Sarma Melngailis :: An Interview + Giveaway

June 30, 2009

Sarma Melngailis is the proprietor and co-founder of Pure Food and Wine, one of New York City’s premier raw food restaurants. She is also the founder and CEO of One Lucky Duck, a company that produces and packages a line of raw food snacks, offers ingredients, supplements, kitchen tools, books, and many more organic and eco-friendly products and supplies.

Sarma has authored two raw food recipe books, the most recent contribution to the world of recipe books was released today, Living Raw Food.

In this interview, Sarma gives us a few great tips on running a successful restaurant, shares a few of the books that inspire her in business, she talks about her favorite kitchen gadgets, recipes, and more.

Enjoy the Interview…

Raw Epicurean: Tell us a bit about your background as a chef and at what point in your culinary career you became interested in raw living food?

Sarma Melngailis: I don’t really think of myself as a chef anymore. I’m not sure I ever did, in the professional sense. It was just something I did for a while, and something I love, but it’s not my background and I’ve moved away from the kitchen to focus on growth and the One Lucky Duck business.

After college I started out in investment banking, then private equity, then at a hedge fund of sorts, and then I finally left finance altogether and enrolled at the French Culinary Institute. In college while everyone else in my classes was reading The Wall Street Journal I was reading Gourmet and Food and Wine magazines. So it’s not surprising I ended up cooking. My mother was a professional chef, so I grew up in a food centric environment.

After cooking school I got into the restaurant business with a partner for a while and I spent a lot of time in the kitchen and working on creating dishes and menus.

A couple years later, in between projects, I ended up having dinner in a raw food café. I didn’t know anything about raw food. I ended up being totally intrigued. I was with the same partner, and we tried going raw as an experiment. After a few days we realized it was a permanent change. That first dinner at the little café was when I knew inside we were going to do a raw food restaurant—one that would be very different from that little café.

RE: Thankfully, Pure Food and Wine has successfully kept its doors open in the competitive New York food industry and during these tough economical times. What are 3 tips for running a successful restaurant?

SM: Do something different and do it well, so your guests leave wanting to tell other people.

Hire only really nice people and take really good care of them. In turn, they’ll give out good happy vibes that people can feel when they come in, and they’ll also take really good care of all the guests and feel as if the restaurant is their home too.

When things slow down even a little, that’s the best (and most important) time to shower guests with extras… extra food, extra attention, extra love. Always keep in mind that people are spending time and money to come to your place. Some people have traveled from far, planned way ahead, and it’s a special occasion for them. Treat everyone like it’s their special occasion.

RE: I think tattoos are cool. I like your duck tattoo. Did you get it before or after you created your company One Lucky Duck and does it symbolize something significant?

SM: Thanks. :-) I got it just before the online business launched. As soon as the logo was completed and confirmed, I realized it was the tattoo I’d been waiting for. I always wanted one but didn’t want to get just anything. I like the idea of branding myself with the brand of the company.

RE: What books have you read that have influenced the way you approach your business?

SM: Richard Branson’s books, I love him and he inspires me to be stubborn about what I believe in and my intuition. Speaking of intuition, I liked the book Blink by Malcolm Gladwell, it’s fascinating and very cool. I also really liked Danny Meyer’s book about the restaurant business, Setting the Table. His company has the hospitality thing perfected. And right now I’m reading all of Seth Godin’s books. I think he gives me courage to keep at it, and reminds me that it’s not only okay but a good thing to be different.

RE: If you were to open a new restaurant, where would it be?

SM: Tokyo. And London. This is something I’ve always known. Don’t ask me why. (Intuition I guess?).

RE: What are some of your favorite kitchen gadgets?

SM: Right now I’m all about everything ceramic. We recently added Kyocera ceramic tools to oneluckyduck.com and I love my ceramic knife, peeler, and mandoline slicer.

RE: Tell us one of your most amusing behind-the-scenes kitchen stories?

SM: The only thing I can think of is a home kitchen story. It comes right out of my new book (Living Raw Food) where I’m discussing the hazards of using a mandoline slicer if you’re over-confident and also drinking wine, like I was.

