When artist and food illustrator Anna Takahashi was young, her doctors discovered she suffered from a kidney condition called nephrotic syndrome. By way of treatment, Anna had to basically abstain from salt for one year. In her hospital bed, and throughout that year, she drew images of the foods she craved: snacks, pasta, pizza, etc. In the process, she fell in love with food illustration, and today, that is her bread and (salted) butter, so to speak. Anna and I have worked on multiple projects together, like when I edited Edible San Luis Obispo Magazine and hired her to do illustrations, when she designed the packaging for Etto Pasta and I wrote the copy, and when the two of us dreamt up a wacky wallpaper and textile pattern that pays homage to the city of San Luis Obispo. (Look in the show notes to discover how you can get your hands on that hot little commodity.) I was really lucky to talk with Anna in person, because she leads a very international life, with hubs in Japan, where her family lives, California, where she spent much of her adult life, and Italy, where her husband is from. We chatted about her travels, creative inspiration, and more in the dining room on the second floor of Mee Heng Low noodle house in historic San Luis Obispo Chinatown.
Website: annatakahashi.com
Instagram: @anna_eats_colors
SLO Toile: wallpaper and home goods for purchase
20th Season Best Of: Media
20th Season Best Of: Gear
20th Season Best Of: Winemakers
20th Season Best Of: Miscellaneous
20th Season Best Of: Spirits
20th Season Best Of: Specialty
20th Season Best Of: Brewers
20th Season Best Of: Farmers, Ranchers, Fishers
20th Season Best Of: Chefs and Restaurants
Bonus Conversation: Why Are So Many Restaurants Closing?
Tuscan Mustang: Cal Poly student Mary Carli pursues her education “half a world away”
Sidecar Cocktail Company: Slinging poison, serving dumplings, and smooth jazz
LEGENDS: Sommelier-turned-farmer Rajat Parr
LEGENDS: Cult brewers Vinnie and Natalie Cilurzo, Russian River Brewing
LEGENDS: Chuck Hiigel, czar of Central Coast beer
LEGENDS: Taco Works brand tortilla chips with CEO Robbie Bayly
LEGENDS: Cattaneo Brothers jerky with CEO Katelyn Kaney
LEGENDS: Brown Butter Cookie Company with Traci Hozie Alderson
LEGENDS: Steak and Champagne Cake at The Madonna Inn with Amanda Rich
LEGENDS: Santa Maria Style BBQ at Far Western Tavern and Susie Q Brand with Susie Righetti
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