Stores & Markets in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley

Since 1933, The Food Mill has sustained and satisfied area eaters with a healthy and organic approach to its inventory, a plethora of produce, house-made baked goods, nutritional supplements, and bulk items. Old-fashioned breads and decadent cookies emerge fresh from local ovens; tempt hungry paparazzi on scooters with up-close views of The Food Mill's famous cookie bars ($2.89 for a dozen). Seasoned staff members stand by with answers and advice about the store's wide array of nutritional supplements, such as Food Mill-brand Vitamin D-3 soft gels ($4.69). Meanwhile, organic fruits and vegetables fetched from farmers nourish bodies the traditional way.

Although Crystal Springs is small by grocery-store standards, the flat white storefront, set with a royal-blue arched entranceway and windows, appears somehow palatial, beckoning passersby into its den of delicious delectables. A wide selection of local and organic produce is available for plucking. Navel oranges start from the bellybutton at $0.49 per pound, and small Fuji apples start at $1.09 per pound. Keep it savory with russet potatoes ($0.49 per pound), or move on to not-so-naturally occurring breads and cheeses. A variety of fine cheeses and olives are ready and waiting for munching from the hand. The olive bar starts at $3.99, Bulgarian feta cheese begins at $4.79 per pound, and Turkish goat cheese starts at $7.99 per pound. Fresh-baked bread is delivered every morning, with warm, steaming loaves beginning at $3.29.

Fueled by a regimen consisting of healthy eating, cleanses, yoga, and meditation, Food Body M.E.’s staff strive to educate others on positive, holistic living. Chefs demonstrate expert methods, pass on nutrition factoids, and create easily replicated five-course meals during small-group cooking classes. To help bodies detoxify without the use of chemicals or additives, nutrition gurus point the way toward all-natural juice cleanses. Meanwhile, instructors in community yoga classes encourage students of all skill levels to hone their focus and improve their chances at surviving the Twister portion of the state bar exam.

When Don Disraeli and his wife, Randee, turned their attention to seafood retail in 1983, they considered more than their love of tasty fish. Drawing upon his PhD in Biology and her stint as a Scripps Institute of Oceanography researcher, the duo worked to ensure that each aspect of their business would be environmentally sustainable. Those standards are still upheld today, as Kanaloa Seafood remains one of the only North American and European seafood companies environmentally certified by the International Organization of Standardization.

Environmentally responsible fisheries supply the Disraelis with sushi-grade fish, which cutters clean and slice behind large viewing windows at Kanaloa Seafood’s Santa Barbara and Napa storefronts. The succulent cuts are then sustainably packaged inside recyclable corrugated boxes. Every Monday to Friday, guests can procure fish ranging from wild-caught black cod to Hawaiian ahi tuna. Patrons who are unsure of what to pick from the vast assortment will be greeted by a knowledgable staff member who will assist in picking out an ideal choice. Kanaloa Seafood also distributes a variety of marinades, rubs, oils, and sauces, as well as prepared dishes from the staff chef.

Deep in the heart of the Amazon jungle hides the hidden gem of Brazil: the açaí berry. Globetrotter and wellness enthusiast Roy came across açaí bowls during his travels there, and upon his return home, he and wife Tara immediately set out to gather the best recipes to emulate the dish. They were motivated by a desire to spread the health benefits of the super food, which include weight loss, boosted energy, and finally learning how to pronounce "açaí." Their journey led them to found Vitality Bowls, where they churn out a menu of bowls and smoothies, each oriented around the açaí berry. Cooks complement the starring ingredient with fruits, veggies, and nourishing seeds such as flax and guarana, all organic and locally sourced whenever possible. Additionally, Vitality Bowls' treats are free of frozen yogurt, ice, preservatives, trans fats, and added sugar.

Since 1955, the family behind Save More Meat Market has been filling their display cases with quality cuts of USDA Choice meat, now sourced from the local Harris Ranch. They stock everything from meatloaf to short ribs and shrimp meat, all of which stand to be transformed into hearty dinners in the comforts of home. Handy animal diagrams hang behind the counter, informing patrons where certain cuts of meat are found on the animal, such as chuck beef—located near the cow's neck—and rib meat—located on the cow's hind legs.