A few weeks ago, I had the incredible opportunity to journey to California, joining a remarkable group of fellow bloggers for the highly anticipated Dole Taste of Spain Salad Summit. For three enriching days in picturesque Monterey, we immersed ourselves in the world of fresh produce, tracing lettuce from the vibrant fields where it’s grown directly to our plates. This unique experience offered a deep dive into the latest healthy eating trends, a chance to savor an abundance of exquisitely fresh cuisine, and, most importantly, precious time spent connecting with both new acquaintances and cherished friends.
Journey to Monterey: Kicking Off the Dole Salad Summit Adventure
My adventure began with a pre-dawn 6 AM flight, demanding an early start. After a couple of essential cups of coffee and a lengthy layover in Phoenix, anticipation built as I prepared to meet several bloggers for our final flight into Monterey. To my delight, my friend and “neighbor” from the north, Kristin, and I found ourselves seated together. It’s always a joy to share conversations with her, and I eagerly await the arrival of her sweet little boy – soon to be “Iowa Baby Eats”!
Upon our arrival in Monterey, we rendezvoused with more bloggers before a short shuttle ride took us to our exquisite home for the summit: Carmel Valley Ranch. Oh, what a place! From the moment I stepped onto the property, I was utterly captivated and seriously contemplated making this stunning ranch my permanent residence.
Unwinding in Style: The Charm of Carmel Valley Ranch
My designated “cabin” was far more spacious than my loft back in Kansas City, yet it exuded an incredibly cozy and welcoming ambiance. Every intricate detail was meticulously curated and thoughtfully designed. The living areas were inviting, the bedrooms were beautifully appointed with fireplaces I loved to ignite each evening while I read, and the gorgeous bathrooms featured inviting bathtubs complemented by plush white robes. A breathtaking view greeted me from the private balcony, while the cabin itself was adorned with fragrant lavender soaps, lotions, and charming bundles of dried lavender, creating a truly serene retreat.
Even the morning newspaper arrived in a delightful burlap bag, a charming touch that perfectly complemented the fresh coffee from my personal Keurig machine. It was these small, considerate details that truly elevated the experience at Carmel Valley Ranch, making it an unforgettable stay.
Beyond the cabin’s comforts, the ranch itself was quintessential California – warm, vibrant, and utterly wonderful. The sprawling grounds invited relaxation and exploration.
There were sparkling pools, perfect for a refreshing dip or simply lounging in the sun. I even had the chance to pick up some valuable Lightroom editing tips from Heidi while relaxing poolside. An outdoor restaurant provided an idyllic setting for lunch, further enhancing the laid-back California vibe.
Culinary Delights and Blogger Connections
As food bloggers, our first priority, naturally, was lunch! We gathered with more blogging friends and indulged in a leisurely meal together. As you might expect, cameras were out in full force, capturing every delectable dish. If you ever find yourself at Carmel Valley Ranch, you absolutely must try the prawn salad and the truffle fries – they were pure HEAVEN!
Post-lunch, we soaked up more California sunshine, sipping on refreshing fresh fruit water by the pool and deepening our connections with both new and long-time blogger friends. These moments of relaxed conversation and shared laughter are truly invaluable.
I always cherish the opportunity to meet in person bloggers I’ve admired online for years, especially when they turn out to be as warm and engaging as their online personas suggest. The “farmgirls,” Brenda and Heather, certainly fit this description perfectly!
And then there are those wonderful bloggers, like the delightful Chung-Ah, whom I have the good fortune of consistently running into at various events. Her presence always brightens any gathering!
An Evening of Spanish Flavors and Dole Insights
Once all the attendees had arrived, we officially commenced the summit with a spectacular happy hour and dinner. This is where I was introduced to what I now, quite dramatically but accurately, refer to as The Best Sangria Ever. The brilliant team at Dole had the innovative idea to muddle fresh arugula into the red sangria, and I was instantly captivated. Naturally, I had to rush home and recreate this incredible concoction for my own friends – it was truly that good!
