I like to cook. And even if I didn’t, there are so many places nearby to get almost anything that is fresh off the farm, you just might start leading a double life as a true disciple of the culinary arts. Or take a new interest in farming. It could go either way.

Farmers’ markets

Let’s start with the local farmers’ markets. First, there is the Sunday market in Atwater Village from 10:00 am- 2:00 pm. You can get there in 8 minutes from The Hudson (2.3 miles away). (link)

Don’t want to wait until Sunday to get those fresh veggies? Try the farmers market in downtown Glendale on Thursdays, 9:30 am- 1:30 pm…kind of weird hours, and on a work day. Anyway, here’s a tale that sums up this place, pretend you’re a fly on the wall and listen in…(link)

Sea stuff

As long as we are on the subject of weird, one of LA’s largest fresh fish markets is right in the middle of one of the local malls- straight down the escalator. Yep, we have a Seafood City in the Westfield Mall about 6 minutes away (1.6 miles). How this place ended up in a mall, I’ll never know, but they also have a great assortment of the most colorful, fresh vegetables. Make your momma proud and eat 'em up!

Moving on now to the quality packaged goods…

Trader Joes. The first one is about 5 minutes away ( 1.5 miles) on Glendale Ave. The second one is my pick because there are always less people and is located in Eagle Rock, is about 10 minutes away ( 3.1 miles).

Whole Foods. Lucky for us, this is one of their flagship stores, about 6 minutes away (1.6 miles). Smokehouse meats, sushi chefs, pizza makers, all practicing their craft all day long. This makes this a great place if you’re too tired or too lazy to cook.

Italian imports

Marios Italian Deli and Market. Our pride and joy for Italian foods, wine and condiments. Often voted best “this” and best “that” in LA. It’s easy to pretend you are shopping for food in a quaint market in Italy, and their sandwiches are amazing, About 5 minutes away! (1.4 miles) website

Not to drift back to the subject of weird, but one of the better places to buy farm fresh eggs is 7 minutes away (2 miles) at Virgil’s Hardware Store. I’m not even going to try to explain that one.

The usual suspects

I won’t go into the Albertsons, Vons and Ralphs, but all 3 are closer than any of the above mentioned. Seems like every corner in Glendale also has a mom and pop produce store, and for those 3 am Häagen - Dazs emergencies, we have the local 7-11 just down the street. That pretty much covers everything you would ever need food-wise. Bon appetite!