FARMERS' MARKET REPORT: WEEK OF MAY 3, 2009

May 1, 2009 0 Comments

MOTHER NATURE: She has a way of reminding us who really is in charge.  Amid the conversations I have been having with the farmers this week, I got the clear impression that we are at Nature’s mercy.  Crops fail, field’s lose fertility, the heat forces herbs to flower and lettuces to get a sunburn.  While …

FARMERS MARKET REPORT: WEEK OF APRIL 25TH

April 24, 2009 3 Comments

AGRICULTURAL ECONOMY Farming is at the root of American cultural development and at its truest is a spiritual discipline and a significant provider of both rural and urban communities.  The farmers that provide us with the goods from their land exemplify just that.  For several decades our country emphasized big agribusiness which de-emphasized community and …

Gold Medallion Awards 2009 San Diego

April 23, 2009 0 Comments

Tuesday April 21st, 2009 I had the pleasure of attending the 25th Annual Gold Medallion Awards hosted by the San Diego County Chapter of the California Restaurant Association. It was held at the brand new Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel in downtown San Diego. I spent the first hour trying to cool down from the …

FARMERS MARKET REPORT: WEEK OF APRIL 19th

April 20, 2009 0 Comments

“Did you see any movie stars?!” This was the most popular question asked of me upon my return from the Santa Monica Farmers Market on Wednesday.  I replied with “No.  I was looking for produce.”  After touring the market, dozens of farmers and over 200 pictures later, I was dizzy with excitement and marvel over …

FARMERS MARKET REPORT: WEEK OF APRIL 12TH

April 13, 2009 0 Comments

My First Official Farmers Market Report!! As a chef and a true food lover I get really giddy as spring sprouts beautiful nourishment from the earth. All across the state seeds have been sewn and the early birth of spring produce is being harvested. Strawberries are abound in many varieties: eat-from-the-basket fresh to perfect for …

Garnish lightsaber

April 1, 2009 0 Comments

Happy April Fool’s Day!! We’re sending this to the Hash House….

Current and Past Presidents Dinner for Mamas Kitchen

April 1, 2009 0 Comments

Dining Details held a fundraiser on March 24th, 20009.  We helped them a little bit by donating some produce, but I’ll have to say they did all the work… and made $29,000 for Mama’s Kitchen. At Mama’s Kitchen we believe that every person is entitled to the basic necessity of life – nutritious food. As …

Food Safety Alert – Pistachio Nuts

March 31, 2009 0 Comments

Specialty Produce is reacting to the recent alert from the FDA regarding concerns over salmonella contamination of Pistachio Nuts. Last updated 3/31/09 at 4:30pm. Click here for what we are doing about it… Click here for the FDA advisory notice.

Farmers' Market Report – Week of April 1st

March 31, 2009 0 Comments

Happy Monday! How did everyone like their Fava’s? Amanda (our microgreen queen and your FM packer) made the mistake of eating one without removing the 2nd shell!! Ha ha, priceless! But yes, under that waxy shell, they are super sweet and fresh; not ONE BIT mealy. McGrath Farms and Coastal has more this week, supplies …

Farmers' Market Report – Week of March 25th 2009

March 23, 2009 0 Comments

Good afternoon, everyone! NEWSFLASH: Fava Beans are in, from both Coastal Farms and McGrath Farm!! Supplies are a little limited to start, but will do our best to fill all orders! All of the unique lettuces from Coleman and McGrath are still going very strong. Jerry’s Berries, a funny spinoff from the famous “Harry’s Berries”, …