ONE BIG TABLE

How lovely to be included in Molly O'Neill's new cookbook, 10 years in the making. My Mom's recipe for Armenian Rice Pilaf is one of 600 recipes from the nation's best home cooks, farmers, fishermen, pit-masters, and chefs.

SuperNATURAL KIDS COOKBOOK - COMING SOON

The recipes are all winners and the illustrations are gorgeous. I'm looking forward to more cooking classes--one of the best ways to build confidence and self-sufficiency in kids.

SUPERNATURAL KIDS COOKBOOK - COMING SOON

In 1977, I published what I believe to be the first vegetarian natural foods cookbook on the market - SUPERNATURAL. Even though it was picked up by an educational publishing company and used in California schools, it was a bit ahead of its time. It was time for an update. Recipes have been tested, Alexandra Conn, my goddaughter did the most gorgeous illustrations, Bridget Fonda wrote the Foreword, and it's ready to go to press. Can't wait to share it.

Women Who Write

On May 25th, 60 dynamic women gathered in Vicki Abelson's living room for the fun-filled fest called Women Who Write. Yours truly was one of the authors invited to read. I was in wonderful company--Lisa Rae Page Rosenberg, Vicki Abelson herself, April Winchell & Betsy Hammer--and it was the kind of experience authors live for. WWW is also a potluck brunch so we were treated to an array of delicious cuisine. I brought my "famous" tabbouli and this group of enthusiastic women bought a load of copies of Siren's Feast. I have to say that April Winchell is one of the funniest women I've ever encountered. What a day! I can't wait until next month to see who Vicki has put together.

For a taste of Women Who Write, check out the YouTube video.

New York State of Mind

Even though the weather was mostly lousy, I love New York. After a brief stop in the city, to catch Herman Leonard's show at Jazz At Lincoln Center, In The Best Possible Light, I headed out to Woodstock with long time friend Lola Cohen. What a great place to wait out the storm. In Woodstock I met Martha Frankel, fellow author of one of the best memoirs I've ever read, Hats and Eyeglasses. Martha runs the Woodstock Writer's Festival and I'm invited next year!

My trip ended with one of the main reasons I was there, Lola's book launch party at Elaine's. The party was packed with well-wishers, actors, acting students and friends. Lola edited the definitive book on Lee Strasberg and the Method, The Lee Strasberg Notes. Now, when Lola and I get together, we compare our Amazon listings. Of course, on my last day in NY, the weather was spectacular, perfect for a stroll through Central Park.

Memoir Nights

Everyone has a story to tell. With that in mind, Tristine Rainer, author of YOUR LIFE AS STORY, Ray Elizondo, author of THE LAST PACHUCO, Paul Krehbiel, author of SHADES OF JUSTICE, and yours truly with SIREN'S FEAST, AN EDIBLE ODYSSEY have been appearing at libraries around Los Angeles, offering tools for creating the structure of one's own story along with tales of our own literary journeys and the world of self-publishing.

Judging from the turnouts and from the interest from our audiences, everyone does have a story to tell and many are eager to do so.

Revolutionary Mama Meets B'steeya

I was delighted to get an email from Layla Rose, gorgeous, enchanting Hollywood Mom and life coach extraordinaire, telling me she loved Siren's Feast and asking if I would consider being Revolutionary Mama of the Month, a feature of her website Revolutionary Mama. When Layla told me she was going to attempt to make one of my recipes from Siren's Feast, B'steeya, I insisted she come for dinner and we'd make one together. The result: a fabulous evening and a perfect b'steeya. Layla posted the recipe on Revolutionary Mama. And I now have a new little soul sister.

I've said it before, B'steeya has to be one of the world's best dishes and only someone stoned on hashish could create an extravaganza like it.