell you that much hasn’t changed in the market during the 40-some years since that time – different businesses naturally exist, but that’s about it.

Foods from around the globe

I’m confident that when the Farmers Market first opened, there wasn’t much diversity in its food offerings. But as Los Angeles has become a destination for international visitors and immigrants, the market offers 33 eateries with cuisine worldwide. I would love to go to Patsy D’amore’s for a pizza slice, which Sinatra supposedly hung out at and made famous. But you can get dishes from Brazil, Japan, Korea, Singapore, the Middle East, Mexico, Latin America and, of course, the U.S.

L.A. culinary history

Happily, several restaurants are from the market's establishment and are part of its history. Magee’s is the oldest eatery, serving classic favorites from the Midwest, like the popular corned beef with homemade horseradish sauce. Family member Blanche Magee sold lunches from a hamper to farmers, eventually growing into the restaurant today. The other classic place is Du-Par’s coffee shop, famous for its pancakes that L.A. residents have enjoyed since 1938 (photos courtesy of Du-Par's and Original Farmers Market)

Retail and grocery shopping

Even with many grocery stores in the area, locals can still shop for the foods needed for cooking at home. I enjoy browsing the colorful fruits and vegetables for sale here. There are two produce stands, five meat, seafood and poultry vendors, four bakeries and two specialty markets that sell European goods. My favorite is one of these, Monsieur Marcel, which also has a café area to enjoy their gourmet-worthy fare.