Mariscos German. Don’t let looks (or name – this is not German Seafood) fool you. The lonchera truck in the liquor store parking lot on 35th and University and their brick and mortar restaurant in the Barrio Logan on Ocean View Drive are dives, but they offer the best, most authentic, Mexican seafood this side of the border. The smoked marlin taco is the best fish taco in San Diego, hands down.

I make a great moules frites and a wonderful vegan stuffed acorn squash with wild rice, lentils, dried apricots and tempeh.

I’m very particular about how things are done in my kitchen.

Ribollita, a Tuscan soup that literally means “reboiled.” It is a great way to get rid of leftovers and turn them into something special. I’d like to think I’m greater than the sum of all my parts.

My grandmother, Miriam Albom. She died when I was so young, I’d love to have her over for dinner to catch up. Italo Calvino, one of my favorite writers. He brings me so much joy each time I read his books the least I can do is cook him a nice meal. Tom Waits – can you imagine the conversation he would bring to the table?