BEGINNINGS
When I first visited Mendocino and Lake counties on a pandemic road trip a few years ago, I was bewitched by the amazing breadth and depth of the food and drink produced, made and found here. I ate and drank my way through that trip (and many subsequent ones), determined to sample as many of the fruits, vegetables, fungi, desserts, cocktails, breads, cheeses, seafoods, wines, beers, ciders and kombuchas as I could get my hands on. And an idea began to germinate, as it were.
Why not start a food and drink magazine? Why not share my love and knowledge of the amazing farmers, artisanal producers, restaurants, wineries and merchants with everyone else? My decades-long background in journalism, food and travel writing, communications, and public relations seemed a natural fit. I knew and admired the Edible Communities brand, and learned that there was a license available for an Edible magazine in Mendocino and Lake counties. So I took the leap—bought the license, sold my house in Sacramento, moved to Ukiah, and got to work.
My own story is not so different from that of Patrick Broderick of Tall Guy Brewing (profiled here). We both spent years mastering our respective fields, building relationships in the community, then striking out on our own. And just as Chef Meany of the Inn at Newport Ranch (profiled here) is committed to sourcing all his products locally, so is Edible Mendocino & Lake Counties committed to covering the local people, products, issues, events and businesses that comprise the rich tapestry of the food and beverage economy in these two counties.
I hope you enjoy this inaugural issue, and are entertained and inspired by the recipes, photos, and stories within. In the coming year I look forward to bringing you both broader and deeper content as I get to know more of you and continue to explore the unique corners of the region—from coasts, to valleys, to forests, to lakes—and the culinary treasures they contain.
Karen Elowitt
Publisher & Managing Editor
