Grand Lake Farmers Market

I am so lucky to have the Grand Lake Farmers Market in my backyard. It is open Saturdays year-round from 9am-2pm -- only the craziest torrential rain will shut it down. Locals and folks from the extended hood enjoy an assortment of the freshest and most reasonably priced produce, most of which is organic. And it just feels good to have a direct connection to the farmers and good producers of the products you are consuming. Going to the farmers market regularly also has made me more concious of what fruits and veggies are in season locally. There is also an awesome prepared food area where you can grab lunch or get some great baked goods. And as the weather gets warmer and sunnier, the selection of vendors increases and branches out to include jewelry, soaps, apparel, and other gift sellers. Some of my favorites vendors include: --Both awesome avocado stands (have never had better avocados than either of these) --October Feast Breads (Bavarian style whole grain goodness and pretzel croissants) --Delicieux Bakery (strawberry rhubarb tart, pecan squares, and lemon meringues and more to make you quiver in your boots) --Big Paw (olive oils and vinegars -- mission fig balsamic rocks my world) --the cheese (she got me hooked on lemon quark -- so yummy with strawberries and then they brought vanilla bean quark into the mix as well -- totally tastes like heaven) --Prather Ranch (organic and sustainably farmed lamb, beef, and buffalo -- the boneless leg of lamb steaks are perfect for the barbecue) --Rodriguez Family Farm (I love their organic strawberries) --the egg tent (best eggs and best prices around) This farmers market is one of the many reasons that I love Oakland.