Health
Habits
Food
Weight 
Better Than Butternut: Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe
10 Simple Ways To Eat Less Without Noticing
Juicing: Stupid and Pretentious or Nourishing and Enlightening?
10 Tasty Carbs That Won’t Make You Fat
How To Start Working Out When You Don’t Like To Exercise
Focus More on Your Brain and Less on Your Diet if You’re Serious About Losing Weight
Home Court Habits: The Secret to Effortless Weight Control
10 Reasons You Aren’t Losing Weight When You Think You’re Doing Everything Right
How To Burn More Calories Without Breaking A Sweat
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Foodists
BIG NEWS: Summer Tomato is Leaving San Francisco
New home
After 18 years (say what?!) in the Bay Area and 12 in SF proper (don’t call it San Fran), I’m packing up and moving shop.
In a couple of weeks Kevin, Toaster and I are relocating to New York City to start the next exciting chapter of our lives.
As you can imagine we’re super excited, and also a little sad.
It’s hard to think of calling anyplace other than San Francisco home. I’ve been a Bay Area resident longer than I lived with my parents, and there would certainly be no Summer Tomato if I hadn’t discovered the truly remarkable food culture of SF. This place is amazing, all our friends are here, and we plan to return often.
But food isn’t the only way that SF has changed my life. The tech culture is what showed me that I didn’t have to follow a traditional academic path to make an impact on the world. All I need is my laptop and some decent wifi and I can reach hundreds of thousands of people per month. It also introduced me to this hunky dude.
Kevin’s latest work adventure has given him the opportunity to join a kickass team in NYC. Since I’m completely mobile, it was a pretty easy decision for us. And we know Toaster will appreciate the lack of raccoons.
What does this mean for you?
Right now my plan is to continue publishing on the same Tuesday and Friday schedule, but I might adjust it once I get there if I feel it’s necessary.
The fun part will be that you’ll get to follow along as I completely revamp all of my habits to meet the demands of a very different food scene and brutal East Coast weather.
Will I gain 10 lbs every winter and start ordering takeout all the time? I doubt it, but we’ll see 😉
SF meet up!
Before we head out I would love to get some face time with all the amazing Summer Tomato readers who live here in the Bay Area. I’ll be planning a get together at a local venue in the next couple weeks and would be thrilled to meet you in person. For details, make sure you are signed up for my newsletter and I’ll keep you posted.
In NYC?
I’m excited to meet you! I don’t know the city well enough to plan anything yet, but for now just introduce yourself below. Of course all food, farmers market and restaurant recommendations are welcome, along with anything else you think would help.
I’m nervous and excited and really don’t know what to expect. My goals are to learn a lot and live a lot, and as always you can follow my adventures on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
Stay tuned!
Darya
Not sure if you’ve ever been to NY but you can’t miss the Chelsea Market. There’s also an Apple store & Blue Bottle right by there so you will feel right at home!
As someone who lived in the Bay area for years (Santa Cruz) before moving to the frigid world of Toronto, I found finding food and motivation in the winter to be impossible. I have to admit to often reading your blog and thinking “YES but she has it SO EASY in SF.” I will be interested in seeing how you transition because after 6 years and 50lbs I still haven’t been able to. I guess what I’m trying to say is that you NEED to succeed so that you can help me and anyone else in the same boat get it together. Thanks for all your tips and your blog. I love them.
“Winter is coming…” looking forward to hearing about you overcoming the challenges of a less hospitable winter climate as well as the differences in fresh produce availability. (It is New York though, so I’m guessing you’ll have a lot better options than some of us living in larger cities in the Midwest.)
What?! My favorite foodie is leaving SF? Though I’m a zillion miles away, I *know* SF will not be the same without you guys! Wishing you all the best in your new life in the Big Apple–I’m thrilled for you!
P.S. I remember Kevin telling Tim that he smuggled Hibiki into the country since it was THAT good. I bought some HIbiki today, I can’t wait to try it out!
Sending warm wishes from Japan.
Mika (purple cauliflower girl)
I’m excited about this. I moved to NYC about 4 years ago. Growing up I always had a foodist mindset to food. But moving to NYC got me off track. Dealing with sharing kitchens with roommates the first year and the ease of ordering plus the diffenent way you grocery shop here really disrupted my habits. That’s when I discovered your website. I was a fan right away (my sister is a Phd in neuroscience so you had that going for you). The good thing about NYC is that there are lots of different type of workouts that are fun (I started doing DoubleDutch Aerobics and now have become a certified teacher. Check out their class in Brooklyn on Saturday mornings!)
