Cooking Seasonally: Live Demonstration with Bay Living Culinary
2026-04-18 09:45 - 10:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Aptos Farmers Market | Cabrillo College, Cabrillo College, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA, 95003, United States
oin us for a lively spring cooking demonstration with Chef Jody Lombardo of Bay Living Culinary, as she showcases how to cook deliciously with the freshest ingredients of the season.
During this live demo, Chef Jody will demonstrate simple, flavorful ways to use her popular balsamic glaze to elevate everyday cooking—from fresh market greens to marinating your favorite proteins—highlighting how it enhances flavor and creates beautiful caramelization. She’ll finish by roasting seasonal vegetables, tossed and glazed to bring out their natural sweetness. Along the way, she’ll share practical cooking tips, ideas for using spring vegetables, samples, and insights into why supporting local farmers and food producers matters.
What to expect:
• A live cooking demonstration featuring seasonal spring produce
• Tips for selecting and preparing farmers market ingredients
• Ideas for incorporating local products into everyday meals
• Chef insights, stories, and culinary inspiration
• A celebration of community, seasonal eating, and market cooking
About Chef Jody Lombardo and Chef Aunikah Bastian
Chef Jody Lombardo, founder of Bay Living Culinary, is beloved at the Aptos and Monterey Farmers Markets for her ultra-premium comfort foods crafted with local, organic ingredients. With more than two decades of culinary experience, Jody creates take-home dishes that evoke warmth and nostalgia — from Chicken Pot Pie and Creamy Clam Chowder to globally inspired favorites like Thai-Coconut Curry Simmer Sauce and Beef Bourguignon Shepherd’s Pie. Her mission is simple: bringing people together through food that sparks memory and connection.
Joining her is Chef Aunikah Bastian, whose culinary path blends global exploration with a deeply rooted, community-driven spirit. Aunikah trained at the Institute of Culinary Education and in traditional Japanese macrobiotic cuisine, and previously cooked at Sierra Mar at Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur. She has since transitioned into freelance cheffing, offering private culinary services while embracing a more grassroots, flexible approach to her craft.
Food entrepreneurship runs in her blood — she grew up immersed in her family’s small popcorn business, which began with humble pop-ups at markets, fairs, and community events before growing into the nationally recognized brand BOOM CHICKA POP. That early experience continues to shape her passion for connecting food, people, and place.
Today, Aunikah serves as Production Lead Chef, Kitchen Manager, and Marketing Coordinator for Bay Living Culinary, where her talent and vision are helping expand the company’s reach and creative offerings.
Together, Chef Jody and Chef Aunikah bring creativity, experience, and a shared love of community to the farmers market — celebrating fresh ingredients and the joy of everyday cooking.
👉 Learn more about Bay Living Culinary ( https://www.baylivingculinary.com)

Visit the Edible Paradise Booth
2026-05-02 08:00 - 11:30 | Aptos Farmers Market | Cabrillo College, Cabrillo College, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA, 95003, United States
About the Booth
The Edible Paradise booth is a welcoming gathering place at the market — a space dedicated to seasonal cooking, culinary inspiration, and connecting more deeply with the food grown by our local farmers.
Stop by to discover what’s in season, learn where to find featured ingredients throughout the market, and pick up recipe cards highlighting each month’s Market Highlights.
Hosted by Annaliese Keller, writer and editor of Edible Paradise (www.edibleparadise.com), alongside Chef Andrew Cohen, Chef in Residence for the Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Markets, the booth brings the companion website to life through conversation, demonstrations, and shared culinary curiosity.
What to expect:

Seasonal recipe cards featuring market produce and products
Guidance on what’s in season and where to find it at the market
Mini culinary demos and practical kitchen tips
Ask-a-chef conversations about preparing unfamiliar fruits and vegetables
Ideas for better-than-store-bought condiments, dressings, and everyday cooking basics
Newsletter sign-ups and Edible Paradise updates
A friendly place to stop, learn, and say hello

About Edible Paradise
Edible Paradise is the companion website of the Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Markets, celebrating seasonal cooking and the people who grow our food. The site features approachable recipes, culinary guides, market inspiration, and ideas to help home cooks make the most of fresh, local ingredients — from simple weeknight meals to handmade pantry staples.
👉 Explore Edible Paradise (link to https://edibleparadise.com)

