I had the most lovely spring evening on Thursday night. I went to the South Pasadena farmers’ market, picked up some basic produce along with one of my favorite short season items. I generally buy this just once a year and then they are gone! Arugula flowers and the tiny leaves are peppery and taste of pure new growth. This salad is so simple – a good bunch of the leaves and flowers, a tomato and a cucumber – dressed with olive oil, lemon, salt and pepper. Saturday lunch on the porch.

My friend Heidi caught up with me as I finished shopping and we stopped at the charming Nicole’s for dinner: Fava Bean Soup and an Oak-Smoked Salmon Salad.