Nora LaBrocca

Downtown Market Co. was created from a passion for family and good food. It seems we are constantly prioritizing the events in our lives, and how we feed ourselves. In today's world we know that it's not always a reality for a family to gather around the dinner table.

I grew up in Southern California's San Fernando Valley running barefoot and climbing olive trees. As a family we raised beef, poultry, and game birds for private clients and upscale restaurants in the greater Los Angeles area.  It was a crazy, amazing life where every day was a new adventure! I don’t think I’ll ever figure out how my Mom pulled it off, but everyday seemed effortless and exciting. Whether teaching pheasants to fly or navigating a kitchen brimming with French chefs in our small farm house, we lived life to the fullest.

 Food is a celebration and a time to reconnect as a family. We ate whole foods then, and I still do now. Life is full of trade offs and what you eat is no exception. Flavor is king in my world, I would gladly give up inconsequential foods in favor of fresh cream in my pasta, and a big red wine with my husband at dinner any day.

Nevertheless, when food is the vehicle for a central theme, life seems to happen as it should. I have a hope and desire to get people reacquainted with their kitchens, their families,  and their food supply.