Latest Posts
Trying to eat local in the heart of California ag country
This post originally appeared on Substack. Since moving to Fresno in 2021, I’ve been thinking a lot about FOOD: where and how it’s grown, and by whom. After all, I live in the central San Joaquin Valley, one of the most productive agricultural areas in the world. Grapes, almonds, pistachios, tomatoes and cattle ruled as…
Following in the Footsteps of my Great-Grandma Carmen
This post was originally published in the Mexico in my Pocket blog on May 21, 2020. The below version has been updated. Lately, I have been thinking about my Grandma Carmen. She’s actually my great-grandmother, my paternal grandmother’s mother. I had the rare fortune of growing up with her in my life. From playing with…
The book that changed the way I think about food.
Imagine (in a pre-covid world) that you live in the hip, Silverlake neighborhood of Los Angeles. It’s a sunny Saturday morning, and you’re headed to mimosa brunch with your friends. You order a specialty coffee and a beautiful Avocado Toast, topped with an organic egg, sea salt and extra virgin olive oil. As you munch…
Historias de Cantinas
Presenting Historias de Cantinas: a project sharing the photos and stories of Mexican cantinas One of my favorite pastimes is visiting traditional, Mexican cantinas. A cantina is a bar that serves (sometimes free) food with drinks, and is usually located in working-class neighborhoods. I’m obsessed with learning about their crazy backstories, people-watching, and enjoying the…
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Melissa Montalvo 