It’s 2011 and I still find myself in San Francisco. I’m loving the city and have found a couple of kitchens I enjoy spending time in. My fave is definitely the kitchen at San Francisco Zen Center’s City Center. Following instructions to the cook written centuries ago, we make amazingly good, simple vegetarian fare with love, attention, and presence. It is truly some of the best vegetarian food I’ve eaten, and you’d be surprised how simple and uncomplicated it is.
I found the City Center kitchen after a good friend recommended I watch the video “How to Cook Your Life” by Edward Brown (Thank you good friend!!) A large part of coming to San Francisco was to work in this kitchen, and after spending time there I find their kitchen practice is what I’ve been trying to do with food for a few years now.
The Zen Center also owns Green Gulch Farm a few miles north of the city, where they have been farming using organic and Biodynamic methods since the 70′s. I haven’t had much urge to come out of the kitchen since I’ve been in SF, but I fancy myself spending time at Green Gulch one day. They farm with the intention I was trying to, and it just seems right that we should hang out a bit.
I’ve also been spending time in the kitchen at Project Open Hand. This is one of the most chill commercial kitchens I’ve ever been in, and they take extra time and care to put Love into the food. Some pretty wonderful people work and volunteer here and it’s been a joy to work with them.
Not so sure what 2011 will bring but there are some lovely options starting to take shape.
Oh, and did I mention I finally found the Zen practice I’ve been looking for?
Have a fabulous 2011! See you soon!
Om,
Calliope
