May 9, 201101:15 PM

What locals are talking about from El Segundo to the PV Peninsula

Fresh Fare

Let me air out the dirty laundry first...I'm on a cleanse. One of those detox programs that mix an elimination diet with supplements and grainy shakes that require a package of frozen berries, agave syrup and a strong blender to make them somewhat palatable. This all started when one of my co-workers dropped 15 pounds, a few pant sizes and enjoyed a sudden burst of energy after taking on the three-week program. Enlightened by his positive experience and feeling a little sluggish as of late, I decided to do a little research. Pretty interesting stuff, I discovered. And hey, if Gwyneth Paltrow endorses it, it has to be good, right? My dietician friends always find that part amusing. Mission accomplished, Gwyneth...program ordered, delivered and already on Day 7. I'm not going to go into a lengthy endorsement of the program itself, or the rigorous elimination diet, but I can report that, much to my surprise, I'm NOT all that hungry. Truth is, I get to eat a lot of healthy stuff all day long...just needed to cut a bunch of bad stuff that was weighing me down. Even if I don't shed a few pounds or achieve the same results my co-worker did (though so far I'm feeling really great) I can report a greater appreciation for food, especially the really good kind. Fresh produce tops that list. The South Bay is no stranger to a great selection of farm fresh fruits and vegetables. The Manhattan Beach Farmers' Market has been a staple of that community for a while now, drawing large crowds on Tuesday afternoons over by Metlox Center. Riviera Village recently debuted one of its own for the Redondo Beach set on Fridays. Then there's Grow, a wholesome produce shop that delivers to both Manhattan and Hermosa. We profiled them last year, and if you haven't sampled some of their delicious offerings yet, I suggest you grab a reusable shopping bag and head over there as you plan your summer menus. Now there's a new kid in town adding its own seasonal selection to the mix. Sprouts is a market chain based in Arizona that opened a store in Redondo last week off Hawthorne Boulevard. Not unlike Whole Foods or Trader Joe's, Spouts brings customers picks from the farm, much of which comes from local growers. But, what had many South Bay visitors already raving is the great prices. Bins and bins of quality options and easy on the wallet to boot? Sign me up. Two weeks to go and those shakes are not going to get any tastier. Where do you get your fresh produce in the South Bay? Share with other readers here and start the summer season on a healthy note.