Fab fungus

With the recent rains (hallelujah!), there's now a bumper crop of mushrooms. But unless you're a trained mycologist, spare yourself liver damage and buy them from a reputable grower. Every year, there are reports of people who pick their own and get very sick. Look for Solano Mushroom Farm and Premier Mushrooms at the local markets. They'll introduce you to more than button and portobello 'shrooms. How about tender oysters, medicinal shiitake or the poetic hen-of-the-woods? You can even buy grow-your-own kits for hyperlocal produce.