Del Mar Plaza is getting a serious upgrade in the food department this Saturday, as Valley Farm Market cuts the ribbon on its third location and brings a Baja-inspired taco counter to the coast. The family-owned shop, which first opened in Spring Valley in 1956 and is now run by third-generation owner Derek Marso, is rolling in with a full butcher counter, specialty groceries and a new concept called High Marea. Opening-day plans include a mid-morning ribbon-cutting, giveaways and plenty of samples as the market settles in with its new beach-town neighbors.
According to There San Diego, doors at the Del Mar shop are set to open at 8 a.m., with a ribbon-cutting at 10:30 a.m. and High Marea expected to start serving around 11 a.m. The outlet reports that opening day will feature giveaways, special discounts and samples. Marso told the outlet that "High Marea is an extension of that – Baja flavors, fresh-caught seafood, and cooking methods we actually believe in," framing the taco counter as a natural offshoot of the family market.
What to Expect Inside the Market
On its Del Mar location page, Valley Farm Market lists a full-service butcher counter, organic produce, sustainable seafood and a lineup of local products at 1555 Camino Del Mar, Space #107. The page also notes daily hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., along with the store phone number for anyone planning ahead. Marso, who returned to take over the family business after a stint in football, has already steered Valley Farm BBQ to a "San Diego's Best BBQ" nod from iHeart Radio, as he recounted in an interview with SDVoyager. The Del Mar location, the store site adds, will offer prepared foods and catering options alongside its grocery staples.
High Marea Brings Baja-Style Tacos and Tallow Cooking
There San Diego reports that High Marea will cook exclusively in beef tallow instead of seed oils and will serve tacos on heirloom organic corn tortillas. The counter is slated to offer seafood-forward dishes like ceviche verde, seared ahi and spicy poke, along with land-based plates such as a grass-fed Sonoran ribeye. Shareable sides will include elote and tallow fries loaded with melted baby jack cheese and arrachera steak. The idea is to pair a full-service market with a Baja-leaning counter so shoppers can grab groceries, pick up prepared food or order something hot off the line in one stop.
Opening Day and Plaza Context
The Del Mar Plaza directory lists Valley Farm Market in space 107 and has promoted the debut with a banner reading, "Now Opening: Valley Farm Market at Del Mar Plaza. Join us 1.10 @ 10:30am." Del Mar Plaza features the new tenant in its listings, and earlier reporting by The Coast News noted that Valley Farm's owners hope the shop will help energize a quieter wing of the center. The plaza itself sits at 1555 Camino Del Mar in downtown Del Mar.
Inside, shoppers can expect a mix of butcher-cut meats, prepared meals and grab-and-go coffee, with the shop's phone listed as (858) 925-7075 for questions. For full menus and the most current hours, check Valley Farm Market.
