Living in California

    I specifically recall, at the age nine, walking home after delivering newspapers with my daschund in tow. It was wintertime and my fingers and toes were frozen from the sleet-covered air.  When I finally reached home, my Dad was reading the paper: the forecast for Washington DC was 34 degrees while southern California read 74.  How was that possible?  Did those tanned people in southern California eat canned beets, beans, and whatever else they could shove into a can during the winter months back in the 70’s?  I used to dream of delivering papers in 74-degree winters.  A simple dream, sure, but what a luxury that would have been. 

Fast-forward 27 years and here I live in southern California, loving the warmth and lack of allergens that would plague my youth back in Virginia.  But there is always compromise.  Humidity?  Traffic?  Foliage?  Clean air?  Working at Farmer’s Markets gives me first pick of fresh produce in the area, which as a chef, is heaven.  I have also learned just about everything I know about organic and sustainable farming while living here in California, however at an ironic cost, as I rent an apartment with no yard.  When I go back east to visit my parents I see loads of incredible produce, in both markets and stores, a far cry from the lack of variety I would see as a child.  But I also see trees, yards, and gardens too.

One thing I’ve learned over the years is the simple fact that every state has something to offer.  Some states are warmer than others, but it’s those colder states that offer the best cherries, apples, wine varieties, and incredible seafood.

Los Angeles is an amazing place to live, if only for nine years thus far.  The traffic, air quality, and real estate prices are certainly of concern but it’s nice to open a newspaper in December and know that I live where the high temperature might just break 74 degrees … at least for now.

Related Links:

A Lyon in the Kitchen site

Nathan's Myspace page

Healthy Living Center

Comments

[Steph]

What I miss most about living in California (I'm a native who's currently living in Oklahoma) is the rich, loamy earth. I love gardening, but it's difficult here, not only because of the extreme temperatures, but also the red clay.

Thanks for showing the Ojai farmers market. Man, I miss Ojai!

I'm really glad to see you have a show--and a great one at that. Congrats!

[kt]

If it makes you feel any better, it's now about 95 degrees here in DC and, of course, nice and humid, lol. Though not the same as the ones in CA, there are a lot of farmer's markets around here now--many more than I remember growing up. I recently discovered your show, and then your blog, and just wanted to say how much I enjoy it. Keep up the good work!

-Katie

[Katie]

OH.
MY.
GOSH.

Stop the presses. I stumbled across LYON IN THE KITCHEN last night while hubby and I relaxed in front of the tube. I said, "OOH! THis looks interesting." Without having to look, I just FELT the eyeroll that my husband displayed. (interpretation--another boring, girly, stupid cooking show)

A few moments later, commercial break. From husband, "That's a pretty cool show."

Congrats, Mr. Nathan.