Spring beetsI’m doing handsprings over the First Family’s decision to plant an edible garden at the White House! Michelle Obama puts the spotlight on local, seasonal, and healthy in a huge way. Yes! She believes nutritious and delicious are not mutually exclusive—something we farmers’ market fans have long known—and that sustainably grown basics should be for everyone. Just one little thing: let’s hope beets don’t become the new presidential broccoli. Perhaps when our leader tastes a freshly dug young spring beet roasted to caramelized sweetness, he might change his mind about this often-misunderstood root vegetable?

Call it the pitchfork plan. Our renewed interest in home and community gardens is part of a multi-pronged food sourcing strategy. Farmers, too, are constantly working on more ways to get their crops directly to us. My friend Phil McGrath just opened his Farm Center in Camarillo, 50 miles north of Los Angeles. The family’s farm stand enables them to sell daily-picked, certified organic produce straight from the field, in addition to what they truck to markets; expands their Community Supported Agriculture program; and doubles as a teaching center.

Speaking of gardens and teaching, I’ll be offering ideas about what to do with your backyard harvest at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books on April 25, and the L.A. County Arboretum’s all-about-edibles Festival of Flavors on May 1.

With spring’s new beginnings, comes an ending of note. Nationally-recognized Cook’s Library closes this month after 20 years in the heart of Los Angeles. Owner Ellen Rose, longtime manager Tim Fischer, and their passionate staff built a culinary literary scene that was nothing short of glorious. Generous to authors and readers alike, they expertly hand-sold countless volumes to suit all cooking interests. The store’s departure leaves a great emptiness in the dwindling full-service, independent bookstore landscape.

I’m very pleased to share the news: On May 2, I will receive the YWCA’s 2009 Focus Award at the Skirball Museum. I would be honored to see you there and hope you’ll join me in support of this organization that empowers at-risk women and girls through opportunities for growth and leadership.

And remember, April is National Grilled Cheese Month. Check out my Camembert, Mustard Greens and Delicious Mushroom Sandwich at Clementine, West L.A.’s seasonal comfort food café, and tune in to Good Food’s “celebration of melt” on KCRW.