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16th September 2006

Menlo Park Farmer's Market

posted by Cucina Testa Rossa | posted in food and drink |


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/

This entry was posted by Cucina Testa Rossa on Saturday, September 16th, 2006 at 9:04 am and is filed under food and drink. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

There are currently 5 responses to “Menlo Park Farmer's Market”

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  1. 1 On September 16th, 2006, Anita said:

    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!"

  2. 2 On September 17th, 2006, cucina testa rossa said:

    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

  3. 3 On September 18th, 2006, wendygee said:

    great pix! the colors are amazing…feel like I got an authentic visual tour.

  4. 4 On September 19th, 2006, cucina testa rossa said:

    thanks wendy! the peppers were so gorgeous i wanted to bite into one.

  5. 5 On October 5th, 2006, shuna fish lydon said:

    my god girl but you have outdone yourself on those photos!!

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