With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today during our fall member drive.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Cauliflower Fit for a King
Should you ever be in need of a Mardi Gras dish to compliment or substitute for King Cake, then the Weiser Family Farms stand at Hollywood Farmers' Market is able to help. The staggering array of potatoes and cauliflower in particular at this time of year should not be missed.
These cultivated hybrids are both psychedelically striking and damn tasty. In fact, we've noticed a recent profusion of purple cauliflower available from numerous vendors around the Sunday market, which might come into handy for meals in honor of the Lakers or a union gathering. (Wieser’s yellow cauliflower comes by way of the clever folks at the Cornell University agricultural school in “gorge-ous” Ithaca, NY.)
Lost in this particular mix pictured above is LAist's favorite -- broccoli romanesco. The groupings of chartreuse spiky swirling protrusions wouldn't look out of place in the background of a Hieronymus Bosch painting, should the peculiar Flemish master had choosen to include delicious produce to further articulate his allegorical visions of hell. (The mighty R.W. Apple likens this vegetable to prickly coral.) Sautee the broccoli with a generous amount of olive oil and salt, a couple diced high-quality anchovy filets, and red chile pepper flakes until it's all super tender, toss with pasta, and you’ve got a fantastic traditional dish common in Italy, rarely found here, yet easily replicated at home in So Cal.
Support for LAist comes from
While East coasters are currently digging through piles of yellowed broccoli and other anemic produce trucked out from from the West coast or flown in from the southern hemisphere, LAist is thankful for the ever-growing local February produce bounty. Combined with the recent incredible nightly smells of fresh blossoms of all varieties, L.A. is the best place to be now.
Until next week when the party starts elsewhere. Granted we're Mardi Gras ignoramuses, but that event devolves into amateur night anyway, right?
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent.
Best of LAist