#thisbarsaveslives

Written and photographed by Maral Tavitian 

On a recent visit to the Santa Monica Farmers’ Market, the stalls brimmed with fragrant Meyer lemons, plump figs, and ripe stone fruits. To make the best of Southern California’s bounty of stunning local produce, do as little to it as possible. Many quintessential summer dishes– think heirloom tomato and basil salad, dressed simply with good olive oil and flaky sea salt– require no recipe at all.

We have compiled a list of some our favorite vendors to help you navigate the market with ease, along with preparation recommendations for your upcoming beachside picnic or barbecue in the park.

Harry’s Berries

The sweet aroma of peak-season strawberries from Harry’s Berries permeates the entire market. While the ruby red gems rarely last longer than a day in the fridge, for a special dessert, consider drizzling sliced berries with cold cream and maple syrup.

Tutti Frutti Farms

Tutti Frutti is renowned for its gorgeous heirloom tomatoes of myriad shapes and colors. You’ll find lesser-known varieties such as Golden Jubilee and Black Crimson, each with a distinctive flavor and appearance. While the tomatoes are best enjoyed raw with sea salt, when lightly sautéed with olive oil, garlic, and parsley, they make a fantastic pasta sauce.  

Weiser Family Farms

Weiser Farms will change your perspective of the humble tuber. The tiny fingerling potatoes become succulent when slow-roasted with plenty of fresh herbs, olive oil, and sea salt. Or boiled, tender purple potatoes are a welcome addition to a seafood bake.

Drake Family Farms

This family-run operation offers a wide array of goat’s milk cheeses. For those willing to venture from the classic chevre, the floral apricot and honey flavor makes a fabulous crostini.

Fat Uncle Farms

Fat Uncle offers a fantastic selection of flavored almonds and almond-based products. The crunchy roasted and salted almond butter is excellent when slathered on toast, but perhaps even better straight out of the jar.

Kenter Canyon Farms

This local wheat grower offers breads made using its freshly milled whole grain flours. The loaves range in color and intensity, from the chewy, subtly sweet country loaf to the dense, super dark rye.

Of course, our life-saving bag makes a fashionable and practical farmers’ market accessory. 

Links We Love is a roundup of some of our favorite findings from around the Web.

1. 25 Greek yogurt recipes for every meal.

2. Salad for President features colorful and creative salad ideas. We are partial to this kale number with quick-pickled cauliflower and avocado.

3. Thousands of balloons will float above the streets of Águeda, Portugal for this public art installation in July.

4. A New York Times technology writer compares the merits of fitness apps and personal trainers.

5. Living in a Shoebox provides chic interior design inspiration and tips for maximizing small spaces. Can you believe this apartment is only 323 square feet?

Written and photographed by Maral Tavitian 

Welcome to Coffee Talk, an ongoing profile series on the independent coffee shops that sell our bars nationwide.

Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea buzzed with activity on a recent summer afternoon in Venice, CA. Jazz music hummed from the speakers, the espresso machine whirred as baristas steamed milk for cappuccinos, and friends conversed on the staircase outside the entry.

Even as Intelligentsia has grown into an internationally recognized brand, each café has maintained a distinctive character. Located on Abbot Kinney Boulevard, the Venice location offers open seating and an expansive, light-filled ambience. Intelligentsia’s main draw, however, remains its exceptional selection of carefully sourced coffees and teas. The company purchases coffee directly from farmers in growing regions around the world, and prides itself on awarding producers above fair trade prices. 

I chatted with Christopher Chavez, the store’s shift lead, about the importance of quality and customer service, the highlights of his job, and what makes Intelligentsia a great partner for This Bar Saves Lives.