Gluten Freebird

I’m mostly glad to live in a city with monuments and seasons and Gluten-Freebird brownies (Thanks Buzz!), but I have to admit that sometimes L.A. is better.

I just got back from a visit that included a bunless Dodger Dog and plenty of sun. I’m still full.

The scenery is overwhelming. Take the Santa Monica Farmers Market, for example. The tents line Arizona for blocks. Just beyond the trees in the distance is the Pacific. The Pacific! Produce seems much fresher against an ocean backdrop.

The market sells grapefruits, Pixie tangerines, Meyer lemons, dates, and avocados all grown locally. It’s only when holding a Safeway grapefruit next to a real one that I realize just what I’m missing (Aroma! Flavor!). Although maybe this ongoing heat wave will make D.C. citrus a possibility….

Also, get a load of these gorgeous Ranier cherries.

The market sells raw milk from a dairy called Organic Pastures (near Fresno). They sell milk, butter, colostrum, and chocolate milk. It tastes like fresh grass.

Also, L.A. has a big leg up on D.C. with the Mexican food. I got my Mex fix at Lares in Santa Monica where I had a cheese enchiladas with a shredded beef taco and ample guac.