“With a mandoline, shredding and shaving takes only seconds. Just don’t shred your finger off! I did this once—sliced off the tip of my middle finger. Who uses the plastic safety guard? Oh yeah, it comes with a safety guard. I recommend using it. I should take my own advice. For the record, I was talking to, and looking at, a really cute boy while shaving fennel at home. These kinds of things are embarrassing when you’re supposed to be experienced in the kitchen.

As soon as I saw this small piece of my body sitting on the cutting board, I panicked and threw it in the garbage, quickly wrapped a dishtowel around my finger, and finished making our salad as if nothing at all unusual had happened. Then we sat down to eat and, of course, all the blood soaking through the towel gave me away. Anyway, the boy bandaged up my finger for me, and being the super-human, raw-food person that I am, it grew back and healed in no time.”

RE: I can imagine owning a restaurant keeps you extremely busy. When you do have time to prepare a meal, what specialty dishes do you enjoy making for yourself, family, and friends?

SM: I don’t end up having a lot of time and I have a tiny NYC apartment kitchen, so I don’t prepare much myself anymore. Just big salads. When I moved into this place, I gave boxes and boxes and boxes of cooking equipment away—pastry tools, mixers, pots and pans in every shape and size, all of it, I gave it all away. I still miss my chrome Kitchen-Aid, we had a special bond. Right now I have a Vita-Mix so I pretty much just make myself green shakes when I have time and my boyfriend gets banana cocoa shakes in the morning. Living right by the restaurant I don’t need to go far for good food. I’m lucky.

RE: Describe your most memorable raw food meal?

SM: It has to be the very first one. I went in with very low expectations and not knowing anything about raw food. I came out a changed person!

RE: What are some of your favorite hobbies?

SM: Good question. I don’t have any! That’s sad. But if I had more time I’d love to get more into photography. I love design too. One day I want to design clothes. I also want to learn more languages. I wish I could just insert a chip in my brain: one for Spanish, one for Japanese, one for German, etc.

RE: If you could be or do anything else what would you be or do?

SM: As much as I fantasize about lying in a hammock on a beach, there’s nothing else I’d rather do than what I’m doing now. It’s just what I’m here to do.

RE: What one word would you use to describe yourself?

SM: This is a hard question. The first thing that popped in my head was “tired” but that’s not good! Maybe determined. I’m asking my CFO on gchat right now and he said I’m too complex to describe in one word. Then he suggested genuine. I like that.

RE: What is the one thing about you few people know?

SM: This is hard too. I’m pretty open in my blog and tweets and writing. There is some stuff few people know that I don’t write about and won’t just yet. Only when it’s all over with and I can take a vacation and actually lie in a hammock on the beach and write my Richard Branson-esque memoirs.

RE: What have you accomplished that makes you most proud?

SM: I think building a business with 70 employees (so far) who are all amazing people and feel really good about where they work is what makes me most proud. It sounds corny but there’s just a lot of love in the restaurant and One Lucky Duck, and I like taking care of people. I also love running a business that gets really good food out there and makes people happy and healthier.

RE: If you could ask three famous chefs, who aren’t raw, to dinner at Pure Food and Wine, whom would you invite?

SM: That’s easy. Anthony Bourdain, Marco Pierre White, and Jeffrey Steingarten, preferably all at the same time. Except I would be so nervous I’d pee in my pants.

Steingarten isn’t really a chef, he’s a lawyer turned food writer. All three are very opinionated. I think they’d really like Pure Food and Wine, because it’s interesting, different, and most importantly it’s yummy. And we’re not pretentious about raw food or being vegan (in part because most of the staff aren’t raw or vegan). These three guys are hardly vegetarians. They mock vegetarians, which is all right. But they do know good food so I’d really want them to try this.

A lot of prominent people from the food world have eaten with us and still come back to the restaurant. Still, I’d freak out. I love them all. I’d have to drink a lot of raspberry lime sake tinis.

RE: I’ve had the pleasure of dining at Pure Food and Wine. The overall experience was incredible – the food [absolutely delicious], the atmosphere, the service, all top notch! In fact, I still have my souvenir, the receipt! Name some of your favorite dishes, savory and sweet, from the restaurants menu?

