Divisadero and Grove Farmer's Market in San Francisco

Mikey and I visited the new farmer's market in NOPA on Grove at Divisadero. There were about 10 food stands and a lot of variety. We bought the basics: potatoes, onions, strawberries, peaches, blueberries, and a mystery leafy green. The strawberries were the best that I can ever remember tasting. I loved the booth with all the Asian cooking greens. I received a lot of cooking tips from the man running the booth and bought a leafy green that I've never cooked with before (a.k.a mystery leafy green).

The market had a neighborhood feel to it. It was small but the whole block was closed to traffic. Kids rode their bikes and ran around while friends stopped to chat in the middle of the street. It felt almost like a neighborhood block party but without the jumpy castle.

And, the fruits and vegetables were quite simply put, delicious. What a luxury to be able to walk to a farmer's market. Mikey loved all the samples. And all the dogs in turn loved Mikey. The market was packed with the young and old. The whole place pulsated with joy and good food.

New York Times Reports on San Francisco Farmer's Markets

We are so lucky to live in a city close to farmlands. Farmer's markets are plentiful. $3 for a basket of strawberries is cheaper than the grocery store and there are many other deals to be had at markets. If I go at the end of the day, the farmers cut prices because they don't want to take the produce home. Even if I buy only a few items, I am better off eating produce directly from the source. It's a nice feeling to talk to the person who grew my food. At first, it feels a little awkward. I am so use to talking to sales people. I feel guilty or maybe it's gratitude that someone else is doing all the hard work to bring this amazing food so conveniently close to my home in a big city. Thank God we still have this choice. Spring is a great time to hit up the Farmer's Markets, there is amazing food in season right now. If you aren't familiar with the different markets in San Francisco check out this New York Times article. I hear that the Alemany market has the best prices.

Where to buy locally grown food in San Francisco?

A mom from the Golden Gate Mother's group just posted an excellent summary on the Yahoo! Groups list with all the places to buy local food in the San Francisco area. Here's the summary:

PRODUCE

1. CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) a weekly/bi-weekly/monthly delivery service of fresh produce that goes directly from the farmer to you.
2. Eatwell Farms (also delivers eggs) http://www.eatwell.com/
3. Two Small Farms http://www.twosmallfarms.com/
4. Capay Farms http://www.farmfreshtoyou.com
5. Terra Firma http://www.terrafirmafarms.com
6. Mariquita Farms http://www.mariquita.com/
7. Eating with the Seasons http://www.eatwiththeseasons.com/
8. Organic Express (I tried this service and didn't like it.) http://www.organicexpress.com
9. Planet Organics http://www.planetorganics.com


MEAT

1. Marin Sun Farms (beef, pork, chicken, lamb) http://marinsunfarms.com/
2. Clark Summit Farm (pork, beef and chicken)
3. Prather Ranch (beef, pork, lamb, chicken) http://www.prmeatco.com
4. Rosie and Rocky Chicken http://www.petalumapoultry.com/
5. Drewes Brothers Meats (1706 Church) http://www.drewesbros.com
6. Guerra Meats (490 Taraval) http://guerrameats.com
7. Morris Grassfed Beef http://www.morrisgrassfed.com
8. Chileno Valley Ranch http://www.chilenobeef.com
9. Avedano's (235 Cortland ) http://www.avedanos.com/


DAIRY

1. Strauss Family Creamery (milk, yogurt, butter, ice cream) http://www.strausfamilycreamery.com
2. Cowgirl Creamery (cheese) http://www.cowgirlcreamery.com/
3. Point Reyes Cheese http://www.pointreyescheese.com
4. Clover-Stornetta http://www.cloverstornetta.com
5. Claravale Farm (raw milk) http://www.claravalefarm.com
6. Organic Pastures (Raw milk, butter, cheese) http://organicpastures.com
7. St Benoit Yogurt http://www.stbenoit.com/
8. Achadinha (goat cheese) http://www.achadinha.com/
9. Andante Dairy (cheese) http://www.andantedairy.com


FARMER'S MARKETS

1. Ferry Building Market http://www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com/
2. Ferry Plaza Farmer's Market (Tues and Sat) http://www.cuesa.org/markets/
3. Alemany Farmer's Market (Saturdays)
4. Fillmore Farmer's Market (Sat) http://pcfma.com/marketdetail.php?market_id=13
5. Noe Valley Farmer's Market (Sat)http://noevalleyfarmersmarket.com/


MARKETS

1. Bi-Rite ( 3639 18 th St ) http://www.biritemarket.com
2. Rainbow (1745 Fulton ) http://www.rainbowgrocery.org
3. Andronico's (1200 Irving Street) http://www.andronicos.com
4. Whole Foods


WEBSITES

1. Center for Urban Education About Sustainable Agriculture. Includes
list of farmers markets, farmers, etc. http://www.cuesa.org
2. SF Gate article about buying meat directly from the ranch
3. California directory of grass fed foods
4. Info on eating food grown or harvested locally http://www.locavores.com
5. Deconstructing Dinner podcast http://www.cjly.net/deconstructingdinner/about.htm
6. Living a greener lifestyle in SF (by a GGMG mom) http://www.urbancrunchymama.com
7. Local blog regarding sustainable, organic, local food http://www.ethicurean.com
8. Chow Hound discussion of local CSAs
9. Local Slow Food organization http://www.slowfoodsanfrancisco.com