Quick Bites: Carmel Valley gets its own farmers market, Ticino opens in Salinas and Rainbow Ssambap for everyone.

Carmel Valley's brand new farmers market debuts 2-6pm Friday, March 20, behind Carmel Valley Community Center in the parking lot.

West Coast Farmers Market Association’s Jerry Lami—who also manages markets from Fremont to Palo Alto, including Carmel-by-the-Sea’s Thursday edition now happening 10am-2pm on Sixth Street in front of Vesuvio—estimates 20-25 vendors will appear, including many who were squeezed out of Carmel proper by the city's tight market restrictions.

A few hot food offerings will include barbecue and, if Lami gets his way, Tricycle Pizza.

More food news nibbles to sink your teeth into:

• Ticino Coffee Shop & Deli opens Monday, Feb. 23, in the 201 Main complex in Salinas.

• The new vegan owner of Carmel Valley Lodge invites the public to try the unique soaked beans-fruit-and-vegetable meal he believes will help him live past 150 years old. He calls it Rainbow Ssambap. The open house, which includes a little wine and a tour of the remodeled "self-health" resort, happens noon-4pm Sunday, Feb. 22. 

• The Friends of Monterey Public Library hold their annual chocolate and wine tasting benefit 7-9pm Friday, Feb. 20, at the library, with wines from Pierce Ranch, Carmel Ridge, Ventana and more ($30 in advance; $35 door; 646-5602 and p. 27 for info).

• Another neat pop-up dinner in the cool MEarth space next to Carmel Middle starring Affina chef James Anderson happens Monday, Feb. 23. MEarth also hosts a pair of restoration Saturdays, 10am-noon Feb. 21 and 28, RSVP to Melissa@MEarthCarmel.org to help.

• Tickets are on sale ($85) at www.santaluciahighlands.com for the annual Santa Lucia Highlands Gala 1-4pm Saturday, May 16, at Mer Soleil Winery.

• All-you-can-eat crab, pasta, salad and desserts come to the Salinas Sports Complex for the Young Farmers and Ranchers crab feed 6pm Saturday, Feb. 28 ($55, 751-3100).

• A tasty wine discovery from last week: Rich Tanguay of Organic Heller Estates just released his 2011 Meritage, a beautifully balanced and silky blend of 46 percent Cab Franc, 30 Merlot, 11 Petit Verdot, 8 Malbec and 5 Cab Sauvignon.