Avocados
By Melissa Petitto   |   July 23, 2024

What is more quintessential than the California avocado? Creamy, decadent, savory, sweet – the avocado is so versatile and nutritious! My favorite avocado farmer is Vista Del Mundo and wow does he have an incredible harvest right now. There is some confusion as to whether the avocado is a fruit or a vegetable, but it’s […]

Midday Noshing: San Ysidro Ranch Offers New Lunch Experience
By Gabe Saglie   |   June 11, 2024

The sun shone bright on a recent weekday afternoon, and a soft sea breeze rolled through. The handful of outdoor tables at the Veranda cottage at the San Ysidro Ranch, nicely spread out, were slowly filling up. Lunch was being doled out in synchronized fashion, and by a welcoming staff. The latest foodie offering at […]

 

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More from Montecito

Nasturtium Flowers
By Melissa Petitto   |   June 4, 2024

Nasturtium, the beautiful red, yellow, and orange flower that we get to witness bloom wild every April and May here on the Central Coast, is an herbaceous plant that has been used in traditional medicinal practices since the early 1500s. Ojai Microgreens has some featured at the farmers market right now and they make a […]

A Weeklong Celebration at the Santa Barbara Culinary Experience
By Jamie Knee   |   May 21, 2024

Dust off your beret and get ready for a week of pure epicurean delight! The Taste of Santa Barbara, presented by the Santa Barbara Culinary Experience, is back, promising a whirlwind adventure for your taste buds from May 13 to 19. Imagine this: basking in the golden glow of the Santa Barbara sun, sipping on […]

Fava Beans
By Melissa Petitto   |   May 21, 2024

Fava beans are one of my favorite things to find in the farmers market and Ebby’s Organics has some absolutely gorgeous ones right now! They are a little time consuming but are truly worth the effort. Fava beans, also known as broad beans, are a legume. They are a rich source of plant protein, folate, […]

Turmeric Root
By Melissa Petitto   |   May 14, 2024

Turmeric root has a short season and Her Produce has some beautiful turmeric showcased at the farmers market right now! Run don’t walk to get some of the most effective nutritional supplement in existence. The main component or active ingredient in turmeric that has medicinal benefits is curcumin, and it has had its time in […]

Mexican Women Chefs Rule at the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
By Leslie Westbrook   |   May 7, 2024

My seatmate on Alaska Airlines from LAX to Puerto Vallarta was Jeremy, a South African who made his fortune developing software for Wall Street and had become a U.S. citizen. He was traveling with 16 of his best friends to celebrate his 60th birthday in Punta Mita, Mexico.  I was heading for a special culinary […]

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  • Conscious Cuisine: Caruso’s Dinner to Honor Mother Earth & James Beard Foundation
    By Gabe Saglie   |   April 23, 2024

    In many ways, Earth Day is every day at Caruso’s.  “We have to follow Mother Nature,” insists Executive Chef Massimo Falsini, who recently steered the oceanfront eatery at the Rosewood Miramar Beach toward its first Forbes 5-Star honor. Caruso’s is also the winner of a coveted One Star rating from Michelin, along with a Michelin […]

    Radicchio Rosso di Treviso / Tardivo
    By Melissa Petitto   |   March 19, 2024

    Radicchio Rosso di Treviso – or Tardivo – is an Italian heirloom belonging to the Asteraceae family. The name translates to ‘late’ or ‘tardy’ and is a type of Treviso grown as a late harvest crop. This vegetable has tightly clustered bunches of long and slender leaves and is part of the radicchio family. Treviso […]

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    Mikuna: The Rise of a Pioneering Protein Powder
    By Amélie Dieux   |   March 12, 2024

    Chocho is the new name that will soon be on everyone’s lips – and in their morning smoothie. Chocho is the mysterious word behind the company Mikuna, and a product whose properties and benefits will amaze you.   In 2017, Founder and CEO of Mikuna (which means “to nourish your body through food” in Kichwa […]

    Fine Food First, Gluten-Free Second: ‘Lilac Montecito’ Calling All Diners
    By Gabe Saglie   |   February 27, 2024

    “Gluten-free is really just a by-line for us – it’s important to what we do, and we do it well,” Gillian Muralles, owner of Montecito’s newest eatery, Lilac Montecito, recently told the Journal. “But if someone doesn’t care about that, I’d love to get them through the door just as much!” Mrs. Muralles and her […]

    Kabocha Squash
    By Melissa Petitto   |   February 20, 2024

    The kabocha squash is one of my favorite squashes, creamy, nutty, and sweet – this squash has an edible thick green skin, a low glycemic index, is super low calorie, and contains a plethora of vitamins and minerals. I found some gorgeous ones at the market this week at Jimenez Family Farms.  The kabocha squash […]

    Garlic
    By Melissa Petitto   |   February 6, 2024

    Garlic, part of the Allium family and closely related to the onion, chive, leek, shallot, and scallion, has been used in daily cooking in all parts of the world throughout history. It has not only been used as a flavor enhancer, but also to prevent and treat a variety of diseases and conditions. I know […]

    Romanesco
    By Melissa Petitto   |   January 23, 2024

    Is there a more exquisite vegetable than the Romanesco? Its geometric patterns are whimsical and, dare I say, too pretty to eat? Milliken Family Farms has this cauliflower-broccoli hybrid, and it is not only beautiful, but it is tasty and full of vitamins and nutrients. This Roman cauliflower hails from Northern Italy and has a […]

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