Cooks 2024 | Editor's Letter

Editor’s Letter

I love to eat fish. Salmon is usually on my plate at least once a week, as sautéed filets or savory chunks stuffed inside tortillas and topped with zesty slaw. I enjoy local trout and bass as well. I caught my first fish, a mackinaw, in 2018. We returned from our early morning lake adventure to have the chefs at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe cook up our catch. My mackinaw was so fresh and flaky, grilled and smothered in lemon slices. It was a memorable and tasty experience.

We are fortunate to live in a world-class fishing destination. Whether casting for mackinaw (and other fish) in Lake Tahoe, Lahontan cutthroat trout in Pyramid Lake, or rainbows or browns in the Truckee River, fishing is a fun activity for the whole family and, importantly, helps us connect to local food.

In our cover story, you’ll learn more about fishing locally and get great recipes for your fresh catch.

This is our annual COOKS! edition, so you’ll also find lots of other tips, tricks, and recipes to inspire you in the kitchen. Get the skinny from a few local chefs on how to make a yummy meatball. Find out how to prepare seasonal squash blossoms and infuse dishes with fresh, edible flowers. Learn about growing and savoring local strawberries, which come in season here mainly in June. Discover how to incorporate the pervasive mint taking over your garden in dishes and more. Root out the facts about dandelions as an important food, and learn nutritional tips for seniors.

After our trip to Spain last fall, I thought it would be fun to include a piece on making your own vermouth and how to enjoy it. Did you know that many Spanish bar owners make their own low-alcohol versions, vermut de la casa, and always serve a glass along with tapas?

Every COOKS! issue also features cooking encouragement from local personalities. This year, step into the kitchens of former University of Nevada, Reno athletic director Cary Groth; Mexican American bilingual strategist and public speaker Vanessa Vancour; Sean Fannan, who co-founded mobile advertising company Chartboost and the nonprofit Marcella Foundation; academic, social justice advocate, and comic book editor Lauren Sankovitch; and director of sales for the Barracuda Championship Keenan Polan.

There’s all this and much more within these pages. I hope you enjoy it all.

Go fish!