In my Pismo Beach report I neglected to mention our favorite fruit stand--Avila Valley Barn. If you take the Avila Beach exit off the 101 and drive just past the Hot Springs recreation area, you will see a barn tucked behind some overgrown landscaping. Once you turn into the driveway the shrubs give way to this hidden gem. The vegetables there are first rate and were the inspiration behind the vegetable lasagna dish that I prepared a few weeks ago. During the late summer months one can enjoy their delicious tree fruit offerings. Peaches and nectarines are our favorites. Not only is their produce sensational, but they also offer fresh baked desserts, homemade ice cream, and a petting zoo for the kiddies. It is an establishment that earns a well deserved two thumbs up from me. I will leave you with a quote about peaches from one of my favorite authors, David Mas Masumoto.
When you wash that treasure under a stream of cooling water your fingertips instinctively search for the gushy side of the fruit. Your mouth waters in anticipation. You lean over the sink to make sure you don't drip on yourself. Then you sink your teeth into the flesh, and the juice trickles down your cheeks and dangles on your chin. This is a real bite, a primal act, a magical sensory celebration announcing that summer has arrived. (Epitaph for Peach)
If only every peach could be as good as described above...
The scenery at Avila Valley Barn
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