When you get to NYC, check out the farmers market in Union Square and the fish market in Chelsea Market.
Food Recommendations: Check out the killer tacos at Tacombi in Nolita.
I am so excited for your move to the big city. Been a fan of Kevin and yours for a long time. I’ve lived in NYC for almost 5 years, and I’ve loved every minute of it! I hope that you guys will love it as much as I do!
I am also curious and excited on how Summer Tomato will grow and transform in this city. I think New York has a lot of wonderful things to offer the blog, and to see it live here is extremely exciting!
If you need any advice on were to go, or even how to get around, I’m your girl! Summer is a great time to move here too because there is so much going on. Though the humidity can get pretty intense. There are a lot of new food markets opening up in every borough, and also the farmers market in Union Square is still my favorite year round.
Anyway, I hope you have a great time here! And toaster and Kevin too!
I’m so excited for you Cousin! What an awesome opportunity! Can’t wait to read about your adventures!
Okay, I am from the NYC area and have lived in Manhattan for the last 9+ years. I’m so excited that you are moving here because I’m sure YOU will be able to tell us New Yorkers more about farmers markets in the city within weeks than I know now!
There’s the farmer’s market in Union Square, but honestly it is not that easy to eat super farm fresh here. Even from where I live in Manhattan Union Square isn’t that close by. I mostly rely on Whole Foods, but I wish there were more farmer’s markets around. I’m also curious what your winter tips will be. As another person pointed out, there’s no shortage of classes and fitness opportunities here!
Yes, I honestly was not impressed with NYC farmers markets. I come from the midwest (Michigan) and our were and continue to be much better IMHO. In fact I feel that in the past 2 years I finally got back to real farmers markets after living in NY for 8 years and well a small city surrounded by tons of industrial farms but not a lot of local foods when I moved back to the Detroit area of all places.
I live on LI in Suffolk County, but worked in Manhattan for 14 years. The City is great for walking and the Union Square market is the best. I wish you the best of luck.
Best wishes on your move to NYC. You’re a braver adventurer than me. You’ll very likely find you love it. May be easier to get around with their transit system. You may just find it a colder, larger version of SF.
Will be interested to see what you find different about New Yorkers as opposed to Californians.
I hope to make it to your “good-bye” meet-up. If not, “see” on Summer Tomato.
In the fall you have to take a trip to Upstate NY. We have the best apples and cider in the world! The scenery is also beautiful that time of year.
I second the trips to upstate NY. It’s breathtaking in the fall. Check out Westwind Orchard (http://westwindorchard.com/), just past New Paltz. It’s an amazing place that makes for a perfect fall day trip. You can go apple (or rasberry, pumpkin etc. depending on the season) picking, and they make and serve delicious pizza and baked goods highlighting the food they grow. Also, the hiking at the Mohonk Preserve is spectacular.
I have to recommend dinner at Franny’s in Brooklyn. Many people just go for the pizza, which is phenomenal, but miss out on the best of what they do, which is their small plates. Always seasonal, they change their menu constantly, and I think their food is some of the best I’ve ever had. Enjoy your adventures in NYC!
Darya, I’m so excited! I’ve lived in NYC for 15 years and I can’t wait to share my favorite spots with you. I’ve been a big fan of yours for a long time and it would be my pleasure to welcome you and show you around (I’ll be away for the summer, working as the culinary director of an amazing fitness and culinary camp). Please get in touch when you arrive.
Darya, Big Fan of yours and just gotta say, I will miss being able to claim you as a best coast, west coast, foodie. 🙂 You are an inspiration to so many of us! All the best in your new journey…we will be eagerly watching.
There may be an adjustment period, but I think you’ll love living in NYC. I’ve been here since 1993 and it’s hard to imagine living anywhere else. There’s so much to see, do, and especially, eat!
Just for starters, definitely check out restaurant Marc Forgione in Tribeca, my favorite — the food(!!) and service are always wonderful, fine dining but it’s a warm, rustic, laid-back vibe — no attitude/stuffy dress code there. Also their sister restaurant Khe-Yo, the only Laotian restaurant in the city, is so good!
Also love Arrogant Swine in Bushwick, Brooklyn (easy to get to from Manhattan), it’s in a very industrial neighborhood but well worth visiting for the Carolina-style whole hog barbecue. And if you’re ever in the upper-Upper West Side of Manhattan (100’s south of Central Park North), my favorite Mexican restaurant is the ‘hole in the wall’ joint Taqueria y Fonda la Mexicana on Amsterdam btw 107th/108th, great food and service.
