Catching Up With Plant-Based Chef and Coconut Kitchen Author Meredith Baird

Plant-based raw chef and author Meredith Baird is a crusader for coconut, thanks to her latest book, Coconut Kitchen: Nature’s Must Beautifying Superfood. Earlier this week I shared a fresh coconut yogurt recipe from from its pages. I find her work—which also includes Everyday Raw Detox—incredibly inspiring. Meredith lives passionately and happily in Venice with her fiancé and two cats, where along with wedding planning, recipe development and creative direction she is currently working on her next book: Avocado Kitchen. I think it goes without saying I can’t wait to see it! In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this look into Meredith’s home and healthy lifestyle. XXJKE

Rip & Tan: Can you share a bit about your culinary journey, and the role that a raw, vegan lifestyle has played in it?

I gravitated towards health and wellness and a vegetarian diet at a young age. I was always reading cookbooks and researching vegetarian chefs and restaurants. I honestly don’t know why—it was just something that has always been in me. When I graduated college I was really into raw food. At the time it was very fringe, but I decided to become certified as a raw food chef and instructor through Living Light Culinary Arts. I wanted to be part of a plant-based movement and prove that healthy food could also be beautiful, artful and delicious. It’s almost a cliche to say that now, especially in LA. It’s been almost 10 years that I’ve been a part of the raw food movement and it still amazes me that I’ve made a career out of it! Having a passion has been such a blessing. My life is a testament to going with your gut and, yes, following your passions! 

Rip & Tan: Where do you look for inspiration? 

Inspiration is everywhere. For me the thing I find most inspiring to my work is culinary philosophy and food writing. I’ve always been a huge fan of writers like Judith Jones, MFK Fisher, Ruth Reichl and Michael Pollan. The French philosopher/gastronome Brillat-Savarin really has the most profound things to say about it all. He sums up my dietary philosophy the best: “Those persons who suffer from indigestion, or who become drunk, are utterly ignorant of the true principles of eating and drinking.” I think a lot about what it means to actually be healthy; it’s so much more than diet. An enthusiasm for life is essential. So much health advice is fear based. I believe it is so important to partake in the little daily pleasures and have rituals to maintain health. 

Rip & Tan: Are there any culinary greats whose work you particularly admire?

For culinary art with integrity, chefs like Dan Barber, Alice Waters, Michel Bras and the list goes on. So many people are doing amazing things with food these days—it’s so inspiring!  

Rip & Tan: I’m a big fan of Everyday Raw Detox, and your latest, Coconut Kitchen. What inspired you to create a comprehensive offering dedicated to cooking with this superfood?

I couldn’t think of one food that was more beneficial or versatile—both internally and externally—than the coconut. I’m also really passionate about the importance of healthy fat. Misunderstanding fat has been one of the greatest dietary fallacies of the 20th century. Coconut has it all covered!

Rip & Tan: What is the most rewarding part of your work?

My mind is blown that I have the life I have, living in Los Angles, finding love here, and creating a career for myself out of my passions. I’m 31 and have never had a nine-to-five job. I’m essentially my own boss and I work with people who inspire me daily. The whole picture is pinch-me rewarding. Sometimes I can’t believe it’s real life.

Beauty + Health

Rip & Tan: What are your go-to beauty products? Why?

Coconut oil and a body balm that I make out of kokum nut butter, mango butter, avocado and coconut oils. I’m in the process of developing it—it’s called Nucifera. I have really dry skin so my focus is always on nourishing and nurturing. Regardless of skin type I believe that you should focus on building up the skin’s natural resilience as opposed to stripping it down.

Rip & Tan: Bath or shower? 

A quick shower to clean, but baths are my greatest luxury. I take 3-4 magnesium baths a week for as long as I can. I often work and dictate things from my phone while in the tub—shhhh, don’t tell!

Rip & Tan: What do you do to stay healthy and balanced?

Plenty of sleep, quality time with my love, sunshine and lots of lemon water. 

Rip & Tan: Do you work out? 

I try to do something active every day, even if it’s just taking a short walk. I go through my phases—sometimes I’m training for a long run, in which case I will run a lot. Bikram and Kundalini are my yogas of choice: I do both a few times a month. 

