One of my very favorite places to visit in San Francisco is the Ferry Building. I had dreamt of going for so long, I had read about it and seen photos, friends had shared with me how fabulous it was. And when I finally went, I loved it as much as I had imagined I would~
The original building was completed in 1898 and served as the main point of commute to and from San Francisco until the Golden Gate and Bay bridges were built in the 1930s. In 2003 a four year renovation was completed on the historic building and it became a public market. It currently houses some incredible vendors of local, sustainable, seasonal products. I heard a number of times that the designers came to Seattle to see our own Pike’s Place Market for inspiration, but it is very different in many ways.
I spent time over two days talking to shop owners about their products and loved what I learned. I was thrilled to find such an amazing group of local artisans creating products right there in San Francisco and the surrounding area – and being so supported by the local population.
The Ferry Building also hosts TWO farmer’s markets a week – every Saturday and Tuesday. So, not only can you do your shopping on a daily basis, but twice a week local farmers and vendors offer even more products.
I had a couple of favorite vendors~
Boccalone, who’s slogan is “tasty salted pig parts” was amazing. The inside of their card reads: Artisan Salumi Hand Made in Small Batches with Pasture-Raised Heritage-Breed Pork. I brought some home and am happy to know that I can order more online as it went very quickly in our home… The boys loved the sausage!
Blue Bottle Coffee Co. Do you love fabulous coffee? I do and Blue Bottle is honestly the best I have had. It was amazing! Their simple drip is divine. They have quite a following which isn’t surprising. They vow to only serve coffee that has been roasted within the last 48 hours. Talk about fresh!
Cowgirl Creamery Really, what’s not to love? Cowgirls? Cheese? Started in 1997 by two women in a renovated barn in Pt. Reyes Station, CA using organic milk from a neighbor. Oh, how I love a good cheese!
Heath Ceramics We first heard about Heath while dining at Fish in Sausalito. They have an outlet there filled with incredible ceramics as well as linens, glassware, and other serving items. I ordered a number of things to be sent home and can’t wait for them to arrive. I loved their simple style which will fit so well here on the farm~
Mariposa This fabulous little bakery kiosk offers artisan-crafted gluten-free treats the likes of which I have rarely seen. From muffins to brownies, cookies, cakes, and cinnamon rolls. Absolutely divine!
Finally, regarding eating within a 100 mile radius. I first learned about this concept while in Italy a few years ago at one of my very favorite food places on the planet – Eataly. I LOVED the idea of only eating what was grown locally and supporting local farmers and artisans. However, for some of us, it is quite challenging. If you don’t live in a climate where you have some daily basics available, it makes it really difficult. One thing I love about Northern California is that not only do they have a marvelous climate in my opinion, but they also have things available that we don’t here. I’m referring to olive oil. While I could live without some things, olive oil is not one of them. I use it daily. Those lucky northern Californians!
~Thank you Stonehouse Olive Oil for teaching me about olive oil and letting me shoot your beautiful store! I am so envious of your olive oil!