SM: Right now, because they’re in season, it’s the Squash Blossoms. They’re stuffed with spring onion and herb cashew cheese, with a salad of fennel, capers, and heirloom tomatoes. Yum. My favorite dessert right now is easily the Chocolate Passion Fruit Tart. It’s passion fruit curd in a chocolate tart shell with vanilla cream on top, fresh raspberries, and framboise pearls.

From One Lucky Duck Juice and Takeaway I love our Falafel. And for dessert, almond butter cup ice cream out of a pint container. And Mallomars. I eat those a lot. I also love our gingerbread cookies that we sell online at oneluckyduck.com too. Last year at the restaurant we had a sake cocktail made with fresh cantaloupe juice, lemon, and cilantro. Hopefully we’ll make that again this summer.

* * *

Many thanks to Sarma for taking some time from her busy schedule to participation in this interview and for contributing the cool tote and raw snacks for this giveaway, and a great big congratulations on the release of your book.

========

The Giveaway

If you missed the book review and giveaway, or your number wasn’t drawn, here is another chance to receive Sarma’s newest book Living Raw Food.

William Morrow, An Imprint of Harper Collins Publishers has provided one [1] copy as a gift for one [1] Raw Epicurean reader. Thank you again!

And for those Raw Epicurean’s who love their raw treats, Sarma generously offers a lovely gift from One Lucky Duck! One [1] Raw Epicurean reader will receive a One Lucky Duck totebag and yummy snacks.

To be eligible to win one of these wonderful gifts, simply answer this question:

If you could pick one of the amazing raw food chefs to prepared a raw food meal for you, who would you choose?

One entry per person, please.

The drawing for this giveaway will take place Friday, July 3rd, and I will use my favorite random number picker to choose the winning participants. The winning participants will be contacted via email and an announcement of the drawing will be posted at the right sidebar, under the heading “Announcements”. Thank you in advance and best of luck to all who participate.

* * *

More about Sarma Melngailis

Visit Pure Food and Wine and One Lucky Duck

Raw Epicurean’s book review of Living Raw Food

Books by Sarma Melngailis
Living Raw Food
Raw Food Real World

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Comments

86 Comments so far

Valerie on June 30, 2009 Tuesday, 5:18 pm
Is this where we enter the drawing? I would choose Rod Rotondi!

Valerie – yes, this is the spot to enter the drawing. I love Leaf Cuisine, have frequented the one in Culver City. :-)
Jamie Walker on June 30, 2009 Tuesday, 5:19 pm
Not sure how to enter but…here’s my answer: Brendan Brazier! I love his recipes in his book, Thrive. I’d really love to try out Sarma’s recipes as well!

Hi Jamie – you’re in. I’m looking at Brendan’s book “Thrive” right now. Still trying to read through it. I suggested my husband get a copy for his fitness library. He is now a new Brendan fan.
Roger Petho on June 30, 2009 Tuesday, 5:27 pm
Contest Entry:

I would have Sarma make a meal for me. Ive eaten at pure food and wine many times and I LOVE the food. There’s so much love, spirit and creativity in her food!!
VeggieGirl on June 30, 2009 Tuesday, 5:28 pm
May I choose Sarma as my answer?? I would love for her to prepare her favorite meal, since I already know it’d be nothing less than spectacular, nourishing, and a real treat.
Emily Davidson on June 30, 2009 Tuesday, 5:34 pm
If I could have one chef make me a raw food meal, it would be Robert Reid of Organic Garden in Beverly, MA. He makes incredible mock versions of favorite foods with amazing, fresh flavor and beautiful presentation.
Stanzi Allan Pouthier on June 30, 2009 Tuesday, 5:36 pm
If I could choose any raw food chef to make a dinner for me, I would choose Chad Sarno. He’s been at it for so long and has really perfected the craft.
sans on June 30, 2009 Tuesday, 5:45 pm
Eliana Love, would be one of the chefs. I’d pick Sarma, but she’s busy with other business and not in the kitchen as much.
Lorra on June 30, 2009 Tuesday, 5:46 pm
Actually, if I had to choose, it would be Sarma! Mostly because I have not had the pleasure of being able to go to Pure Food and Wine yet, and even though I have Raw Food Real World, I don’t have all of the necessary tools or the funds to get so many ingredients sometimes ;) I have made some juice from it, though and it was awesome.

