Snack Mountain Blog

I don’t know where to begin. Last night blew my mind! Sandor Katz gave a 2+ hour inspirational lecture in an Episcopal Church. As a novice in this field, it was great to be around so many enthusiasts (not to mention characters). Many people were taking notes but I just wanted to soak it all in. I love lectures given by people who are both highly experienced and passionate about their field. After the lecture, on my way to the workshop room, I ran into my friend Jessica from SQIRLA along with a bunch of Master Preservers! They all met via a Master Preservers Program that I had no idea existed. So we all gathered at tables and made huge batches of Sauerkraut!

Then I got an autographed copy of his new book which I can’t urge you enough to buy. I looked through it a little bit last night and was blown away. It’s filled with personal anecdotes and tips from people he’s met over the years plus unconventional uses for Kombucha SCOBYs and more!

I was so inspired that I wanted to get my own batch going ASAP! I can’t wait to taste it! Let’s get bubbly!!!!!!!!

Am I a lucky duck or what? Tonight I am going to a fermentation workshop with Sandor Ellix Katz!!! His first book is a huge inspiration for me, my work, my diet, everything. The workshop tonight follows a lecture and a book signing of his new book which I have pre-purchased! It’s even cooler that today he’s all over the NYTimes Dining Section! I’ll post pictures after the event! I’ve also got a new idea for an iPhone app involving fermentation! More to come!

So I am about to start the process of getting California plates. Although I’ve been here a year this feels like a big moment for me. It signals my commitment to live here for a long time and I must say that it feels pretty damn exciting! My life here so far has been filled with so many great things. I am so grateful for the rewarding friendships I have formed and the opportunity to set creative goals for myself and Snack Mountain. My experience has also been filled with coincidences that I can only attribute to a sign that I am in the right place. It’s just like in the game Where in Time is Carmen Sandiego when you land in the right place, you see one of her henchmen! Well, over the past few days I’ve been spotting really good California plates including “WHY,” “USA” and my personal favorite “RAD.” It must be a sign, right? I can’t wait to see what sequence of numbers and letters I get!

Hi Folks,

I just returned from the gorgeous Mid-West. I spent two days in Chicago with a college friend Megan Coleman who is so awesome. When my brother came to meet me Friday morning he said that at first he thought he was at my house based on the art and toys she had on display. We met this amazing “ghost” dachshund (see above) at a vintage store in Wicker Park. We also hung out with another old college friend Devin who I hadn’t seen since I graduated. His claymation is out of this world! We went to the Art Institute of Chicago where we saw the Lichtenstein show and the Thorne Miniatures room!

Then I was off to Lake Geneva for a wedding where I hung with all my “brothers!” Matt’s baby is too cute and he agreed to marry me although I don’t think he actually understands what he agreed too. There’s time to explain…

The night ended with the traditional Bacardi 151 fireballs! Stay tuned for the animated gif of that one! You can see the flickr set here!

I love you Los Angeles. That’s all I need to say right now.

Miss Bate O’Bonner and Miss Leah! Ladies ladies ladies. Love you both!

It’s a known fact that aliens like Kimchi. All fermented foods are actually beloved by extra-terrestrials. Which is why ET hypnotized me to make him some Kimchi. I’ve been exclusively drawing and fermenting so far this week with a side of Korean cold noodles. Good combo. I picked up Sandor Ellix Katz’s Wild Fermentation book in Portland and can’t stop thinking about it. Just wait till you see what happens next!