The Healthier “Happy Meal” (sans the GMOs!)

Three weeks ago I began a class out of my kitchen, called “Meatless Mondays in Ina’s Kitchen.” For the month of March, I’ve opened up my kitchen to 8 eager participants who come hungry and receptive to what I’ve prepared and set before them. Each week I have a theme or two, and a menu that exemplifies the themes. The foods chosen reflect the transition into spring and the produce being as seasonal and local as possible.

The Illusion of Diversity

Yes, it’s Spring – and produce season is ostensibly months away. I say that with my tongue firmly planted in my cheek because we can buy hot weather fruit and vegetables year round thanks to the “miracle” of modern transportation.

From Ready-Made to Homemade

Maybe you’ve been making your own granola for years but it never occurred to you that not all mac n’ cheese comes from a box. I remember when I first decided to make tomato sauce myself. I used canned tomatoes at first instead of fresh, sure, but there’s no problem with that. At least I was thinking outside the jar of ready-made marinara.

Dinner With Lisa

Visiting Allium Restaurant on Orcas Island is much like having dinner at Lisa Nakamura’s house. The restaurant is small – seating about 35 – and there are just two in the kitchen: Lisa and Anna Harlow. Chef Nakamura launched Allium in 2010, and the world noticed! Ms. Nakamura generously answered questions for GoodFood World, and here are a few insights into her philosophies, business practices, and management style.