Everything looks amazing in this book, and I look forward to seeing the new one too (I work in a bookstore so we should have it soon) and I wish I had the equipment to make it! So yes, I would love a personally made meal by Sarma, also because she seems like an amazing person I would love to chat with over dinner!
KATE SHARRATT on June 30, 2009 Tuesday, 5:56 pm
Sarma !!! That would be a treat.
emily on June 30, 2009 Tuesday, 5:56 pm
Ani Phyo, her cookbook looks delicious!
Dana Argiro on June 30, 2009 Tuesday, 6:04 pm
mmm hmmm – For raw gourmet, the easy answer is the beautyFULL, bright-eyed Russell James! His recipes are delicious, vibrant, and super creative.

YUM! http://therawchefblog.com/category/raw-recipes

Having said that, I’d go for any organic raw prepared food made with love and blessings. Surprisingly, for there being three live food Meet-Up groups in the Washington, DC area, AAAAND the designated location of the East Coast Raw Spirit Festival – there’s still not a single raw food restaurant in the area.

LOVE!
Susan Larson on June 30, 2009 Tuesday, 6:06 pm
I would love Sarma Melngailis to prepare a Raw Meal for me. It would be worth the flight to New York. Congrats on your new book Sarma.
Sara on June 30, 2009 Tuesday, 6:30 pm
I’d love to eat a meal made by Sarma, of course. But, if I had to pick someone else I’d pick Ani Phyo. I love her book and videos!
Tamara ZumMallen on June 30, 2009 Tuesday, 6:39 pm
I’d pick Sarma. Without a doubt! I want skin like hers. That’s why. Thanks for listening.
Tamara
Leah on June 30, 2009 Tuesday, 6:48 pm
Well I would say Sarma, but since she doesn’t cook very much anymore I’d choose any of the chefs at Pure Food and Wine to cook for me! I just finished reading my copy of ‘Living Raw Food’ and LOVE it.
Jessica on June 30, 2009 Tuesday, 6:51 pm
I would love to have a meal cooked by Sarma, and maybe desert by Ani Phyo..yum!
Zoe Poeschl on June 30, 2009 Tuesday, 7:04 pm
Wonderful interview, thanks so much for this one! I’m pretty much obsessed with anything One Lucky Duck, so this was really interesting.

I actually won a drawing really recently, plus I don’t know who I would pick!
Deanna on June 30, 2009 Tuesday, 7:16 pm
Being new at this whole raw food venture and life style change, I would enjoy having Sarma Melngailis or Juliano, prepare a meal for me. To watch her un-cook and create before my eyes….that would be excitement and intrigue all in one.
Thanks for this opportunity.
Stacy N. on June 30, 2009 Tuesday, 8:44 pm
Sarma…anything that I’ve ever tasted, that was made from Sarma’s recipes, have been superb! Would love to have your book so I could make them myself and share delightful dishes with others :)
Connie Crew on June 30, 2009 Tuesday, 8:48 pm
I would LOVE for Sarma to prepare a raw food meal for me. It would be divine to experience food prepared in such an atmosphere of love and passion, don’t you think? Raw and love, what more do you need?
Patrica Halverson on June 30, 2009 Tuesday, 8:55 pm
mmmm…I guess as i’d have to pick me as cheesy as that sounds and i’m certainly not a chef…(i’ve been told I should start my own rawfood restaurant). However, I do make a delicious raw chocolate pie, pizza and ice cream….my two daughters and I have been raw for quite awhile. One daughter healed herself of autism and other daughter is healing from type 1 diabetes. It’s amazing how simple things really are but we make them so hard.
Elena on June 30, 2009 Tuesday, 9:28 pm
I personally do not know too many raw chefs, but have observed one that seems extraordinary: Russell James of UK… I would love to have him make my dinner :)
sandra on July 1, 2009 Wednesday, 12:25 am
Sarma, of course! I’m in California, so I’ve never had the pleasure of dining at Pure. I hope to one day!
Alesha on July 1, 2009 Wednesday, 2:27 am
My hubby and I are pretty new to the “raw” scene…so I don’t know many of the raw chefs out there.

