Farmer and the Cook, Ojai CA

Recently I took a little road trip to meet with my sprout grower. While in the area I decided to find a health food store I had known of in the past. Luckily with a little bit of driving and I came upon it. The Farmer & The Cook is a great resource when off the beaten path. While there I discovered there was more than a store! They have a modest restaurant and includes Raw Cuisine in their menu (they offer a weekend menu as well). Not only do they offer a menu, but they grow their food. Not only do they grow their food for the restaurant and store, they operate a CSA with about 40 clients. Please consider supporting if in the area or traveling through. Now I am not going to pull your leg they are not a Michlin 5 Star gourmet dining establishment. If you are into Farm to table you will find the food fresh, down-home with a laid back atmosphere. I had the Raw Taco and it was enjoyable and allow me a restaurant choice un-cooked!

The Farmer and the Cook

MARKET HOURS: MON - SAT 8 - 8 & SUN 9 - 8

MEXICAN CAFE 11:00 MON - SAT

FARM CAFE: FRI, SAT & SUN 5:00 pm

FOR RESERVATIONS CALL 805-640-9608

BREAKFAST SAT 8-12:00 & SUN 9 AM - 2:00

LOCATION: 339 W. EL ROBLAR MEINERS OAKS CALIFORNIA

DIRECTIONS: TAKE HIGHWAY 33 TO OJAI, TURN LEFT STAYING

ON HIGHWAY 33 AT OJAI AVENUE (AT THE VONS) ,

TURN LEFT ON EL ROBLAR & WE ARE 6 BLOCKS DOWN ON THE LEFT.

Tom Shepherds CSA

I recently visited Tom Sheperd's Farm in Carpinteria, CA. He explained his Organic philosophy and how although he is not certified organic, he goes beyond the requirements of certification, which is a growing trend of many small farms that are out to do the right thing. But how Can one be certain that Tom and his employee's adhere to self imposed standards? I think the answer is form relations with your farmer talk to him, he is very accessible has been organically farming for thirty years and dedicated to providing clean wholesome food. Discover the work his farm does in the area. I feel very confident that Tom is outstanding in his work. He sells to a lot of the local restaurants including to local schools that are starting healthy lunch initiatives. Tom has a new stone fruit orchard project coming online in the Santa Ynez area at Sedgwick Ranch. Another confidence booster in his work is his work with Sedgwick Ranch which is part a project with UCSB and Santa Barbara Land Trust. He also sells at many of the local Farmers Markets.

If you are local to the area consider joining his Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) share and receive fresh seasonal produce throughout the year. You can also buy directly at his farm which has been set up nearto a green house with an incredible bountiful view of the valley. In walking his land I sampled a strawberry fresh from the field and it was mighty good!