This morning I went to Cannard Farm, the main farm that Chez Panisse sources its produce from. It was gorgeous, with light rain and fog over the mountains, bringing sharp contrast to the beautiful wildflowers they let — and encourage — to grow. The special thing about this farm is they are more concerned with growing nutrient-rich soil than with cranking out tons of output. They let all the “weeds” grow, which supply the soil, and therefore the veggies, with more nutrients. There were beautiful little beets poking out from underneath a clover cover crop; because these other plants are left to grow, they don’t have to add as much compost as other organic farms. And the birds were loving it.

I love all the contrast here. I had a life-changing burger at Zuni yesterday; explored Haight-Ashbury, soaked up some live music, strange people watching, and eclectic vintage shops; then an amazingly flavorful dinner at Bar Tartine in The Mission. So fun to be able to see different parts of the city one day, and have a peaceful, sleepy morning at a farm the next. I’ve also been loving Bartavelle Cafe — that’s where the gorgeous avocado toast and pickled veggies are from, photographed above. Wish I could take that little cafe home with me.

Tomorrow marks my final week of interning at Chez Panisse. I’ve been here over two months now…what a winter! (“Winter.”)

bartavelle cafe bay area berkeley cannard farm chez panisse east bay haight-ashbury napa