Chef Robin Goldstein has written "A Taste of Ojai," "A Taste of Santa Barbara," and "Wine Country," as well as catering many high-profile events in and around the area. She also travels to Europe each year to sample local cuisines and returns freshly inspired to expand her culinary repertoire.

A long-time Ojai resident, Chef Robin grew up in the restaurant business in Washington, D.C. and was fascinated from the jump, delighting in the sensations of smell, taste and touch, the hurly-burly and hustle bustle of her grandparents' busy, three-story landmark restaurant. She attended the other CIA - Culinary Institute of America, and moved to Los Angeles in 1984. After earning her stripes with several famous restaurateurs she branched out on her own, living in Spain and developing a love for Mediterranean cuisine. She has carved a niche for herself for focusing on fresh, local flavors and unusual combinations, which we talk about. We also talk about why restaurant culture is so important, how even the most modest kitchen experimenters can have success, and the future of food.

We did not talk about extinct primates, post-fire chaparral regrowth or hand-lining for tuna.

You can learn more about her, or book her for your event (or buy one of her four books) at PrivateChefRobin.com.