I have been taking a bit of a break here in sunny southern California.  Yesterday, I visited Santa Monica's weekly farmers market. A year-round growing season means a year-round famers market.

As I walked among the booths, I wanted to cry.  So much gorgeous produce at such good prices — and I am in a hotel and can't cook it.  The fruits and vegetables are gorgeous.  You can also get herbs, flowers, mushrooms, honey, eggs, shellfish, and even some meat.  There are minimally processed things such as beewswax candles, tisanes, juices, breads, and dried fruits and nuts.

All the farmers are knowledgeable about their products and can offer advice about storage and preparation.  Some will even give you recipes.

One of my favorite things about this farmers market is that it sells high-end, fancy produce at reasonable prices.  There were gorgeous fingerling potatoes for $2.50 a pound.  Guacamole ready avocados for 75 cents each.  I bought multi-colored carrots (orange, white, tellow, and purple) for $1.50 a pound. 

I used to live just 3 blocks from this market.  When I lived here, I didn't really cook.  Now I regret having wasted my access to this glorious bounty.

We're still a good month or so away from farmers markets in the Northeast, but none I know is as outstanding as this one.