In California

Hello dear readers. Thank you for being here.

I am writing from the fog laden hills of Northern California - Inverness specifically - among the rich and varied natural landscape of the Point Reyes Peninsula. We are here for work, but more importantly to be in nature, take hikes, swim in Tomales Bay, and breathe fresh air perfumed with the abundant plants of this region: wheatgrass, sweet cicily, marsh rosemary, broom rose, honeysuckle and sage brush.

This calls to mind a brilliant quote from beloved naturalist John Muir, also known as “Father of the National Parks,” and namesake of the nearby Muir Woods:

“I only went out for a walk, and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found was really going in.”

We found the greatest AirBNB, which I’ll share in a more proper recap after returning home next week. And of course we’re shopping the local farmer’s markets for lots of beautiful home cooked meals. Fruit consumption is at an all time high.

Is there anything that beats California produce? Not in my estimation. I love the food culture in this region. They fetishize the ingredients and the producers and farmers that bring them to market.

I’ve written before about cooking on the road. I love the challenge of being in a strange kitchen with questionable tools and still putting a delicious meal on the table. Simplicity reigns in these moments: warm fava beans tossed in olive oil and salt, roasted carrots dotted with cumin and sliced red onion, blanched greens drowned in olive oil and perfumed with grated garlic while still warm, and always toast, a forgiving and generous vessel.

When I travel I’m always keeping a wide and curious eye on my surroundings. There is awe to be experienced around every corner. I love the opportunity to engage with something new, and to bring a little bit of that place home with me. Here’s a quick rundown of a few early favorites from our visit: