Earth Bistro.

Real food from real people. At last! Restaurants can use the words, "natural", "healthy", "real cheese", "pure" and "Organic" (even though they only have one Organic item on their menu). These words are not regulated, so false and misleading marketing seems to be the "rule", and honesty the "exception".

SEASONED SKIN-ON FRIES THAT ARE OVEN-BAKEDEarth Bistro, uses some of the very same words. The difference? These words accurately describe their food! They also legitimately use other words to describe their food such as, "vegan", "gluten free", "grass fed", "hormone free", "free range", "fresh", "seasonal", "local", "homemade", made from scratch", and "pure".

PERSONAL SIZE VEGAN PIZZATheir location used to house the vegan-friendly Pizza Fusion from the same owners, who are actually vegan themselves. They changed up the menu a bit and added build-your-own burgers, pizzas and oven fries. The menu is omni but clearly contains lots of vegan options, as well as many gluten free options. They use organic ingredients as much as possible and do their best to source local produce.

VEGGIE BURGER WITH GLUTTEN-FREE BUNYou most likely will not find the following choices on the menu at your local Pizza chain restaurant: Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms, Organic Soup (made from scratch), Pear and Feta Salad (with candied walnuts), Grilled Veggie Sandwich, Portabello Sandwich (with fresh Mozzarella and Pesto), and a Spinach and Artichoke Pizza. You definitely won't find Organic and gluten-free crusts on their pizzas.

We have been purchasing Certified Organic aquaponic basil from De Luz Farms & Nursery for several years now. We are amazed at how fresh it stays for the week, and how well it maintains its flavor. We use only what is needed for each order and have almost no waste. It is kept out in the kitchen on a shelf and we add water to the container every couple of days as needed to keep it fresh. Our customers like the fact that we have local Certified Organic basil available for them as well. ~ Nima and Carrie Noorzad

Earth Bistro is a family run restaurant that is operated with honesty and integrity. We are happy to have them as a customer, and to supply them (and their customers) with our 100% Certified Organic Basil that is Aquaponically grown. You can now order online by visiting their website. Also, why not stop in for a bite to eat on your next trip to Trader Joe's? Better yet, plan your trip to Trader Joe's around your meal at Earth Bistro. You'll be glad you did!

Meños Farm.

Meños Farm, located in Riverside, California is owned by Manuel Meños. From his three acre farm, he is able to  bring a diverse food crop to the local farmers markets (depending on the time of year): Albion Strawberries, Broccoli, Celery, Red Cabbage, Maui Onions, Carrots, Beets, Turnips, Parsley, Kale, Rainbow Chard, Snap Peas, Scallions, Arugula, Romaine, and Red Leaf Lettuces.

We have been using plug transplants from De Luz Farms & Nursery for several years now. We find they are high quality and have transplanted well in the fields. Because we are Certified Organic, we needed to find a reliable grower of Certified Organic transplants, as they are the only ones allowed to be used on our farm. Thanks! ~ Manuel Meños

Hylseeds, Inc.

Hylseeds, Inc. is a member of the Farmer’s Bureau. Owners George and Cora Hylkema grow a wide variety of crops at their Fallbrook valley farm.

“We sell plants, organic produce, squash and heirloom beans and tomatoes,” says George. “Heirloom means they are not hybrids and have an old fashioned taste and are full of flavor.”  Both George and Cora feel there are many challenges to operating a farm, such as always trying to find help (their sons have moved away) and water, but he thoroughly enjoys farming and meeting the public.

Although we grow many of our own transplants for our field production, we always purchase all of our lettuce transplants from De Luz Farms & Nursery. They are excellent quality and have always produced well. As a Certified Organic grower we are glad to have them nearby. Certified Organic transplants at reasonable prices are difficult to find. ~ George and Cora Hylkema

George and Cora met in Holland and eventually moved to California. George is a third generation grower whose family history as growers spans 100 years. We are happy to have them as customers, and wish them the best.

Moonrise Farms.

On a mere 2.5 acres in La Cresta, California, Martha and Bill Brady grow an amazing abundance of heirloom vegetables. These jewels of the farmers' market are not just Certified Organic, but biodynamic.

Photo and article by Emily Hartop. Click to enlarge.Martha is a Certified Nurseryman, teaches composting for the State of California, and has a degree in Agribusiness. Suffice it to say, she's a knowledgeable lady that produces great produce! Martha can tell you whatever you need to know about anything she grows. If you think those Rouge Vif (French for "red pumpkin") pumpkins are gorgeous but have no idea what to do with one, Martha can tell you. The Bradys have a passion for feeding people and supporting the local community.

"Over the past five years De Luz Farms & Nursery has helped cut our labor cost, seed waste (due to lack of germination), and plant failures, by providing high quality Certified Organic transplants (plug trays) for our Organic Farm. Moonrise Farm can enthusiastically recommend them for all your transplant needs. We wish you success." ~Bill and Martha Brady

Next Saturday stop by the Temecula farmers' market and see Martha and Bill. Besides the gorgeous squashes, they have an abundance of other crops. Coming soon, they'll have many different varieties of heirloom lettuces, broccoli, cauliflower, beets (including the golden variety), carrots, onions, and herbs.