Eat Local and Healthy in San Diego for National Farm Day

Eating right and supporting local businesses is like a double shot of goodness, especially in San Diego where there is an abundance of healthy food and local businesses. On Oct. 12, celebrate National Farmers Day and honor the farmers who provide the freshest products straight to the tables of your favorite restaurants. According to the San Diego Farm Bureau, San Diego County has the 12^th largest farm economy among more than 3,000 counties nationally. Farming also adds $5.1 billion annual value to our economy. So whether you’re in the mood for a delicious brunch or a freshly made dinner, the following eateries make sure to shop locally by buying their food from family-owned locations around San Diego County.

Sirena Gourmet Latin Seafood is a restaurant in Little Italy that primarily uses organic foods to create every specialty meal on the menu. With an emphasis on providing their patrons with a one-of-a-kind dining experience, Sirena uses non-GMO tortilla flour for several of their delectable menu favorites.

In the hearts of Hillcrest and North Park, you’ll find that neighborhood favorites Fig Tree Café and Breakfast Republic pride themselves on using fresh and quality ingredients.  My person favorite dish at Fig Tree Café is the Monterrey Scramble made with three eggs from pasture-raised hens, scallions, bacon, Ortega and Monterrey cheese, black beans and Mexican rice paired with three corn tortillas for your next brunch.  Breakfast Republic has amazing Benedicts, such as their Croque Monsieur with locally grown eggs, ham and gruyere cheese served over warm sourdough English muffins.

The Duck Dive is a personal favorite bar/restaurant to go to in Pacific Beach. Bring your friends and enjoy “Neighborhood Tuesday” with items straight from the Pacific Beach Farmers Market. Taste a winning combo with Duck Dive’s featured cocktail to perfectly complement your entrée, made with farm fresh ingredients from organic growers in the San Diego area.  No better way to spend your Tuesday than knowing you supported a local farmer as you savor your entrée. Try Duck Dive’s Blackened Mahi Sandwich with blackened Mahi, house-made tartar sauce, butter lettuce, onions and fresh tomatoes on a toasted ciabatta bun.

Monterey Scramble at the Fig Tree

Greenhouses, located at The Ranch at Bandy Canyon in Escondido, are very special because they supply many of the ingredients Chef Patrick Ponsaty of Bellamy’s uses at the restaurant. A Wild West-inspired oasis, The Ranch at Bandy Canyon is home to two custom built greenhouses. The greenhouses measure 90’x40’ each in size and grow many different types of all-natural produce. You can find anything from tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and baby carrots, herbs to kumquats, peaches, apricots, pomegranates, figs and blood oranges. Bellamy’s offers diners a one-of-a-kind farm-to-table dining experience, serving the most robust flavors of every season. Chef Patrick goes to Bandy Canyon every morning and hand picks all of the vegetables, fruits and herbs to create the most unique farm-to-table dishes. Besides from The Ranch’s garden, Bellamy’s takes pride in supporting local North County farmers, wine makers and sustainable fishermen.

Shopping local is important for our economy, and eating locally grown foods is even better for our environment overall.  Celebrate National Farmers Day this October with these San Diego eateries that strive to provide their patrons with the freshest produce to create an unforgettable meal.