LEONARDO'S PRODUCE

'That's Amazing!" would be Huell Howsers proclamation. We have discovered some true 'California's Gold'. We are talking about Leonardo's Produce stand. Leo's is located on a scenic country road near San Pablo Dam Reservoir.. It only takes minutes to leave the hustle and bustle of our city life to travel this beautiful country route. You may have to dodge the many cyclists because they have discovered this popular road. As some of you know we are farmers market junkies and I even manage a market several times a month. You would think we would have our fill with the many markets in the Bay Area. Leo's produce is a destination market that we love.

Leonardo's produce is a family run farm and stand. They are only open on the weekends. During the week Leo tends his crops to get ready for the weekend. You will meet his beautiful wife and energetic son. Leo's son will help you pick the perfectly ripe melon and freshest tomato's.. The produce does not get any fresher. In fact if it is not on the shelf you can walk a couple of steps and pick it yourself. If Leo does not grow the vegetables or fruit he supplements his stock with produce form another local farm.

The produce prices are more than reasonable. You can stock your pantry with fruits and vegetables for a song compared to downtown farmers markets. They not only sell produce but local honeys and olive oils. Johnson Farm is located next door with fresh Berkshire pork and eggs. (more on Johnson Farm later). Fresh bread and some of the best tasting fresh salsa is available. This is a one-stop shop.

Leonardo's is a family run farm and stand that is a destination that we are proud to share with you. It is refreshing to find  fresh produce at such reasonable prices. It does not get any closer to the farm than this. In the words of the late Huell Howser: This is California Gold."

Leonardo's Produce
120 Hampton Rd.
Briones, Ca.

GARDEN GIRL FARM

Landscaper, urban farmer, Cassie and Scott are two city dwellers raising chickens, rabbits, ducks and turkeys on a wonderful urban farm. Their farm is located on a hillside tract near the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. The hillside has been carved into beautifully planted terraces. Every plant you could ever imagine is growing somewhere. Vegetables and flowers organically grown and fertilized from the manure produced by their animals make for healthy and vibrant flora. I was lucky enough to pay them a visit and see their urban farm.

Cassie is a vibrant, spunky fireball of energy. She needs to be to feed her brood of animals. Scott is laid back and likes to barbeque. We bonded instantly. We walked around the garden and I was amazed at the sheer number of different plants. You had to be careful because chickens were running around freely. There was also this large tom turkey that was kind of curious and kept his eye on me. This turkey would actually come when called. Could you imagine taking your turkey on a walk?

My original purpose of this visit was to purchase some eggs and manure. They had multi colored chicken eggs and some rather large duck eggs. Some of these eggs are fertile and will incubate and hatch. Cassie is holding some baby turkeys in the image. I loaded up the truck with eggs, manure and a couple of plants. Cassie could not talk me into taking home a rabbit. What would Ms. Goofy say if that had happened?

It was a wonderful visit to an urban farm. Cassie and Scott have created a beautiful garden oasis on a once neglected slope. You can read about their adventures on her website Garden Girl Farm. If you are in the East Bay you can purchase food and animals by giving them a call. I am going to cooks some eggs.

Garden Girl Farm