A Composed Garden Salad : Step by Step

The art to a composed salad is layering, seasoning, enhancing flavors and incorporating many textures and temperatures. I love the way Zucchini can look like gorgeous soft ribbons when then have been salted for a short time... 

Then to add some color and texture, cubed Avocado and quick-pickled red onion....

For more flavor, texture and color : sliced heirloom cherry tomatoes of all colors and shapes. And a gorgeously chewy and herb packed farro salad...

 Keep the layers coming with a finessed sprinkle of fresh micro cilantro, micro arugula, regular cilantro, edible marigolds, dry roasted sliced almonds, fried capers, mint, parsley, and a touch of crispy breadcrumbs....

 Stunning color, flavor and just a touch of Maldon Sea Salt, fresh cracked black pepper, a squeeze of lemon and an Extra Virgin Olive Oil infused with Cilantro...

Summer produce looks best when it looks as if it is literally springing out the earth on the plate. 

Goodbyes and Birthdays

Something that happens when you have amazing, talented, wonderful and fabulous friends is they tend to go out of town; sometimes you have the opportunity to watch their spectacular home in the hills. As well as take advantage of their radical kitchen. 

Another thing that happens when you have smart, gorgeous, ambitious friends, is they tend to move away.

So with that, you take advantage of the awesome house, awesome friends and throw a little going away party! 

Also, when you move back to your hometown, people, like your Mom for example, have a birthday; therefore another great excuse to make an awesome meal for 13 close family and friends.

You also have the excuse to buy really really great cheeses.

And of course, the request for the famously delicious Lemond Curd and Toasted Almond Tart comes around, but this time with a lightly minted Raspberry Coulis.

And you can't have a birthday without a little Clementine Semifreddo with Cashew Nougat and White Chocolate. Well, at least we can't. 

Happy Birthday Mom! May you stay forever young and hilarious! Love to everyone who attended the two events! xoxo

Hello West Coast, Goodbye NY.

    I'm back! Back from the New York groove; Ready for summer? I sure am. So lets go! 

Baby Shower for Baby Scarlet Roble! 

Beautiful Succulent arrangement made by my Dad! 

Last lovely brunch at Five Leaves in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

Dangerously delicious Sangria, made by Jaron Heinze in Bed-stuy, Brooklyn for my going away BBQ! This stuff was killer : Dolin Blanc Vermouth soaked White Grapes, Strawberries and Fuji Apples, added a bottle of Cava, a Box of White Garganaga and a little Bluecoat Gin for good measure. 

Grillin', The best thing is the green onions. 

Bye NYC. I am going to miss you, a lot.