There are actually a lot of smaller farmer’s markets, the best is to see if there’s a neighborhood association where you are, they usually have a monthly newsletter that lists them. And there are a ton of CSAs, but admittedly not many in the winter months.
Many people mentioned Chelsea Market which is awesome, and it’s about to get even more awesome — a friend is opening a spot Bar Truman there later in the year, so keep an eye out for that.
Oh! And along with what Anna was saying about upstate, every year during foliage season the Circle Line does a sail from Manhattan up the Hudson River to the gorgeous Bear Mountain Park, where they have an Oktoberfest celebration in the park — so beautiful and so much fun!
Well, ran on a bit longer than I intended, but one last note — the subway gets a bad rap but it is usually the best (i.e., most efficient) way to get around.
All the best for your great adventure!
Awesome, thank you!!
Nice! I made a similar but more Canadian move – from Vancouver BC to Nunavut. Bit of a climate change, but sometimes a challenge (food or weather-wise) is good!
Hi Darya!
Not sure where you guys will be living but there is a fantastic food coop in Park Slope, Brooklyn – http://www.foodcoop.com/
That and someone else mentioned CSAs – great way to get food straight from the source.
Good luck with the move and welcome to NYC!
I don’t live in NYC, I am from
Upstate! If you find yourself venturing up there you must visit the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market on a sunny Saturday morning. You remember Troy right? You have an excellent lecture at my college in March.
As far as a great bite to eat, Peck’s Arcade in Troy is new and has a very unique menu.
And since you’ll be a New Yorker, there is no better outdoor activity (in my opinion) than climbing a high peak in the Adirondacks.
Welcome to NY!!
Very exciting news, Darya! I just finished your Foodist course, and as a fellow SF resident and wellness warrior I can say that we will miss your passion and enthusiasm here in the city! All the best to you in NY!
What an exciting announcement! I’m moving to New York in a few weeks myself and am loving these comments on where to go food-wise.
You will love it here! Except for the winters! Bleh! I recommend year-round Union Square Farmer’s Market, open M, W, F and Sat, 8-6. In the winter, they also have tons of vendors selling unique holiday gifts. For paleo restaurants, I heard Hu Kitchen is great, but haven’t been there yet. I love Bareburger, where they sell grass-fed beef as well as ostrich and bison and other interesting cuts of meat.
You’ll love Greenwich Village!
I live in the Bronx, near the Bronx Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Neither of those should be missed!
Hope you enjoy yourself here and good luck with everything!!
Welcome to NYC from a lifelong New Yorker. For food shopping, there are great options all over. My favorite is Fairway (especially the Upper West Side original) and the greenmarkets (Union Square’s is justifiably famous. I hope you do a meetup when you get here. Again, welcome.
Hi! I am a fan of yours in NYC, however I am moving to San Francisco Summer of 2016 🙁 would love to meet you while we both live in the same city!
Good luck in NYC. It is an exciting and interesting place teeming with life day and night with neighborhoods that will surprise and delight you. There are plenty of good…I mean “really good” as in healthy and happy places and you can go and carve out still another. I am moving from Florida to Buffalo, NY and travel occasionally to NYC…maybe our paths will cross one of these days. Met you through my school Institute of Integrated Nutrition with Josh Rosenthal. Love it. Wish you the very best. Gina Marcucci
Ahhhh, nice! An early welcome then! I do not live in the city (I like trees, what can I say?), but do venture down a couple times a month. Lots of stuff to do and see and eat, for sure. Brooklyn has a lot of good spots too, especially for the (occasional, right?) pizza and beer. At some point visit Flushing, Queens if you want to get some really good asian cuisine. And although it’s definitely not foodist approved, Harlem has some of the best soul food ever (Amy Ruth’s!). Basically what I’m trying to say is eating out is going to be more tempting than ever. But you’ll probably get way more walking steps in, so at least that’s a win.
The city has the best culture, for sure (right up there with the best coffee). Every type of person you could ever imagine meeting in your life (both good and bad) are here. And if you’re into comedy clubs, there are many goods ones (like the Comedy Cellar).
The farmers market I always seem to pass by is the one in Union Square. Chelsea Market is indoors, so that’s good year-round, but a bit of a trek depending on where you are.
