Best Produce: Grow
Grow owner Barry Fisher offers the pick of the crop, be it fruits, vegetables, cheeses, meats or prepared foods. Photo
In 2003, 5-year-old Brendan Fisher set up a cherry stand outside his family’s home on 33rd Street in Manhattan Beach with hopes of earning enough money to buy a boogie board. An unprecedented volume of interest led to his family’s opening of Grow produce store in 2006. Brendan is now a high school student at Mira Costa, and Grow continues to hold onto its Best of the Beach title for best produce in the South Bay. “We’re constantly looking for the best products the market has to offer,” says Barry Fisher, who for several decades worked as a fruit exporter. “We don’t drop our standards. We don’t carry it just for the sake of carrying it.” The 2,000 sq. ft. shop offers everything from citrus, herbs and lettuces to artisanal cheese, wine and high quality meats. Seasonal items pique a lot of interest, Fisher says. Currently a popular item is the Sumos citrus, a cross between the Japanese mandarin and California navel orange. Grow offers competitive prices by skipping the distribution channels commonly used by corporate grocery stores. Customers can place orders online and have fresh produce delivered to their doors. Cherries remain the best selling item, Fisher says. Due to warm temperatures this year, cherry season is expected to begin as early as late April. — EK
1830 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach. 310-545-2904. growdelivers.com
Runner up: Farmer’s Markets. In various locations.