Over a beautifully presented gourmet meal, replete with an array of Dole’s freshest greens, fruits, and vegetables, we had the privilege of hearing from some of the key leaders at Dole. (Yes, I even managed to discreetly enjoy another glass of that amazing sangria with dinner!).
I was seated with Chung-Ah and Nikki, alongside one of Dole’s CFOs, who shared fascinating insights into the company’s latest developments. One particularly exciting initiative discussed was their commitment to pushing beyond organic standards to introduce an even cleaner line of produce. This dedication to superior quality and health truly impressed me, and I’m eagerly looking forward to seeing how this innovative approach unfolds in the market.
From Farm to Table: A Deep Dive into Dole’s Produce
The next morning brought a truly novel experience for me: salads for breakfast! As we later learned from the insightful editor of Eating Well magazine, Americans typically don’t incorporate many vegetables or greens into their morning meals. To spark some fresh ideas, Dole served us a selection of delicious, salad-based *tapas*, including a delightful Poached Egg, Arugula & Parmesan breakfast salad, and a zesty spicy Spanish shrimp salad. This innovative approach to breakfast was a revelation, and I’m definitely inspired to integrate more savory greens into my own morning routine.
Of course, a generous array of Dole’s vibrant fresh fruit was also on offer. Many of these varieties aren’t readily available in the Midwest, so it was an absolute treat to indulge in such a diverse and delicious selection.
Despite the exciting new options, I couldn’t resist also enjoying the familiar comfort of my everyday breakfast: a perfectly layered fruit, yogurt, and oatmeal parfait.
After breakfast, we boarded a mini-bus, filled with anticipation, and headed out to explore a local farm. The agricultural landscape in California, however, proved to be quite different from the expansive wheat fields I’m accustomed to in my home state.
Our destination was a flourishing lettuce farm, a truly eye-opening experience that highlighted the origins of one of our most common salad ingredients.
Meeting Farmer Mark Pisoni and the Legacy of the Land
There to warmly greet us was the farmer himself, Mark Pisoni. I am consistently inspired by time spent with farmers, and Mark was no exception. He currently cultivates approximately 500 acres, growing a diverse range of produce including iceberg lettuce, romaine lettuce, celery, broccoli, and cauliflower. This land has been meticulously farmed by his family for an astonishing 100 years, a testament to their enduring legacy and dedication. Mark pursued higher education, earning both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in agriculture from UC Davis and Cornell, respectively. Yet, he chose to return to the family farm, driven by a deep passion for the land and a hope to instill that same love in his own children, ensuring the family business continues for generations to come.
More than anything, what struck me was the way his face illuminated when he spoke about his profound love for the farm. He enthusiastically demonstrated his passion by taking a crisp bite out of a fresh head of iceberg lettuce, an invitation we all eagerly accepted. I must confess, I had always considered iceberg lettuce to be somewhat mundane compared to other greens. However, straight from the field, it was incredibly fresh, vibrant, and surprisingly flavorful – a true revelation!
Following our insightful conversation with Mark, it was time to embark on a tour of the lettuce field. My wonderful, inspiring, hilarious, and utterly awesome friend Heidi, ever the good sport, proudly donned her hairnet – food safety first, of course! We were all ready for what we expected to be a walk around the fields.
However, much to our surprise, our tour didn’t involve a simple path around the fields…
Instead, we walked directly through them! Not to worry, these sections of the fields had already been harvested, so we weren’t trampling any lettuce destined for your salad bowl. It was an incredible experience to witness the harvesting process firsthand. The workers, with their expert touch, could instantly discern which heads of lettuce were perfectly ripe for picking and which were not yet ready. It was a remarkably efficient operation, especially considering these fields are harvested multiple times throughout the year.
Dole’s commitment to freshness is evident in their rapid and careful handling, ensuring that lettuce can travel literally from the farm to your table – even to homes in the middle of the country – within just a few days. This efficient “farm-to-fork” journey is truly impressive.
