Best inspiration for a meal worthy of Julia Child

You're tired of waiting to bump into Julia Child at Savenor's or Bread & Circus. You've memorized her books, watched her shows religiously, and dreamed of a chance encounter with the Goddess of Goodies. Don't let that fervor go to waste: head to Wilson Farms in Lexington to shop for the kind of ingredients Julia would heartily approve of. What began as a family farm stand is now, well, a very, very large family farm stand, and it's open year-round. Inside the barnlike enclosure, customers are greeted by gorgeous produce -- the freshest of the fresh -- all of which is marked clearly as to origin. In among the vegetable bounty, the Wilsons have added imported cheeses, pastries, flowers, meats, and squeezed-while-you-watch juices. Coming soon: cast-iron and clay-bottom ovens for perfecting crustier European-style breads. Indeed, according to bakery manager Scott Differ, a Wilson Farms customer must have a developed taste bud. That lone common denominator yields an interesting mix: granola types jostle with the Lexus set for blackberries, while show-tune queens queue up behind grumpy grandpas for bagels. As far as I know, the Goddess herself doesn't shop there, but in one stop, devotees can get everything they need for a perfect French bistro dinner. And in my book, living well is the best homage. Julia would be thrilled.

Wilson Farms, 10 Pleasant Street, Lexington. (781) 862-3900.