tip: SHOP IN A SMALL PRODUCE STORE

First things first, you need a place to buy produce.  If you live in Los Angeles there are lot of small/local produces stores to choose from.  On Fairfax between Beverly and Melrose as well as on Pico just east of Robertson.  Personally, I love the Three Amigos on Fairfax and Rosewood.  The "three amigos" are friendly and helpful, and I like their selection.... 

The benefits of these types of stores are twofold... 1) they are about half the price of shopping in a regular supermarket and 2) their product is fresher and uses less sprays and chemicals. 

These stores generally sell wholesale/bulk to restaurants and therefore turnaround product quickly.  This allows them to charge less and the products don't need to have such a long shelf life or look "pretty" and shiny like they do in the supermarket.   

If you are not in Los Angeles but want to find a store like this near you I suggest doing some research and finding out where your local restaurants buy their produce.  Or if you know of a local produce store in your area post about in the comments section here so that others in your area can find it!

Okay, let's start cooking... and eating!

GTBB,
Bad Joan