If you get tired of the hustle and bustle, the rivertowns up the Hudson line are really nice to visit! (I used to live in Tarrytown, so I guess I’m biased.) Be sure to get a solid pair of boots for the cold, wet winters. Also, using an umbrella in the snow may look stupid, but can be a life-saver. Do not swim in the ocean. Be Switzerland and do not pick a sports team, but always root for the team that’s the favorite of the group of people you’re with. Do not confuse blunt attitudes with someone disliking or insulting you. And when you’ve finally become that person that gets upset at the one in front of you walking too slow, you’ll know you’re a true New Yorker. 😉
Looking forward to reading about your new adventures!
One more note — definitely check out La Boite, a tiny spice shop on the west side of Manhattan, the owner Lior Lev Sercarz has created such wonderful spice blends that many high-end restaurants in the city use. They’re only open three days a week, but in the middle of the shop they have samples of all the blends that you can open up and smell (the No. 38 Shabazi blend is fantastic!), as well as samples of their spiced chocolate. Their website is here: http://laboiteny.com/
Hi!
I’ve been following your blog for awhile, I find it so helpful! 🙂 I lived in the bay area for about 9 years & just recently moved to NY for work (a little over 2 months ago! 🙂 I’ve discovered a lot of wonderful spots & would love to connect over delicious food or coffee! 😀
Christine
Welcome to the Big Apple Darya!
Born & raised in NYC and lived in Brooklyn most of my life…you guys must make it out to the outer boroughs especially Brooklyn! Also visit the various farmer’s markets that are located throughout the city. I could go on and on about living in NYC but I just wanted to wish you & Kevin all the best on your move.
Tony
P.S. I hope you can plan a NYC meetup too!
Welcome to NY Darya, Kevin & Toaster,
I have been reading your blog for years and I live on Long Island. I agree with the previous posts that Union Square is the best farmer’s market. During the summer you must take some day trips to Suffolk County for fresh produce, strawberry picking and wineries. The produce is great, but the wines can’t hold a candle to the California wines you must be used to.
During the Fall, upstate and Long Island have fresh fall squashes, pumpkins and root veggies. And of course, NY apples which are much better than Washington apples, are abundant in the Fall.
There are several delivery services that you can use that bring Long Island produce to your door, for a fee.
The winters are tough, especially the past few years. You will get used to them. Down jackets, Uggs, funky hats and scarves are the fashion statements for winter. Don’t worry too much about gaining weight. You can still do plenty of walking in the winter. For a concrete jungle we have many beautiful parks! And there are many restaurants that cater to healthy, low cal eats. The subway is great during the winter and blows away BART!
Just one last note…there are raccoons in NY, especially on Long Island.
I think you guys will fall in love with NY once you get used to it. Despite the stereotype, New Yorkers are very friendly and helpful. We just happen to move quickly and don’t have much tolerance for slow pokey tourists.
Wow, admittedly I was a little sad when I read this. I live in Montreal and the idea of living in your SF climate seems like a dream! A new adventure is always thrilling though. All the best with your move and I’m so excited to see how you will adapt to your new surroundings.
It’s kinda like taking someone who is new to being a foodist… they have to discover everything for the first time. You already have your habits and principles, but you’re discovering the city and how to apply those habits to your new surroundings. I think it will be incredibly beneficial for this community to go through the transition with you… almost like a reboot for everyone!
That’s absolutely fantastic! NYC is wonderful, there’s way more to do than in SF. Upstate is beautiful, CT, VT, Boston, you’ll have a great time!
Hi Darya! I am also a Neuroscience PhD with an interest in health and wellness…I went to grad school in VA, did my postdoc at MIT and have holistic health coach certification from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. I have lived in NYC for 7 years now….actually right where I believe your above picture was taken (the waterfront in Long Island City?)! Looking forward to learning more about NYC through your adventures. Best of luck and let me know if you would ever like to meet up for a cup of coffee (my fav is Sweet Leaf n LIC) and talk shop! 🙂
Woohoo! Welcome to NYC!
I don’t have too much to add to the farmer’s market comments, the most famous ones can be letdowns sometimes and I tend to just do a big Trader Joe’s shop every week and get fruit from my fruit cart guy occasionally. I eat every meal at home (which I think is probably unheard of here for people who work in an office) so lots of good groceries are a must.
Can’t wait for the NY meet up, I hope you’ll love it here! Nothing beats a springtime or autumn walk in Central Park
You will love NY. Here all my life. Just found your blog tonight and got the starter kit. We are both newbies: you to NY and me to Summer Tomato! I’m excited to read the articles and find out more.
🙂