I have been receiving Russel James’ newsletters, and I must say he puts together some fabulous looking dishes! He also teaches classes, which I think is really cool! So, I guess he would be the one I’d choose to cook for us.

Thanks for the chance at the giveaway!
Alesha
Char on July 1, 2009 Wednesday, 2:32 am
If I could have a meal prepared by one of the amazing raw food chefs I would choose Kari Bernardi-Ibsen. (She was one of the instructors while I was at Living Light.) Besides her ability to create amazing food, she has a WONDERFUL and VIBRANT personality and I would enjoy the time with her.
Katie on July 1, 2009 Wednesday, 4:14 am
Definitely Ani – her books are fabulous! But I would be more than happy to have a meal by Sarma as well :)
Lotus in Bloom on July 1, 2009 Wednesday, 4:18 am
Why, Sarma of course!
Melissa on July 1, 2009 Wednesday, 4:20 am
It’s a tie between the kitchen at Pure Food and Wine and Karyn Calabrese from Karyn’s Raw Cafe in Chicago.
Cheris Courtney on July 1, 2009 Wednesday, 4:46 am
I’d have to go w/Sarma. I’ve looked at the menu at her restaurant and am so stoked on going there. Another great reason to get to New York.
Lol.
Michal on July 1, 2009 Wednesday, 5:03 am
If I could have any raw chef prepare me a meal it would have to be Ani Phyo I love her to pieces!
Lauren on July 1, 2009 Wednesday, 5:38 am
WOW! What a wonderful giveaway! Thanks so much for a chance to win! :)

I would have to say Sarma (or her head chef)! I just love Pure Food and Wine all the dishes there are fantastic! Another favorite would be Ani Phyo who has wonderful energy and fabulous dishes!
Matthew Kirsch on July 1, 2009 Wednesday, 5:41 am
I would choose Charlie Trotter for a preparted Raw Food Meal. In his book, Raw, there is this chocholate cake wrapping around chocolate mouse that looks heavenly. Always wanted to try it.
Kasie@~The Art of Life~ on July 1, 2009 Wednesday, 5:49 am
What a fun giveaway! I would love ANY raw chef to prepare a meal for me but the first one that popped into my head was Natalia Rose since I’m in the process of reading her book. I’m so intrigued by how raw chefs combine ingredients and create such flavorful dishes.
Thanks so much for hosting the drawing. :)
Danielle on July 1, 2009 Wednesday, 6:33 am
Suzanne Alex Ferrara!
Rachel on July 1, 2009 Wednesday, 7:14 am
I’d pick Sarma because not only does she know brilliant food, she seems like a really cool chick to hang out with.
Fiona on July 1, 2009 Wednesday, 7:20 am
Ani Phyo. I eat raw occasionally and love the way I feel afterwards.
Nicole( The Fitness Freak) on July 1, 2009 Wednesday, 8:22 am
Hey Ingrid,

Great interview. It’s fun to read how Raw chefs got where they are now. The answers are surprising sometimes:) If I could have any Raw chef cook for me, I would have to say Matthew Kenney. I love his recipes in Everyday Raw! Thanks for another great giveaway!!
Jake H. on July 1, 2009 Wednesday, 8:55 am
I would have to pick Sarma.
Rebecca Carlson on July 1, 2009 Wednesday, 8:58 am
Great interview. Sarma is such a delight.
I like that she was willing to put a permanent tattoo on her arm of a business that wasn’t even off the ground yet. That is confidence!

Hmmm, tough question, but I’d have to say Chad Sarno.
His food always makes me want to lick the photo. (blush)

XOXO
Rebecca
Purely Delicious
Charis on July 1, 2009 Wednesday, 8:59 am
Sarma!!! Of course!!! That would be amazing!!! She has the best sense of taste and is beautiful to boot!
Tiffany on July 1, 2009 Wednesday, 9:53 am
Sarma! I’ve never eaten at Pure Food & Wine but have heard great things.
Natasha Bailey on July 1, 2009 Wednesday, 9:55 am
I would have to say Ingrid Weithers-Barati. She is filled with so much Love and Gratitude I know my meal would be divine.

