it’s no secret that i LOVE food. i was raised in a household where food was extremely important and celebrated every day. it didn’t hurt that my dad was a master chef and took great pride in preparing elaborate dinners for the family every night. so how lucky am i to live near chez panisse ?! yesterday i met some of my favorite friends there for an impromptu lunch. it sounds so decadent in a way, as i usually reserve chez panisse for special occasions, but it really is just the best simple food made with the freshest ingredients and love,  served in a homey environment. sans frills. just like it was growing up. so simple + true.

and here was my said lunch:  housemade bucatini + clams. sensational.