Grinding On
Phyllis Magee and Magee's Kitchen, still going strong
After 40 years at the Original Farmers Market, Phyllis Magee hasn't lost one ounce of steam. She's been running things at her restaurant, Magee's Kitchen, since the late 1960's, and still slings a mean plate of corned beef and cabbage on a daily basis. And nobody knows where to shop in the market better than she does.
Phyllis's in-laws--Blanche and Raymond Magee--originally sold peanut butter, fresh-ground horseradish, ham and olives at the Central Market downtown, but Blanche would bring lunch to the farmers who sold produce from their trucks at the corner of Fairfax and Third. When the Original Farmers Market opened there in 1934, Magee's was the first restaurant amidst the produce and flower stalls. "Blanche introduced electricity and refrigeration to the market," Phyllis says. "She had to have it for her meats."
Magee's menu has grown throughout its 75 years, but one thing remains: The famous potent horseradish is still made on Blanche's original grinder, and at neighboring House of Nuts, peanut butter is made with the original machine. Here are some of Phyllis's other favorite market vendors that have also stood the test of time:
Marconda's Meats "I like to get all my steaks, meatloaf and ground beef here. They put parsley and onions in the ground beef for you." 323-938-5131
Huntington Meats & Sausage "Their roast beef is my favorite." 323-938-5383 or huntingtonmeats.com
Tusquellas Seafoods "Bob Tusquella has been around for a long time, and he has exceptional products. I buy all my salmon and halibut here." 323-938-1919
Magee's Kitchen at the Original Farmers Market, 6333 West Third St., Mid-City; 323-938-4127 or mageesnuts.com
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