Rip & Tan: What do you swear by? 

I swear by sunshine and moving, whatever the movement is.

Decor

Rip & Tan: What is your design philosophy for your home? 

A battle between minimal and eclectic. As much as I love a really minimal aesthetic, I think a home should feel cozy, colorful and lived in. Art and artifacts from life’s adventures are essential. 

Rip & Tan: What is your favorite room in the house? 

Kitchen/living area and the roof deck.

Rip & Tan: What are your favorite home stores?

My sister works in interior design with Manor Fine Wares in Portland, Oregon—inevitably I try to buy things from her. My favorite shopping for home is really at the Sunday Santa Monica flea market, otherwise I love any store with a good selection of mid-century antiques: JF Chen, Galerie Half, many places in Palm Springs. I also really like Obsolete in Culver City for more quirky pieces.

Entertaining

Rip & Tan: Do you entertain at home? If so, what are some of your tricks?

I love having people over. Keeping it simple and stress-free for the hostess is key. I’m always the cook, so I rely heavily on things that can be prepared ahead of time and served room temp so you can relax and enjoy. That’s also the beauty of raw food—nothing is hot!  

Rip & Tan: How do you set the scene?

Good wine, good lighting, and a clean and calm space. I always burn palo santo right before people come over no matter what time of day. 

Rip & Tan: What are your favorite flowers and where do you buy them?

I’m a sucker for dahlias, peonies, ranunculus and roses, but around the house is usually more architectural and low maintenance. I always have eucalyptus displayed, and I go to the Friday Venice farmers market and buy a weekly bouquet from the avocado farmer from Carpinteria. He makes the most beautiful arrangements. Right now it’s a mix of eucalyptus, birds of paradise, hydrangeas and protea—so amazing.

Fashion

Rip & Tan: How do you describe your style? 

Too causal and beachy lately! But on a good day modern, timeless and functional. I love fashion and am drawn to a lot of different styles depending on my mood, but the reality of my wardrobe is simple.  

Rip & Tan: Who are your favorite designers?

I like Acne, Raquel Allegra, Base Range, Ann Demeulemeester, Margiela, Celine, Dries. I appreciate designers that have a distinct aesthetic without being trendy.

Rip & Tan: What are the pieces you can’t live without this season?

Acne Jensen suede ankle boots that I will have forever; a Zero + Maria Cornejo black cape-like jacket that I got a killer deal on. Cozy sweaters, and that’s about it for fashion! 

Rip & Tan: What is your uniform?

Black pants with a good cut, often harem, and a basic top, either a simple white T-shirt or cozy sweater. 

Rip & Tan: What are your favorite stores (online and in store) for clothing?

I love Totokaelo and Creatures of Comfort. I’m also really liking the brand AYR for great online basics.

Food 

Rip & Tan: Is there anything about your diet you would like to share with Rip & Tan?

I really prescribe to the no-diet diet. I believe in a balance between healthy food and healthy pleasure. Although there are foods I choose to avoid, I have a very open-minded approach and believe that your overall health comes from much more than just what you eat. Also, always drink water and lemon first thing in the morning—it’s a game changer! 

Rip & Tan: What is your favorite recipe? 

My favorite thing to make is this eclectic arrangement/DIY platter of whatever vegetables I have on hand, a mix of roasted and raw. I’ll serve that with a side of forbidden rice or quinoa, avocado, kraut, nori and some type of tahini dressing. It’s so beautiful and easy! 

Rip & Tan: Can I have a copy of it to share with readers? 

My Coconut Sushi Hand Roll recipe, from Coconut Kitchen, inspired my platters. It’s really meant to be taken in any direction that inspires you! Young coconut meat is an excellent substitute for fish though.

Art 

Rip & Tan: Who are your favorite artists?

Too many to name. If I could own any piece it would be George de La Tour, The Magdalen with the Smoking Flame. There is something so magical about his lighting. Baroque art blows my mind, even though it’s not necessarily fitting to my Venice, CA, abode or budget.

Rip & Tan: What is your favorite piece of art you own?

A large abstract piece from the Venice artist William Attaway that my fiancé and I purchased when we first moved in together. 

Photos: Yayo Ahumado