Welcome Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes
2026-05-02 08:00 - 12:00 | Aptos Farmers Market | Cabrillo College, Cabrillo College, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA, 95003, United States
The Aptos Farmers Market is glad to welcome Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes, a longtime community organization dedicated to improving food security and supporting families throughout the Pajaro Valley.
Stop by their booth to learn how local residents, farmers market shoppers, and volunteers can help strengthen access to healthy food in our community. Representatives will be available throughout the market to share information about their programs, answer questions, and offer ways to get involved.
What to expect:

Learn about local hunger relief efforts in the Pajaro Valley
Opportunities to volunteer or support community programs
Information about food access, nutrition education, and local services
Ways to contribute through donations or community participation
A chance to meet the volunteers working to support neighbors in need

Market visitors are welcome to contribute by making a cash donation or purchasing fresh foods at the market to donate — a simple way to share the abundance of the farmers market with families who need it most.
About Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes
Founded in 1989, Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes is a community-supported kitchen and pantry serving individuals and families across the Pajaro Valley. Through its weekday pantry, hot lunch program, nutrition education, and collaborative partnerships with local agencies, the organization provides nutritious food, resources, and compassionate support to farm workers, seniors, families, and others facing food insecurity.
Their mission is simple yet powerful: to help build a healthy and food-secure Pajaro Valley where all people have access to nutritious food and essential services.
👉 Learn more about Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes (link to https://www.pvloavesandfishes.org)

Del Monte Farmers Market Opens for the Season
2026-05-03 08:00 - 12:00 | Del Monte Shopping Center, 1410 Del Monte Center, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
About the Market
The Del Monte Farmers Market returns for the season on Sunday, May 3, offering a relaxed and inviting way to start your morning. Set in the back parking lot of the Del Monte Shopping Center (just behind California Pizza Kitchen), this beloved market is known for its easy pace, ample free parking, and welcoming atmosphere.
Stroll through a thoughtfully curated selection of local farms and vendors, where you’ll find just-harvested fruits and vegetables, vibrant fresh-cut flowers, and a variety of specialty items that reflect the richness of the Central Coast.
Whether you’re shopping for the week ahead or simply enjoying a quiet Sunday outing, the Del Monte Farmers Market is a place to connect with growers, discover what’s in season, and enjoy the simple pleasure of fresh, local food.
What to expect:

A peaceful Sunday morning market with an easy, unhurried pace
Fresh-cut flowers, including beautiful seasonal bouquets
Peak-season produce from local farms
Sweet organic strawberries and other early spring favorites
A convenient location with plenty of free parking
Friendly farmers and vendors happy to share what they grow

Sunday Del Monte Market Details
Sunday, May 3
8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Del Monte Shopping Center (behind California Pizza Kitchen)
Monterey, California
A Friendly Reminder
In accordance with California Health and Safety Code, animals are not permitted at certified farmers markets, with the exception of trained service animals. (See regulations here.)

Fresh Finds and Slow Strolls: Carmel Market Returns to The Barnyard
2026-05-05 09:00 - 13:00 | The Barnyard Shopping Village, 3663 The Barnyard, Carmel, 93923, United States
About the Market
The Carmel Farmers Market at The Barnyard returns for the season on Tuesday, May 5, offering a charming midweek shopping experience in one of Carmel’s most picturesque settings. Nestled within The Barnyard Shopping Village, this beloved market invites you to slow down, stroll, and savor the best of California’s seasonal bounty.
Discover a vibrant selection of just-harvested fruits and vegetables, handcrafted foods, and artisan goods, all thoughtfully presented in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. With its gentle pace and beautiful surroundings, the Carmel market is perfect for a leisurely morning outing or a fresh start to your week.
Whether you’re gathering ingredients for upcoming meals or simply enjoying the experience, the Carmel Farmers Market is a place to connect with local farmers and celebrate the rhythms of the season.
What to expect:

A relaxed, midweek market with a leisurely pace
Peak-season fruits and vegetables grown in California
Handcrafted foods and artisan products
A beautiful, walkable setting at The Barnyard
Friendly farmers and makers sharing what they grow and create
A perfect stop for fresh inspiration and seasonal discovery

Market Details
Tuesday, May 5 (continuing through the season)
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Barnyard Shopping Village
Carmel, California
A Friendly Reminder
In accordance with California Health and Safety Code, animals are not permitted at certified farmers markets, with the exception of service animals. (See regulations here.)

