Berkeley Farmers' Market

Berkeley is the land of farmers' markets. There are three held in the city each week at different locations. Saturday is the downtown market at Center Street. It's truly a feast for the eyes and a foodie's delight. However, it's not cheap so you may want to use that tried and true gambling addict's method and bring only as much money as you can afford to spend with you to avoid blowing your wad.

This sign greets you at the beginning of the block, along with a box of used plastic bags you can grab to help cut down on waste.

Much (if not most) of the produce at the market is certified organic. Below is a picture of the prettiest mesclun mix I've ever seen.

Thankfully, fall means apples on this coast, too. Tons of varieties from the local orchards.

Peppers come in all colors...

Grapes appeared at the market towards the end of the summer. I think the season may be ending soon but they're still delicious.

Gabriel Farms' adorable, handmade sign. Here's their web site - it's cute but they're having some code issues...

Dry-farmed organic Early Girl tomatoes. Either the Early Girls keep producing late or they're actually a second summer planting.

The Fatted Calf Charcuterie's charmingly packaged beef jerky. According to one of the guys who works at the stand, the NY Times declared it "the third best jerky in the U.S." At $30 a pop, it'd better be good... They've got a cute web site.

For those who like it hot!

For those who like it caffeinated (I just thought it was a cute sign.)