Ever since we were going through build-out at The Cook’s Garden by HGEL on Abbot Kinney here in Venice, CA, we have been approached by many residents in the neighborhood asking about opportunities to lease a box for themselves and their families. While we continue to talk to restaurants and chefs in the area, we have decided to open a limited number of boxes to home cooks in the neighborhood.

The Cook’s Garden by HGEL will support the growing food revolution by promoting HGEL’s approach to hyper-locavorism. At our first location, the HGEL urban growers at The Cook’s Garden will work with the best and brightest chefs and mixologists on the hot Abbot Kinney restaurant row in the heart of Venice, custom growing the rare culinary ingredients their craft demands…. all with a minimal carbon footprint and sustainable organic practice.

You may remember hearing that the Asian Citrus Pysllid was found recently in Hacienda Heights (suburb of the San Gabriel Valley in LA County) generating renewed concern about the possible spread of the devastating and incurable citrus disease, Huanglongbing or Citrus Greening Disease which could desecrate our 1.2 BILLION dollar citrus industry in California as […]

Happy Anniversary to the mar’sel edible garden! This is Part Four in this blog series on “The Rebirth of a Garden”. Be sure to read Part 1, 2 and 3 for a great community story as well as great tips and resources on soil management, edible planting strategies and design tips.

Ok…foundation work is done so now on to the fun part – planning the planting list! This meant that it was time to meet with mar’sel’s chef, Michael Fiorelli, to discuss his fall menu. “My inspiration comes from farmers who dedicate their lives to respecting the earth and their local communities. A great dish starts with the freshest seasonal ingredients.” Chef explained in a recent interview.

It was a beautiful day to be playing in the dirt! A beautiful surrounding landscape, gorgeous views, great mild weather….gardening perfection at Terranea!

This landscape was speaking to me…..and then I saw the raised beds outside of mar’sel restaurant… What message could a successful and productive commercial edible garden send to the public strolling by to the beach or on their way to dinner? “Here we are….we’re growing our own food just like you!” the garden could shout out! “Come see what we’re doing and be inspired!” the garden could scream! I couldn’t just walk away.