'Sooner or later, nearly everyone who cares about wine and food comes to Sonoma' - so begins this lively excursion to a spectacular region that has become known internationally as a Locavore's paradise. Part memoir, part vivid reportage, "Field Days" chronicles the renaissance in farming organically and eating locally that is unfolding in Northern California. Jonah Raskin tells of the year he spent on Oak Hill Farm - working the fields, selling produce at farmers' markets, and following it to restaurants. He also goes behind the scenes at Whole Foods. In this luminous account of his experiences, Raskin introduces a dynamic cast of characters - farmers, chefs, winemakers, farm workers, and environmentalists. They include such luminaries as: Warren Weber at Star Route Farm, the oldest certified organic farm in Marin County; Bob Cannard, who has supplied Chez Panisse with vegetables for decades; Sharon Grossi, the owner of the largest organic farm in Sonoma; and, Craig Stoll, the founder and executive chef at Delfina in San Francisco. Raskin also offers portraits of renowned historical figures, including Luther Burbank, Jack London, and M.F.K. Fisher. "Field Days" is a heartfelt celebration of the farm-to-table movement and its cultural reverberations.

About the Author
Jonah Raskin is Professor of Communication Studies at Sonoma State University and the author of The Radical Jack London: Writings on War and Revolution, American Scream: Allen Ginsberg's "Howl" and the Making of the Beat Generation, and For the Hell of It: The Life and Times of Abbie Hoffman, all available from University of California Press.

Reviews
"Lyrical... A finely textured account of how the origins of eating and drinking reveal the nuances of modern community." Kirkus Reviews "Each of Raskin's subjects has some unique history, but they are united in their love for what they perceive as a fulfilling rural lifestyle." Booklist "Filled with stories of people's lives, heritage and motivations for working the land ... Each one's story is illuminating." San Francisco Chronicle "Provides vicarious and delicious adventurous ." Pittsburgh Post-Gazette "Raskin's tone is so endearing, humble, and respectful that his adventures come across as relatable and realistic." Serious Eats "While set in California, [Raskin's] book cites a national trend... Inspiring." Athol Daily News "Crafts an intimate appreciation of Northern California's traditional farming heritage and contemporary organic renaissance." National Geographic Traveler



Book Information
ISBN 9780520268036
Author Jonah Raskin
Format Paperback
Page Count 344
Imprint University of California Press
Publisher University of California Press
Weight(grams) 363g
Dimensions(mm) 210mm * 140mm * 20mm