What Wonders Await the Wandering Ones: Hanson's Market
Whether in San Clemente, Saigon, or South America, there are small gems to be found, awe inspiring views, and the good people, food and traditions that make a place what it is. As I explore my world and make these discoveries, I will share here.

Monday, October 3, 2011

Hanson's Market


Welcome to Hanson's! 


Mike Cullinan grows these beautiful tomatoes in Oceanside

The smoothie menu -
a work in progress, but so far so delicious.
(Juicing menu hangs above this one)

Owner Ron Castruita, with happy San Clemente moms.
And of course, its on organic cotton :) 






















Watch your juice or smoothie being made
through the window...






















     Local, organic, vegan, raw, gluten-free, dairy-free, cage-free, free-range, grass-fed, nitrate and nitrite-free, probiotic, herbal, all natural (or shall we say "Au Natural"?) -  Hanson's Market has it all. San Clemente's first health food store finally opened last week, to the relief and excitement of all who were tired of Trader Joes' tiny parking lot, driving to Mother's in Laguna Hills and eating waxy fruit from Ralph's. I was one of these excited residents, but not content to just shop there, I wanted to work there as well and be part of the party. And here I am, on to this next adventure of working at the Market!
     A San Clemente resident for more than 26 years, Ron Castruita and his wife Diana saw a need in the community, decided to go for it, and a few months later Hanson's was born. Hanson's Market is named after Ole Hanson, the founder of San Clemente in the 1920's, and hence the local hotshot of yore.
     Once the city finally found time and energy to pass all the permits (between weekends, holidays, Friday's off, and sick days, it's really quite exhausting for them to sign these papers) Hanson's was up and running. And so were we! The term eight days a week has never been so appropriate as we unloaded produce, fine-tuned juice recipes and hustled to get everything priced. But this is what soft openings are for! In a few weeks when everything is organized and running smoothly, we will have a grand opening with vendors, samples and a more complete representation of what we'll be offering. Right now, some of my favorite things about Hanson's (besides the amazing, fun, and friendly people I get to work with and you get to shop with):
~ Meeting Mike Cullinan, our current tomato supplier from Oceanside, and tasting his freshly picked cherry tomatoes
~ Although the coconuts aren't local, it's pretty fun to pick one out, have it hacked open behind the deli and sip the refreshing, replenishing, and delicious water!!
~ "Oh you would like some extra beets in your juice? Well, go ahead and pick some out over there in the produce area and I'll juice it for you!"
~ Bread baked daily in San Juan Capistrano
~ The herbal supplement corner where certified nutritionists can address your every query.
Whether you'd like to sip a coconut, order some kale juice, or perhaps french cheese is more your style?  it's worth your while to wander over!



3 comments:

  1. Kirsten--This sounds AWESOME! What a lot of fun! May the owner do Very well--much success. Sounds hassle free, as well! Maybe one of these days, when it's your day off, your Uncle & I can visit you guys and take a stroll through the store.
    Enjoy!
    Auntie Donna

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  2. Hanson's sounds like just what San Clemente has been needing and your big beautiful smile will be the cherry on top of all the wonderfulness:). I can't wait to visit! Mom S

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  3. How fun! I can't wait to see it- do you think you'll have time to show your lil sis around sometime this week?
    - Steph

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