Grand Central Market, a historic food lovers’ paradise, had lines wrapping around the block on Friday morning. But the crowds weren’t just there for Eggslut’s legendary coddled eggs.

The market celebrated its 100th anniversary with a public birthday party. Valerie Confections, a new addition in 2013, created a towering 100-layer cake for guests to sample, musicians serenaded crowds throughout the day and other vendors offered special treats such as, the retro chocolate egg cream created by McConnell’s Ice Cream. The United States Post Office handstamped envelopes with a special Grand Central Market logo to commemorate the occasion.

Grand Central Market has evolved over the past 100 years yet remains one of the city’s most recognized downtown dining destinations. Since opening in 1917, the market has been home to green grocers, flower shops, butchers and dry good vendors. The market currently has 39 vendors and restaurants selling everything from falafel to L.A brewed beer and currywurst.

The market’s evolution began in 1982 when Ira Yellin purchased the property along with the Million Dollar Theater and Bradbury Building. In the past 5 years, the market has added more than 20 new vendors, many of whom displaced established vendors.

The newest addition to the market is PBJ.LA, which opened in August. As the name implies, they specialize in grownup peanut butter and jelly sandwiches like, the espresso-laced Red Eye and the curry flavored Indian sandwich. They’re also a nod to the peanut seller who had a spot when the market first opened a century ago.

These trendier additions sit side-by-side with the established vendors such as, China Cafe, Sarita’s Pupuseria and Torres Produce. This eclectic combination of vendors is one of the market’s biggest draws, said Brad Greenberg, chef and co-founder of PBJ.LA.

For more information and a list of upcoming events visit: http://www.grandcentralmarket.com