Honey Tasting with Amen Bee Products
2026-05-16 09:30 - 10:30 | Aptos Farmers Market | Cabrillo College, Cabrillo College, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA, 95003, United States
The Aptos Farmers Market is delighted to have beekeeper Lynne Bottazzo of Amen Bee Products present a special honey tasting experience celebrating the diversity and beauty of California honey.
With more than three decades of experience, Lynne produces raw, unheated, and unfiltered honey sourced from across the state. Her hives travel with the seasons, gathering nectar from a wide range of landscapes — resulting in distinctive honeys that reflect the plants and regions from which they come.
Stop by our event booth to taste and explore the nuances of different varietals, and learn more about the fascinating world of bees and pollination.
What to expect:

Guided tastings of a variety of raw California honeys
Flavor exploration of different floral sources, including orange blossom, sage, buckwheat, and wildflower
Insights into beekeeping practices and seasonal hive movement
Information about the benefits and characteristics of raw, unprocessed honey
A chance to sample and purchase bee products including pollen, honeycomb, and creamed honey

Market visitors will have the opportunity to discover how honey varies by region and season — much like wine — and gain a deeper appreciation for the essential role bees play in our food system.
About Amen Bee Products
Founded by beekeeper Lynne Bottazzo, Amen Bee Products is rooted in a lifelong partnership with bees and a commitment to producing pure, raw honey. For nearly four decades, Lynne has worked alongside her hives, sourcing nectar from across California and crafting honey that is never heated or filtered. Her approach honors both the integrity of the hive and the natural complexity of honey, offering products that are as close as possible to what the bees create.
👉 See article: A Life with Bees: Lynne Bottazzo of Amen Bee Products
👉 Learn more about Amen Bee Products (https://amenbeeproducts.com/)

Neighbors Helping Neighbors: Meet Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes
2026-06-06 08:00 - 12:00 | Aptos Farmers Market | Cabrillo College, Cabrillo College, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA, 95003, United States
The Aptos Farmers Market is glad to welcome Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes, a longtime community organization dedicated to improving food security and supporting families throughout the Pajaro Valley.
Stop by their booth to learn how local residents, farmers market shoppers, and volunteers can help strengthen access to healthy food in our community. Representatives will be available throughout the market to share information about their programs, answer questions, and offer ways to get involved.
What to expect:

Learn about local hunger relief efforts in the Pajaro Valley
Opportunities to volunteer or support community programs
Information about food access, nutrition education, and local services
Ways to contribute through donations or community participation
A chance to meet the volunteers working to support neighbors in need

Market visitors are welcome to contribute by making a cash donation or purchasing fresh foods at the market to donate — a simple way to share the abundance of the farmers market with families who need it most.
About Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes
Founded in 1989, Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes is a community-supported kitchen and pantry serving individuals and families across the Pajaro Valley. Through its weekday pantry, hot lunch program, nutrition education, and collaborative partnerships with local agencies, the organization provides nutritious food, resources, and compassionate support to farm workers, seniors, families, and others facing food insecurity.
Their mission is simple yet powerful: to help build a healthy and food-secure Pajaro Valley where all people have access to nutritious food and essential services.
Learn more about Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes

From Market to Table: Visit the Edible Paradise Concierge Booth
2026-06-06 08:00 - 12:00 | Aptos Farmers Market | Cabrillo College, Cabrillo College, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA, 95003, United States
Have a conversation, discover something delicious, and explore the flavors of the season at the Edible Paradise booth — a welcoming gathering place at the Aptos Farmers Market dedicated to seasonal cooking, culinary inspiration, and connecting more deeply with the food grown by our local farmers.
Whether you’re searching for dinner inspiration, curious about an unfamiliar vegetable, or simply looking for fresh ideas to make the most of your market haul, the booth offers a relaxed and friendly place to learn, taste, and talk food.
Hosted by Annaliese Keller, writer and editor of Edible Paradise, alongside Chef Andrew Cohen, Chef in Residence for the Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Markets, the booth brings the companion website to life through conversation, demonstrations, seasonal recipe cards, and practical kitchen inspiration rooted in the farmers market.
What to expect:

