Ode to Alice Waters

Meeting Alice Waters at Chino Farms, December 2013

Alice Waters has a new book coming out in June 2021, We Are What We Eat: A Slow Food Manifesto, which you can pre-order now at Amazon. This year, her iconic restaurant, Chez Panisse, in Berkeley, California, celebrates its 50th Anniversary. So hard to believe. If you missed the recent New York Times article, Alice Waters Says People Who Call Her Elitist Just Don’t Get It, it is juicy reading.

I am just one person among millions, who have been greatly influenced by Alice Waters in so many ways. She is a national treasure. She is not afraid to speak her mind about eating, food, and food production. She has been honored over and over again, and people from royalty to presidents listen. Alice Waters is a great example, like Lulu Peyraud, of how one person can change the world, with authenticity and passion.

When I speak to groups, and in my writing, her underlying voice is resonating the now familiar philosophy of growing your own food, cooking fresh and simple, eating locally, eating seasonally, celebrating your food with all of your senses, teaching children through gardening, sustainability, supporting artisan farmers, slow food versus fast food, and more.

In 2018, I helped one of my garden clubs bring Alice Waters to San Diego to speak at the beautiful ballroom, Prado at Balboa Park. It was a sold out event. Everyone’s ticket included a beautifully prepared luncheon, a copy of her then latest book, Coming To My Senses, and a meaningful contribution to Alice Waters’ Edible Schoolyard Project. Besides her ability to speak gracefully to over 300 attendees about food, her philosophy, her long time friendship with Chino Farms, our food culture, and her beloved schoolyard project, she also had time to meet and “thank” the chef who prepared our luncheon, the event committee, and my dear friend and team, who made the beautiful edible centerpieces.

VIP Table at Alice Waters’ February 2018 Event, Prado at Balboa Park

Thank you Alice for your courage, vision, and tenacity! If you have a favorite Alice Waters story or recipe, please share!