After our inspiring field tour, we proceeded to the Dole washing and bagging facility, where we observed the “triple-washed” produce process in action. The facility was remarkably impressive and maintained an exceptionally high standard of cleanliness. One crucial takeaway I gained was that it is absolutely unnecessary to rewash bagged produce. In fact, the germs and bacteria present in our tap water are often more prevalent than those found on the greens straight from the sealed bag. Dole’s rigorous commitment to food safety and hygiene is truly paramount.
Lettuce 101 and a Taste of Victory
Following our comprehensive tour, we headed to the Research & Development department for an engaging “Lettuce 101” class, led by our knowledgeable guide, Emilio.
It was fascinating to learn that Dole utilizes no fewer than 35 distinct types of greens and vegetables in their various salad blends. To add a bit of fun, our large group of food bloggers was given a pop quiz to test our ability to correctly identify various greens. Let’s just say it was a humbling experience! Despite eating a lot of greens, I was surprised by how many varieties I didn’t recognize. Who knew there were so many “baby” versions, like red baby kale? Nevertheless, thanks to a touch of luck, I emerged as one of the winners alongside my new nutritionist friend, Dawn. Our prize? Bottles of exquisite California wine, which made for a delightful *pre*-happy hour later that evening with our fellow bloggers.
Winery Lunch and Modern Food Trends
After our educational morning, we were treated to an absolutely amazing lunch at a local gem: Paraiso Vineyards. This place was truly breathtaking.
Nestled on the southern end of the majestic Saint Lucia Highlands, this lovely estate is situated amidst 400 acres of sprawling vineyards that have been lovingly tended by the same family for generations. The scenery alone was worth the visit, with rolling hills of grapevines stretching as far as the eye could see.
Consistent with nearly all of our meals during the summit, we had the pleasure of enjoying lunch outdoors under the warm California sun. And what an incredible meal it was, perfectly complementing the stunning surroundings!
From an array of delicious appetizers that tantalized our palates…
…to perfectly grilled chicken accompanied by the most exquisite saffron rice I’ve ever tasted, every dish was a culinary masterpiece.
It was the ideal setting to share a meal and create lasting memories with wonderful friends like Liz and Chung-Ah. During the meal, everyone went around the table, introducing their blogs and sharing their favorite vegetables. I debated whether arugula counted, but everyone enthusiastically agreed it did!
Insights from Eating Well Magazine
After our delightful winery lunch, we returned to the ranch for an enlightening session on culinary food trends, presented by Lisa Gosselin, the esteemed editor of Eating Well magazine. I was incredibly impressed that she traveled all the way to California specifically to share her expertise with our group.
Her presentation was utterly captivating, and I, frankly, completely “geeked out” on the information. Here are 10 of the most fascinating facts she shared:
- 44% of meals are now consumed alone.
- 51% of Americans are now preparing more meals at home.
- Among Millennials, 40% consider eating together to be important.
- While 1% of the U.S. population has celiac disease and 6% are gluten-intolerant, a significant 29% are actively reducing or avoiding gluten.
- Quinoa has rapidly become the “Food of 2013,” transforming from a $2.4 million to a $43 million industry in just ten years.
- Only 1 in 3 Americans eats the recommended 2.5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
- America’s favorite vegetable is asparagus.
- 78% of U.S. adults report buying organic produce.
- Requests for “international” recipes now rank #2, just after “healthy” recipes.
- A 2013 Spanish study published in NEJM indicated that 30% of deaths from heart disease could be prevented by adopting a Mediterranean diet.
Spanish Cooking Challenge and a Grand Farewell Dinner
Speaking of the Mediterranean diet, our next inspiring visitor was the head chef and owner from a renowned local Spanish restaurant, Mundaka. The chef treated us to a captivating demonstration on how to create his exquisite black beluga lentil salad, elegantly layered with smoked ham, thinly shaved Brussels sprouts, pickled cauliflower, and a vibrant lemon vinaigrette, all presented charmingly in a Mason jar.
And then came the exciting announcement: it was *our* turn to cook! We divided into four groups, each tasked with creating our own unique *tapas*. A generous spread of ingredients, ranging from delicate prosciutto to anchovies and roasted red peppers, allowed creativity to truly flow. It was fascinating to see the diverse and innovative tapas creations that emerged from our collective culinary efforts.
