by Noella Noelophile®
(Courtesy of Artisanal L.A.)
Fresh-baked bread, mouthwatering preserves, spicy goat cheese and velvety chocolates come as no surprise, at Artisanal L.A.
Book signings, cool workshops on creating specialties like fermented sodas, and talented artists, with an array of eclectic works, are all to be expected.
But–baby pigs? That’s a new one. The same goes for the goats.
All of the above will be part of the fun when Artisanal L.A.’s Fall Show opens at The Reef, later today. And not only is this event a total foodie’s dream (with free samples everywhere you go), but a great place to learn how to plan or transform your garden, set a festive fall table or whip up a batch of kimchi.
Those baby pigs and goats, according to Artisanal L.A.’s Facebook page, will be on hand for your “hanging out” pleasure, as you enjoy talking with your favorite farmers. There’s no specific word on the source of the oinking, maa-ing new additions, but they should be fun to discover.
As should everything else at Artisanal L.A. 
Among the artisans listed as exhibiting this year are creators of: luxury candles; butcher-block cutting boards and furniture; and unique vintage textiles and furniture. Book signings today and tomorrow include Aida Mollencamp’s Keys to the Kitchen, this afternoon at 1. Visiting chefs will be demonstrating how to wow your guests with special concoctions, and vendors will be offering all sorts of delectable things. (Last year’s favorites from this particular show included crusty bread from Los Angeles Bread Bakers and the delectable Masala Chocolates.)
Also, Angela Price, of Eden Condensed, will be teaching classes, at 1:00 today and tomorrow, on “Crafting a Cocktail Garden”. From her earlier interview on this site, you’ll know that she excels in creating something fun or beautiful in very little space, so this is going to be an interesting presentation! 
While you’re there, say “hi” to Rondo Mieczkowski, proprietor of Coldwater Canyon Provisions. But watch out–his artisan pickles and preserves are from family recipes, and they have a tendency to be seriously addictive!
And someone else not to miss is gifted poet Billimarie. She will be on hand, once again, with her (pink!) typewriter, creating poems for free, on the spot.
Come prepared to learn some cool kitchen and garden techniques, to wind up buying more tempting things than you originally planned, and, most of all, to enjoy.
Artisanal L.A.’s 2014 Fall Show runs today and tomorrow, from 11 am to 6 pm, at The Reef, 1933 South Broadway near West Washington Boulevard, in Los Angeles.