Cooking Archives • The Mendocino Voice

Overhead view of a bowl of tomato-based seafood stew filled with shrimp, chunks of white fish, mussels and clams, garnished with fresh parsley. The bowl sits on a wood-grain table beside a plate of grilled bread, a spoon and fork on a folded napkin, and a glass of white wine.

A Mendocino institution evolves in new Café Beaujolais cookbook

by Sarah Stierch February 17, 2026March 10, 2026

Julian Lopez’s “The New Café Beaujolais Cookbook” blends longtime favorites from Margaret Fox with updated recipes that reflect the restaurant’s next chapter.

Cover of the cookbook Rooted in Fire by Pyet Despain. The front shows Despain smiling while holding a plate of food outdoors, wearing a red dress and turquoise necklace. The subtitle reads, “A Celebration of Native American and Mexican Cooking,” and the spine features the book title and author’s name.

Food & Drink

‘Next Level Chef’ winner Pyet DeSpain debuts cookbook celebrating Native and Mexican roots

by Sarah Stierch November 29, 2025February 3, 2026

“Rooted in Fire” features dishes from fry bread to bison soup, plus stories from the chef’s Prairie Band Potawatomi and Mexican heritage.

Bowl of chili filled with beans, tomatoes, and chunks of chicken, topped with shredded cheese and sliced green onions, with a spoon resting inside.

Food & Drink

Willits event teaches low-cost cooking with simple, healthy ingredients

by Mendo Voice Staff November 20, 2025November 17, 2025

The free workshop aims to help families and individuals navigate rising food and utility costs with practical skills for low-cost, high-nutrition cooking.