Hillary Eaton

Originally appeared on LA Confidential

Eat / May 23, 2014

The 5 Best Foodie Day Trips Around Los Angeles

Stuck in LA this Memorial Day weekend? Try one of these five foodie excursions in Los Angeles’ backyard.

Institute of Domestic Technology

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Make jam at the Institute of Domestic Technology.

Dedicated to preserving the lost art of cheesemaking, canning, bacon curing, and all other things homemade, the Institute of Domestic Technology offers classes and workshops where you can learn how to make anything from your own tofu to home-roasted coffee. Zane Grey Estate, 396 E. Mariposa St., Altadena, info@instituteofdomestictechnology.com

Cornucopia Farmer’s Market

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Shop for fresh produce at Cornucopia’s farmer’s market on Sundays.

Set up as a fundraising platform for the Cornucopia Foundation’s educational efforts on sustainability, the Cornucopia farmer’s market in beachside Malibu is the perfect place to scout out premium local produce, meat, and fish among surfers and celebrities alike. Hours are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sundays. 23555 Civic Center Way, Malibu

Technique at Le Cordon Bleu

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Students at Le Cordon Bleu’s Pasadena campus cook haute cuisine at the school’s restaurant, Technique.

Dining at the famed Le Cordon Bleu’s Pasadena campus restaurant, Technique, is a wonderful way to preview tomorrow’s talented toques. Enjoy a decadent European-style tasting menu or dine a la carte while watching up-and-coming chefs prepare your dishes. 525 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, 626-229-1377

Underwood Family Farms

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Guest can pick their own produce at Underwood Family Farms.

Instead of hitting up a farmer’s market, why not go straight to the farm? With a bounty of seasonal produce, ranging from fresh avocados to strawberries, Underwood Family Farms lets you pick your own produce directly from the fields. 3370 Sunset Valley Rd., Moorpark, 805-529-3690

Surfas Culinary District

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At Surfas, expect a comprehensive supply of everything, including cheeses.

A giant restaurant supply and gourmet food store with every cooking gadget you could ever imagine, Surfas deserves a special trip of its own. Whether you’re looking to take a cooking class, stock up on absinthe spoons, procure those hard-to-find spices, or sleuth out some imported booze, you’ll find everything you need in one place. 8777 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, 310-559-4770

PHOTOGRAPHY VIA FACEBOOK.COM/INSTITUTEOFDOMESTICTECHNOLOGY; FACEBOOK.COM/CORNUCOPIAFOUNDATION; TECNIQUERESTAURANT.COM; FACEBOOK.COM/UNDERWOODFAMILYFARMS; FACEBOOK.COM/SURFASONLINE