When summer begins to wane and the autumn leaves begin their transition, the tables at the farmers markets explode with color. Whether it is San Diego or Detroit, the September harvest is a magnificent time to be in our local farmers markets which have become our community centers, weekend playgrounds and the instigators of culinary… Continue reading Peak of the Harvest San Diego Market Tour
The celebrated markets of the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles County often overshadow the incredible, yet unsung, farmers markets of San Diego. There are fifty markets in San Diego supported by more certified organic farmers than any other county in America, over 320. At least one market is open every day of the week, supporting… Continue reading May Markets Shine
Lamb’s quarters is one of those pesky plants farmers have been trying to eradicate since the beginning of industrial farming. Probably used as a potted plant in the Victorian era, the edible plant commonly sprints in sidewalks and gardens. It was only a few years ago that I started seeing it sold at farmers markets.… Continue reading Farmers Market Indian Lunch
One of my favorite amaranth varieties is red orach, also known as garden orach, French spinach and mountain spinach. Red orach was first documented in the New World in 1714 and Thomas Jefferson grew a green variety in his Monticello gardens. It was discovered as far back as Mesolithic times and was commonly grown in… Continue reading A Recipe For Red Orach
~P.B. Shelley Seasonal cycles have ruled humanity since the beginning of time. No matter how hard we try to control them, inevitably everyone must succumb to the laws of nature. Farmers markets, by definition, work with the earthly cycles of growth and regeneration. When shopping at them, we become partners with the land, locally and… Continue reading If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?
After selling Inn Season Cafe in 2002, Sara and I began to restore homes. Our passion was to breath life back into homes built in the 1920s with Arts and Crafts influences and handcrafted before the age of drywall and engineered trusses. We appreciated styles such as Tudor Revival, Cotswold, Spanish Revival and Craftsman for… Continue reading Living Patio Potager
In 1981, I visited a 300 acre organic farm in Southern Michigan which housed the Creative Health Institute. It was there that I was exposed to the early years of Live Foods as directed by the late matriarch of the movement, Ann Wigmore. The farm grew the grains which became the sprouts in the food;… Continue reading Raw Food – Living Markets
Friday at the Mission Hills Market My home is in Mission Hills, a gorgeous area of San Diego founded by early 20th Century visionaries in the Arts and Crafts tradition with charming historic homes, parks full of spectacular foliage and a strong community presence. I was thrilled when a farmers market sprang up in… Continue reading Summer Surfing at the Markets
Food and music have always been intertwined, both reflecting vibrations of life. Our quality of life, health and longevity are determined to a great extent by the food we choose as well as the music we listen to. I am reminded of this every time I enter the Hillcrest Farmers Market. Markets like this… Continue reading Sound Vibrations
Nicolina Alves talks about her family farm. Red walnuts (which I am addicted to) are only a portion of their high quality organic produce.