Healthy Eating Archives

Valentine Pancakes with A.R. Valentien, La Jolla

February 11, 2026 by Chef Marian

As you can clearly see, the order in which you create these pancakes are much different than “take a half cup of pancake powder, a half cup of water and mix”.

And after all the steps, count ’em, 5 steps, then you just go ahead and ‘cook like regular pancakes’. lol

Well, as you see, these are not regular pancakes! And when you make these, you will not be just a regular home cook!

The Plot, Oceanside Sourdough Making Class

February 2, 2026January 31, 2026 by Chef Marian

I didn’t know what to expect, going to a sourdough bread making class at one of my personal favorites ….

The Plot, Oceanside.

I settle in and I am offered a Cocktail or Mocktail. Without hesitation I say: “Cocktail”. Same drink only mine has Sake. And I must say, that was the most delicious fruit forward drink I have ever had, with or without alcohol.

Always Mindful.

Always Special.

But of course! It’s the Plot. The napkin is garnished with a bitter but edible leaf called nasturtium. They use it in cocktails, salads and as a chimichurri. The leaf is spicy and delicious, and the flower is beautiful as a garnish.

Owner Jessica comes over to comment that it matches my dress! And I didn’t even know I can eat the leaf! She also says they have just formed a non-profit for the garden project to help fund its evolution and impact, and just received their 501c(3) status. So The Plot continues on their upward path!

Food Glorious Food!

My MALK Morning (and What I Learned)

January 12, 2026 by Chef Marian

If you’ve ever poured plant milk like MALK into coffee and watched it turn into a snow globe of tiny flecks… welcome to the club.

I drink MALK refrigerated almond milk instead of dairy milk because I like the simple ingredient list and the taste. But in coffee? It can separate (aka “curdle/split”) so fast you barely have time to stir.

Chef Marian’s Thanksgiving: Tips & Tricks

November 25, 2025 by Chef Marian

Tip #2: Mis en Place = Stress vanishes

People in France have a saying that we have adopted for being set up: “Mis en place” — Everything in its place. And in America, we have a saying: “Where did I put that?!”

Chop your veggies first.
Measure your spices.
Line up little bowls like a culinary runway.
Then when it’s time to cook, you’re not scrambling — you’re composing. Stress happens when chaos hits the kitchen. Organization turns you into a chef.

Fish: Healthy or not?

November 13, 2025 by Chef Marian

Different oceans have different mercury loads —
but the same species always rank at the top, because the biology is the same. This consistency across time, geography, and different labs makes the data extremely reliable.

Table of Four, The Plot, Oceanside

November 10, 2025 by Chef Marian

Their Chronic Roll Sushi is ah-mazing. We are all enjoying it. “It’s a lions mane mushroom sushi. “It’s seasoned absolutely perfectl” says Laurie. “The texture is perfect, like real sushi” says Kristen. Patsy says: “It’s so satisfying. I can’t get over it!”

Operation: Read the Label (and Drop the Canola, Sunflower, Safflower & Palm Oils)

November 7, 2025 by Chef Marian

We fight with our wallets. We win with awareness. Every ingredient list you decode is a tiny act of rebellion. Every bottle of extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil is a badge of honor.

Table of 6, The Tasty Noodle House on Convoy, San Diego

October 27, 2025 by Chef Marian

Phyllis says: “I really enjoy the shrimp.” And as I look around the table it becomes obvious that we all feel the same, at least those of us that are not vegan. But there was plenty to eat for all.

Table for 2, Catania, La Jolla Restaurant Review

August 18, 2025 by Chef Marian

I have eaten a lot of pizza, in my time and being from New York and a Chef who makes her own pizza …. I will say that this is a very different white pie and exceptionally well done.

When you can taste all the different elements and each bite is a different experience, now that’s something to savor over. Chef Patsy comments that it is just the right amount of goat cheese.

Locally Sourced Top Quality Produce at San Diego Restaurants Part 2

August 18, 2025 by Chef Marian

Most people go to Prk 101, Carlsbad because of the ambiance. It’s a really casual fun place to eat! The roof top lounge is unique for North County. When you read up on them, you find out their delicious bbq is locally sourced from nearby farms. Might be a fun meetup!