Plan b....

I am an avid believer that things do not just occur without a purpose. I was online last night just bouncing around various sites. For some reason I had an urge to stop on over to see what Matt Armendariz was up to on his amazing page MattBites.com. I live vicariously through his humorous blogs and stunning photography. It's nice to have things that inspire you. Matt mentioned this amazing new venue called

Studio b. Of course, my curiosity lead me to that page. Wow, amazing! Where is this magical place? Malibu Beach? Santorini? The Bahamas? No, not those places, but a new hot spot tucked away on the Gulf Coast of Florida known as Alys Beach. OK, I'm packing my bags and heading South for the winter. I am enjoying my summer in the Windy City, but I knew as soon as I got here in April, that there was no way I would stick it out for another winter in Chicago...no thanks!

So Studio b......here I come! Thank you Colleen for this creative venue, I would be delighted to come and create some edible delights in this breath taking haven.

Studio B is a creative venue that brings together the best of the best and the up and coming in the fields of photography, art, design, literature, food and wine. It’s the mixing and intermingling of all creative mediums.

What do you think??

I agree with Tony about food as pleasure. I also see Alice's point about responsibility. But in a world fueled by mass marketing and a need for instant gratification, where do we turn? Is this something that can be attainable? Is it only a temporary food trend brought on by environmentalist or hemp wearing, seed munching hippie extremists? Is it deeply rooted elsewhere beyond our shores as an everyday way of life? Why are we not more socially and environmentally responsible as a whole culture? Greed, education, lack of funding?

Having just moved back to the Midwest from San Francisco I completely feel the shift in, sorry to say this folks, but ignorance to food ways. I grew up in Chicago where most of the food offered at the local grocery store chain was covered in wax, shipped from Chile or came in a big glossy box with cartoon characters plastered all over it. For the most part my family did make an effort to feed us healthy meals. We had a garden during the summer months, we went apple picking in the fall, and each meal was well rounded with protein some starch and a veggie of sort. Being first generation Mexican-American, in which my Dad grew up on a farm, we never really ate "junk". Visits to the Golden Arches were few. Soda was reserved for BBQs, picnics and birthday parties. And sugar coated, clover shaped cereal was not to be found in our pantry. My Mom made us eggs, oatmeal and pancakes for breakfast. I never went to school on an empty stomach, I often had hot soup in my Muppets thermos and dinner was always fresh, healthy and nourishing. But was it organic? Natural? Local? Those terms were not used in my home. The ideal purchase was firm, juicy, plump and sweet or often 2 for 1. I was a well fed, healthy kid, yes I was lucky.

But is it luck or just plain awareness? I have been witness to those awful disgusting filthy farms with livestock piled upon each other. On my trip back to Illinois I saw this horror in Nebraska, where they claim to have "some of the best beef in the US!". No thanks, I'll pass. Poor cows shoved into pens, little or no grazing fields and talk about the stench...Holy shit!! Now don't get me wrong I'm not about to turn vegetarian and be a full fledged member of PETA. However, I will question where my next steak comes from.

I am going through a bit of farmer's market withdrawal. To all my blog readers in the Bay area, don't take it for granted. What a blessing to have fresh, organic food year around. Today I paid a visit to the Frankfort Market. Sadly, I only walked away with a small pint of radish sprouts. But, the sprouts are amazing. Peppery, pungent and very succulent. They are going into my spring rolls tomorrow. I know the growing season is short here and I must wait patiently for Mother Nature to do her magic. By July I'm sure the stalls will be abundant with peppers, squash, tomatoes and cucumbers. In the meantime I will relish my memories of visits to the Ferry Building for pea shoots, favas and artichokes in the spring and recall trips down Highway One for honey and pumpkins in the fall.

Shifts in society don't happen overnight. Change begins on an individual level, then moves on to family, community, city, state, then nation. Where do you stand? Nothing is perfect, but if we can at least find some common ground in having respect for our food sources, culture in cuisines and planetary and societal responsibilities, then perhaps these ideals will not be so out of reach for the common folk and not just reserved and enjoyed by the lucky few. For more info and places to get involved locally check out Slow Food.

Next month I will be doing a cooking demo at the All Things Organic Expo at McCormick Place in Chicago. Come see and taste a sampling of my "Global Fusion" cuisine on June 18Th @11 am.