And in return for my meal I would make Ingrid and Sarma a Lovely Sensuous dinner made with Love and Possibilities.

Thank You for this opportunity.
Love and Berries.
Natasha.
Lyna on July 1, 2009 Wednesday, 10:10 am
SARMA!!!! Oh, that would be such a treat. :)
Angelique on July 1, 2009 Wednesday, 10:11 am
So many great raw chefs, so hard to choose but since you said just one, I’d love a meal by Russell James.
Stacy on July 1, 2009 Wednesday, 11:00 am
I would love to have Matthew Kennedy prepare a dish for me! I would love to be able to hit up 105degrees to learn how to be as great a chef as he is.
debbie on July 1, 2009 Wednesday, 12:03 pm
Oh I would choose Sarma! I think she is a raw food goddess in the kitchen and out!
hope I win!
deb
Melissa (fitnessnyc) on July 1, 2009 Wednesday, 12:23 pm
I have had many many meals at Pure Food and Wine, so I would pick Chef Russell James.
Springfairy on July 1, 2009 Wednesday, 12:32 pm
Renée Loux for sure, her recipes are amazingly delicious. A less carbon intensive option for meeting up would be Russell James, he just lives across the Channel.
Malinda Murray on July 1, 2009 Wednesday, 12:35 pm
I am a raw food baby, just starting out. I love every recipe I read about. I too think it would be hilariously funny if Anthony Bordaine had to make me a raw food meal. Thanks for introducing me to your page. I’ll be back for more recipes.
Gia on July 1, 2009 Wednesday, 12:45 pm
I’d also say Brendan Brazier. He’s definitely influenced my thoughts on being raw and an athlete, and eased my worries about it. Love the Thrive book.
S on July 1, 2009 Wednesday, 12:53 pm
Sarma, obvs.
Jill Siegel on July 1, 2009 Wednesday, 1:41 pm
Well – since my favorite restaurant is Pure Food and Wine and One Lucky Duck — it certainly has to be Sarma!
kristina on July 1, 2009 Wednesday, 3:13 pm
Sarma! and second choice would be Ani Phyo….i have almost all of their books!
glidingcalm on July 1, 2009 Wednesday, 3:33 pm
Sarma or Ani Phyo! Pref some zucchini pasta! :)
Coconut Water for a Hangover « Sarma Raw on July 1, 2009 Wednesday, 3:43 pm
[...] and Ingrid from rawepicurean.com posted this interview [...]
Elizabeth Fraser on July 1, 2009 Wednesday, 4:54 pm
After reading the fabulous interview with Sarma … I’d have to say Sarma!

I so hope I am the lucky winner!

:-) Elizabeth
Alexia Dunay on July 1, 2009 Wednesday, 5:31 pm
If you could pick one of the amazing raw food chefs to prepared a raw food meal for you, who would you choose?

Can I choose two????
Who ever is in the Pure Food and Wine kitchen on the East Coast

West Coast: Ani Phyo. Love her recipes
Eleanor Moyer on July 1, 2009 Wednesday, 5:48 pm
I would definitely want Sarma Melngailis to make my first Raw dining experience memorable. I would love a chance to win the book at this giveaway!
dana joy on July 1, 2009 Wednesday, 6:14 pm
I would love to have Sarma prepare a meal for me. I loved her first book, Raw Food,Real Wolrd!
Lidia Malic on July 1, 2009 Wednesday, 6:38 pm
Sarma !!!
Maria on July 1, 2009 Wednesday, 6:52 pm
I would choose Sarma! Fun post and giveaway!
Megan on July 1, 2009 Wednesday, 9:26 pm
I would choose Sarma! I love the recipes from her first book, and would love to be able to try something made at her restaurant!
andra on July 2, 2009 Thursday, 1:31 am
Thank you so much for having such lovely blog posts and opportunities for giveaways :) I have a lot of gratitude for this. The tote bag and treats look divine :)

