A Tale of Two Farms

I took today off to decompress some, and decided to visit The Farm on the outskirts of Salinas (on 68, fewer than 3 miles from the intersection of Blanco and Main, off the Spreckels exit).  I got there shortly after opening - they're open 10-6, Mon-Sat -- and the sun was pouring into the open, welcoming space.  In addition to seasonal organic produce (artichokes, asparagus, broccolini), they have a fairly large array of merchandise including books, cookbooks, children's items, soaps and lotions.  The space is very well-organized and, I have to say, downright peaceful.  It's probably less so on Tuesdays at 10:30, when they have a story and song time for children.  Kids seem to be very welcome; however, they'd appreciate if you didn't bring your pets.  You can also order one of their delicious pies (I think I put on 5 pounds when they were at the farmers market last fall) for Friday or Saturday pickup.  I tasted some of their delicious red butter lettuce - and it was like eating out of my dad's garden when I was a kid.  Delicious!

Later this summer, they're going to offer Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) for pickup.  For my readers who are unfamiliar with the term, it means you pay a fixed amount a week, like a subscription - but instead of getting the newspaper, you get a box of fresh vegetables every week.  If, like me, you're often cooking for only one or two people, you may want to share the box and cost with a friend.  It's a good way to commit yourself to eating more fresh, seasonal, and sustainable fruits and vegetables, however.

I then went out to Carmel Valley to visit the Earthbound Farm stand.  On the way, I stopped in at Bernardus and Talbott wineries - and guess what?  Talbott's River Road tasting room is finally open!  It'll be open Fridays-Sundays from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.  It's right by their Sleepy Hollow Vineyard, which is a beautiful spot.

On to Earthbound Farm.  They've been criticized by some of us sustainable foodie types for caving in and selling to the big chains.  For my part, I felt a bit like Meg Ryan's character at the end of "You've Got Mail," when she's cruising through the big, bad chain store (think Borders on steroids).  As she wanders the aisles, she's happy to see that people are still buying and reading books - that indeed, good things are going on in a place she's sure she should hate.  I'm still conflicted - organically farmed food is finally getting to the masses and proving it doesn't have to be overpriced or inaccessible.  Earthbound was full of people with their kids, picking up organic lunches to go.  But I think back to the uncomplicated peacefulness of The Farm. . .and I just don't know.  Maybe the two realities are meant to co-exist.  If you have a thought, please don't hesitate to share it.  Civilized dialogue is, after all, how we learn.  And until next time, I'll see you at the market!