Seasonal recipe cards featuring market produce and products
Guidance on what’s in season and where to find it at the market
Mini culinary demos and practical kitchen tips
Ask-a-chef conversations about preparing unfamiliar fruits and vegetables
Ideas for better-than-store-bought condiments, dressings, and everyday cooking basics
Newsletter sign-ups and Edible Paradise updates
A friendly place to stop, learn, and say hello

About Edible Paradise
Edible Paradise is the companion website of the Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Markets, celebrating seasonal cooking and the people who grow our food. The site features approachable recipes, culinary guides, market inspiration, and ideas to help home cooks make the most of fresh, local ingredients — from simple weeknight meals to handmade pantry staples.
Explore Edible Paradise

Celebrating 50 Years of the Monterey Certified Farmers Markets!
2026-06-20 08:00 - 12:00 | Aptos Farmers Market | Cabrillo College, Cabrillo College, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA, 95003, United States
Join the Aptos Farmers Market on Saturday, June 20, for a joyful community celebration marking the 50th Anniversary of the Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Markets.
For five decades, the markets have brought together local farmers, food artisans, chefs, and neighbors through a shared love of fresh food, sustainable agriculture, and community connection. What began in 1976 as a modest local market has grown into one of the most respected farmers market organizations in California — and a beloved weekly tradition for generations of Central Coast families.
To celebrate this milestone, market visitors are invited to enjoy birthday cake shared with the community and enter a special raffle drawing for a beautifully curated market basket filled with market favorites.
What to Expect:

Birthday cake shared with market customers
Giveaway of reusable produce bag sets to first 150 people to wish us happy birthday!
Raffle drawing for a seasonal market basket
A festive celebration with music honoring 50 years of local agriculture and community
Opportunities to meet the farmers, food artisans, and vendors who make the markets so special
Fresh seasonal produce, flowers, artisan foods, seafood, baked goods, cheeses, and more from local vendors

A Legacy of Community and Stewardship
Today, the family of Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Markets includes four vibrant markets in Aptos, Carmel, and Monterey, each reflecting the unique character of its community. Two of the markets operate year-round, offering dependable gathering places where fresh food, conversation, and connection are always in season.
With more than 90 dedicated vendors, the organization continues to support small family farms while strengthening regional food systems across the Central Coast.
Much of this success reflects the longtime leadership of Executive Director Catherine Barr, whose dedication and vision have guided the organization since 1993. Her work preserving access for small farmers and championing certified farmers markets has helped shape MBCFM into a regional leader in sustainable local food systems.
Founded in 1976, the Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Markets is the oldest and largest farmers market organization on California’s Central Coast. In recent years, MBCFM has been recognized among the best farmers market organizations in California and ranked second in the United States by the American Farmland Trust — an achievement made possible by the farmers, vendors, staff, volunteers, and loyal market communities who continue to support the markets year after year.

Fresh Finds & Family Fun: Kids Eat Right Returns to the Monterey Farmers Market
2026-06-26 08:00 - 12:00 | Del Monte Shopping Center, 1410 Del Monte Center, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Families are invited back for another lively morning of discovery, tasting, and hands-on learning as the Kids Eat Right team from Montage Health returns to the Monterey Farmers Market on Friday, June 26 for an encore event after an overwhelmingly enthusiastic response earlier this season.
This interactive program encourages children and adults alike to explore the colorful world of fresh, local foods through guided market strolls, seasonal tastings, conversations with farmers, and engaging activities designed to make healthy eating approachable, fun, and memorable.
What to expect:

A guided market walk highlighting seasonal fruits and vegetables
Tastings and farmer meet-and-greets
A kids’ scavenger hunt exploring foods found around the market
Potter the Otter Market Adventure books for young visitors
Nutrition education resources and take-home materials
$5 Farmers Market Bucks for the first 50 families or children who participate (while supplies last)
Dried fruit samples provided by the farmers market

About Kids Eat Right
Kids Eat Right is a free nutrition education program developed by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and offered locally through Montage Health. The program helps children and families build healthy habits through fun, science-based lessons focused on eating well, staying active, and understanding nutrition.
Through school programs and family workshops offered in English and Spanish, Kids Eat Right teaches practical skills such as choosing fruits and vegetables, reading nutrition labels, preparing healthy foods, and making balanced lifestyle choices — all with the goal of helping children grow up healthy and confident around food.
Learn more about Kids Eat Right (visit the website here.)