The chef initially planned to award prizes for categories like “most authentic” and “most creative,” but he quickly discovered that food bloggers can be a tad competitive when it comes to culinary challenges! It added a lively and fun element to the session.
Following our hands-on cooking session, we had the distinct pleasure of driving to the *real* Mundaka restaurant, where we savored a truly wonderful evening together, indulging in their incredible Spanish cuisine. The ambiance was vibrant, and the company even better.
Just a normal, casual 10-course meal, of course! Each dish was a testament to authentic Spanish flavors and culinary artistry, creating an unforgettable dining experience.
Exceptional friends, exquisite food, and lively music – it truly doesn’t get any better than that. The evening was a perfect celebration of new connections and shared passions.
And naturally, with a group of dedicated food bloggers, sampling every single course was treated with the utmost seriousness and appreciation. Each dish was carefully observed, discussed, and savored.
The cauliflower mac and cheese, positioned on the right in the photo, was an undeniable crowd favorite, garnering unanimous praise for its rich, comforting flavors.
While some dishes were universally adored, the jury is still out for me on anything eel-related (unless it’s sushi!). It was certainly an adventurous culinary exploration!
However, I *always* appreciate a well-prepared paella. This particular rendition instantly transported me back to my unforgettable trip to Barcelona, evoking cherished memories of Spanish culinary adventures.
I had the immense pleasure of sitting next to one of my absolute favorite people during dinner, the beautiful Sandy, who was also accompanied by her husband, Paul. Sandy truly radiates joy, warmth, and love, and I always feel like a better person for having spent time in her company.
Farewell California: Scenic Drive and Lasting Memories
The following morning, our final day at the summit, began with an invaluable presentation from the director of the *Eating Well* test kitchen, offering a wealth of practical tips on effective recipe writing. This session provided highly useful insights for all of us food bloggers, aiming to refine our craft.
Afterward, we hopped back into our trusty mini-bus for a scenic drive along the famous 17-Mile Drive, winding our way around the breathtaking Monterey Peninsula. It was wonderful to share this iconic experience with such a fantastic group of women!
The natural scenery was absolutely stunning, and the company of my fellow bloggers was equally delightful. (Smile, Tessa and Heather!)
During our drive, we discovered that Heidi possesses a remarkable ability to attract deer – a charming encounter that added to the magic of the day.
Moments like these inevitably lead me to ponder the traveling question of why I continue to live in a landlocked state. The sheer beauty of the Monterey coastline is simply captivating.
The vast expanse of the ocean was utterly stunning, offering panoramic views that filled us with a sense of wonder and tranquility.
And to our delight, we even spotted playful otters! These charming marine mammals added a special touch to our scenic tour, creating truly memorable moments.
It was a truly beautiful conclusion to an equally beautiful trip, filled with learning, laughter, and incredible experiences.
Shared with some of the finest people I know, the joy on everyone’s faces speaks volumes about the wonderful time we had together.
Dole, you truly picked an exceptional location for this summit! The stunning backdrop of California perfectly complemented the inspiring program.
Overall, it was an absolutely wonderful “Taste of Spain” trip, made possible by our incredible rockstar organizers. Their meticulous planning and hard work ensured every detail was perfect, and they are truly the best! Heartfelt love and hugs go out to the amazing group of bloggers who shared this unforgettable time. So many cherished memories were made with these fantastic women. Be sure to explore their lovely blogs listed below, as they each bring unique voices and inspiration to the culinary world!
- Brenda | A Farmgirl’s Dabbles
- Catherine | Rabbit Food For My Bunny Teeth
- Christy | The Schnuck’s Difference
- Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious
- Dawn | Dawn Blatner
- Heather | Farmgirl Gourmet
- Heidi | Foodie Crush
- Jane | This Week For Dinner
- Kristin | Iowa Girl Eats
- Lisa | Authentic Suburban Gourmet
- Liz | The Lemon Bowl
- Marie | Make and Takes
- Nikki | Chef In Training
- Sandy | Reluctant Entertainer
- Tessa | Handle The Heat