Laura Avery meets with Samir Mohajer, chef of the Santa Monica restaurant, Rustic Canyon, about okra. He suggests a sautee of okra, with shallots and butter and a little bit of salt and pepper. He slices it thin and serves it with fresh lemon juice squeezed on top, which complements the okra's nutty flavor.
Rustic Canyon
www.rusticcanyonwinebar.com
1119 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica
310-393-7050
Atascadero farmer and rancher, Greg Nowda, has fresh melons at the market this week. He talks about the different varieties of melons, including the top-of-the-line ambrosia, ogen, sharlyn, and cranshaw melons. Each has a slightly different flesh color, and all are sweet. He devulges the secrets of choosing the right melon, how to keep them fresh, and when they're at the perfect level of ripeness for eating.