It's safe to say that California has a lot going for it: a laid-back lifestyle, golden beaches, and a vibrant food culture. The seafood is fresh, the produce organic and plentiful, and the farmers' markets are a wealth of riches all year round.

Thanks to the coastal state's fertile soil and temperate climate, local produce is varied and abundant, from the famed citrus to the beloved avocado.

But beyond the impressive range of produce available, the state's cultural diversity means finding vendors hawking handmade tacos next to a bustling Korean BBQ restaurant. The food scene offers an abundance of flavors and techniques, and Californians appreciate them all.

It is this genuine love of food - preparing it, eating it and sharing it - that fuels this positive energy in kitchens and around tables and makes California truly golden. This book celebrates the incredible food found on the West coast.