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'Bay Area Bites' is part of KQED's Blog Authors Collaborative. Blog contributors and commentators are solely responsible for their content. If you're interested in writing or contributing to a blog on kqed.org, email us with your idea.
'Bay Area Bites' is part of KQED's Blog Authors Collaborative. Blog contributors and commentators are solely responsible for their content. If you're interested in writing or contributing to a blog on kqed.org, email us with your idea.
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Menlo Park Farmer's Market
Peppers from Happy Quail Farms
Much is written about the San Francisco Farmer's Market but nary a word about the humble little Menlo Park Farmer's Market. Held every Sunday in the parking lots between Santa Cruz Avenue and Menlo Avenue, this little market has grown in the past fifteen years from just a few stands with kettle corn, pomegranate juice and a smattering of produce to a vibrant, active organic market complete with political campaigning, 20 foot high buffaloes and protesting grannies.
The first booth I stopped at was Happy Quail Farms located just over 101 in East Palo Alto. All their produce is organic, naturally grown right there.
Kate from Happy Quail Farms
Little Gems - squash from South Africa
Zapallitos - Argentinian summer squash
The next stand was Heirloom Organics with a stand so gorgeous, I thought for a moment that I was back in Provence. Grant Brians leads this Hollister farm with 90 percent heirloom variety vegetables.
Not to be forgotten is Ella Bella Farms and their gorgeous heirloom tomatoes. Ella bella is a small organic family farm in Corralitos (south of Santa Cruz) run by Brandon and Michelle Ross specializing in a variety of organic berries and specialty tomatoes.
I'm not sure if having sharp knives next to the political tables is such a good idea but so far no incidents.
Other prolific produce...
Everything you ever wanted to know about buffaloes...
And the most heartwarming sight of the day - Grannies for Peace!
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Happy Quail Farms
804 Greenn St, East Palo Alto 94303
650-325-0823
info@happyquailfarms.com
http://www.happyquailfarms.com/
Heirloom Organics
Grant Brians, Hollister
831-637-8497
web site
Ella Bella Farms
Brandon and Michelle Ross
Corralitos, California
http://ellabellafarm.com/
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5 Comments:
It's been 10 years since I lived in Menlo, but I still remember this great little gem of a market. My husband and I still talk about "the corn lady" -- a farmer (who I hope is still there!) who exorted her customers: "Don't cook my corn! Just heeeat it, and eeeat it!"
9/16/2006 10:50 PM
Hi Anita - That's a perfect way to describe it, it is a little gem. I don't recall seeing "the corn lady" but the next time I am back, I will definitely make a point to seek her out. L
9/17/2006 6:58 AM
great pix! the colors are amazing...feel like I got an authentic visual tour.
9/18/2006 4:41 PM
thanks wendy! the peppers were so gorgeous i wanted to bite into one.
9/19/2006 12:28 AM
my god girl but you have outdone yourself on those photos!!
10/05/2006 8:31 AM
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