I guess I am not sure which famous raw food chef I would prefer to prepare a meal for me. I guess what I would wish for would be a non-rushed meal with friends, family and other soon to be friends in a warm and friendly environment with raw foods that surprise and delight. A meal that I could hold onto the memories from and not just because of the food but because the people that I care about the most were sharing in the experience with me and at the same time were nourishing themselves. I really wish for this. andra
Bailey on July 2, 2009 Thursday, 7:35 am
I have just recently learned about raw food restaurants and chefs. I wouldn’t mind receiving a meal and possibly taking a class from Russell James. His recipes incorporate lots of ingredients enhance flavor and he’s pretty easy on the eyes. ;-)
Hannah K. on July 2, 2009 Thursday, 7:42 am
Wow! Looks like a great giveaway this time. (course all the others were good too)
ttfn300 on July 2, 2009 Thursday, 8:10 am
sarma for sure! those dishes sound incredible!!! i will have to make a trip to nyc to visit her restaurant AND store :)
gina on July 2, 2009 Thursday, 8:11 am
i would have to say either sarma or ani phyo.
congrats on your new book sarma!!!!
Katy Lin on July 2, 2009 Thursday, 8:47 am
I’d have to go with Sarma, too! I just love her whole approach to food :) Please count me in!
Erin on July 2, 2009 Thursday, 9:45 am
I would love Sarma to prepare me a delicious vegan raw food meal!
Tracey on July 2, 2009 Thursday, 10:47 am
I would pick Sarma. I just got her new book – can’t wait to test out the recepies
Morta Di Fame on July 2, 2009 Thursday, 10:48 am
SARMA PLEASE!
Michelle on July 2, 2009 Thursday, 11:45 am
That’s a tough one- there are a bunch of amazing raw chefs on the west coast whose cuisine I’ve never experienced- but I would have to say Russell James. I’ve been a fan for ages!
Kim on July 2, 2009 Thursday, 11:57 am
SARMA!!!
Amy on July 2, 2009 Thursday, 1:19 pm
After reading this, I would pick Sarma! Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
earthmother on July 2, 2009 Thursday, 7:18 pm
Well, since I’ve never had the opportunity to eat there, I’d pick the head chef at Pure Food & Wine in NY to come to me and prepare a meal. But, someday, I am going to travel to NY and eat there!
Averie on July 2, 2009 Thursday, 8:22 pm
I would choose Sarma, or Gina of the Choosing Raw blog who may not be as famous but I love her recipes & attitude, too.
Bridget on July 3, 2009 Friday, 1:37 am
Contest Entry:
I would choose Charlie Trotter-Take a look at “Raw” need I say more?
Lara on July 3, 2009 Friday, 4:31 am
I would have to say Ani Phyo!
Amelia on July 3, 2009 Friday, 8:55 am
I would choose Sarma in a heartbeat. I have both books, and all the recipes are sooo delicious!!
Dina Francis on July 3, 2009 Friday, 10:05 am
I would have to say Sarma..I love Pure Food and Wine and really have not found better food anywhere!! Thanks!
james buechler on July 3, 2009 Friday, 11:44 am
my chef would be juliano.

did i win yet?
ikkinlala on July 3, 2009 Friday, 8:48 pm
I’m probably too late, but I’d choose Sarma too.
eve on July 3, 2009 Friday, 10:10 pm
James Russell
Ingrid on July 3, 2009 Friday, 10:36 pm
Congratulations to:

Katy Lin of The Great Adventure, wins a One Luck Duck tote and snacks, courtesy of Sarma Melngailis, CEO and Founder of One Lucky Duck. Thank you Sarma!

and

Matthew Kirsch of Windows To The Sky wins Living Raw Food, courtesy of William Morrow, An Imprint of Harper Collins Publishers. Thank you!

and thank you to everyone who took the time to participate. This drawing has officially ended, however, you are still welcome to leave your answer to this questions If you could pick one of the amazing raw food chefs to prepared a raw food meal for you, who would you choose?.

Wishing everyone a very happy and safe 4th weekend! :-)
Erika on July 5, 2009 Sunday, 5:03 pm
Sarma. But the real question is, would we get to help?? Personally, I’d rather cook WITH a famous raw chef than just get to eat something he/she made for me….
OrganiKooK on October 14, 2009 Wednesday, 3:52 pm
Sarma’s energy never stops amazing me. She is non-stop. Good for her, and good for us, because we get to reap the benefit of all her great ideas.

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