Alice Waters

I was first introduced to the amazing Alice Waters when my friends Jessica and Jed gave me her book, In The Green Kitchen. It has recipes from other great chefs and it gave me a good foundation for cooking. I learned lots about technique, which was and still is new territory for me in the kitchen. I love the idea of cooking, but truly lack the confidence when I’m on my own. Once I was hooked, I picked up The Art of Simple Food. Rather than a cookbook that’s filled, page after page with endless recipes, Alice shares her philosophy – using fresh and seasonal ingredients that are grown locally. She really helps you understand why you’re cooking with certain things and how they come together to make a delicious dish.

I’ve included some pictures from the celebration she had to mark her restaurant’s 40 year anniversary and her newest book, 40 Years of Chez Panisse: The Power of Gathering, which I just picked up. I’m inspired by everything – from the tables to the flowers and her passion and philosophy.

I especially love the use of mason jars as vases, which is a staple at my dinner table and around my house. Here, I love the burlap tied around the jars with a piece of jute. It’s a simple and a beautiful way to compliment the wildflowers and I can’t wait to try this at home.

Besides loving her books, food, and overall philosophy and aesthetic, the thing I admire most about Alice Waters is her work and dedication to the community. Through The Chez Pannise Foundaiton, she started The Edible Schoolyard which inspired LA’s own Garden School Foundation. I was introduced to GSF through my friend and amazing interior designer Nathan Turner. We partnered together, along with Amber Valetta and threw an amazing event in my backyard to raise money for GSF to build an outdoor kitchen. Mozza, one of my favorite LA restaurants, catered the event and the owner Nancy Silverton is a big supporter of GSF. They served the most amazing pizzas and Nancy’s famous Chopped Salad. Nathan and I decorated the tables with help from Pottery Barn and everything turned out beautifully. It was such a fun and chic event and for a great cause.

To see more pictures from the event, check out C Magazine.

If you’re not confident cooking or you don’t know where to begin, The Art of Simple Food is a perfect place to start.

Click to learn more about The Edible School Yard and the Garden School Foundation. All things Alice Waters can be found HERE.

For mason jars, I love finding vintage ones on eBay and you can also order new jars in bulk HERE.