Last year, March 2023, Martha Stewart visited my restaurant, Rawtopia. I was there, served her some of my favorite items on the menu, and was delighted by her wonderful and beautiful presence. She shared her passion of organic gardening and flavorful food. She truly enjoyed her experience and invited me to go to New York to her home and film a cooking segment with her. We filmed it last April 2023 and it is finally airing on Roku on Martha Cooks, Monday May 20th, 2024.
I have owned and operated my restaurant for almost 19 years now. I lost my father to cancer in 2004, and opened my restaurant shortly after, in 2005. I started in a very small hole in a wall place, presenting organic raw foods that, in that time, was impossible to find anything like it. My passion was to serve people healthy food and to support the planet by supporting organic and regenerative agricultural practices.
I have moved locations 3 times, struggled so much to push through the mainstream paradigm of food, and persevered through Covid and all the hardships of being an odd restaurant that is unique and different from all the restaurants that is out there. To be recognized by Martha Stewart has fueled me with gratitude and hope and I truly feel seen through her generosity of having me on her show.
To my entire staff, my dearest mother that has been with me from the very beginning, I am truly grateful for all of you. I couldn’t have done it without you and thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Thank you to all my loyal customers that have supported me through this journey of clean wholesome eating, and our shared mission for a cleaner healthier planet. Together I believe we can help influence positive change in our world. Much love to all!
Recipe for Tabouleh
5 bunches of parsley (chopped finely)
3 heirloom tomatoes (chopped in little cubes)
8 scallions (chopped finely)
1/2 red onion (chopped finely)
1/2 c mint leaves minced
3/4 c unrefined unfiltered olive oil
3/4 c freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 c hemp seeds
1 Tablespoon SeaSalt
Pair with organic chichen or grass fed steak, enjoy!