In a city where we have one of the world's renowned farmers' markets, it is easy to overlook neighborhood markets. But the truth is that often we don't have the time or the will to elbow through the crowds at the Ferry Building. On the weeks when you'd like to avoid the weekend farmers' market crush, or you'd simply like some drama-free shopping at markets that will provide you with many of your necessities, consider one of the Bay Area's neighborhood markets.

Whenever I attend the North Berkeley Farmers' Market, it is a happy experience. Part of this has to do with the fact that if I can get to this market, I am having a pretty manageable work day, but also this is generally a very calm, relaxing market. You can find the market in one row in front of the Longs' Drugstore at the North end of Shattuck street, about a block from Chez Panisse and Gourmet Ghetto (I have always thought that the fruits and veggies at this market are a little more dressed up because of the possibility that Alice may come by). The market is divided by a small green strip that adds to the community aspect of the market -- people gather and snack, kids run around, and massages are offered.

This market is referred to as "all organic" -- all of the vendors at this market are either certified organic or hold to organic pratices. This is not much different than the other Berkeley markets, which are about 80% certified organic, but it's interesting to note.

You could easily do all of your week's shopping at this market. With the exception of cheese, all major food products are covered: vegetables, fruits, meats, eggs, tofu products, and breads.

You can visit the North Berkeley Farmers' Market on Thursdays from 3 pm to 7 pm. It is located at Shattuck Avenue @ Rose Street in Berkeley. You can park in the neighborhoods near the market. This is a year round, rain or shine market.

Happy Boy Farms (Freedom). Greens, corn, melon, tomatoes.
Hudson Fish Company (Berkeley). Fish.
Highland Hills Farm (Vallejo). Grass-finished beef, lamb, eggs, pork.
Kashiwase Farm (Winton). Stone fruit.
Catalan Farm (Hollister). Veggies, tomatoes, squash, herbs, strawberries.
Quetzal Farm (Santa Rosa). Veggies, peppers, flowers.
Bernie's Best (Yorkville). Apple cider.
Flying Disc Ranch (Thermal). Dates.
Blue Heron Farm (Corralitos). Flowers, vegetables.
Vital Vittles (Berkeley). Bread.
Morell's Bread (Sausalito).
Hodo Soy Beanery (Bay Area). Tofu products.
Phoenix Pastificio (Berkeley). Pasta, bread, cookies.
October Feast (Larkspur). Bread.
Flaco's (Berkeley). Prepared vegan Mexican food.
Tip Top Produce (Vacaville). Vegetables.
Lucero Organic (Lodi). Strawberries, tomatoes, squash.
Frog Hollow Farm (Brentwood). Stone fruit, jams, popsicles, pastries.
Riverdog Farm (Yolo County). Vegetables, fruit.
Organic Tummies (San Rafael). Homemade baby food.