"Let food be thy medicine, and let thy medicine be food." Hippocrates
Interview by: Laura Pardini - Realtor
Contributor's website: City Style LA

I first saw Reisha Fryzer at a Daisy Swan "Entrepreneur" seminar featuring a select group of independent business owners.  I was there that night because our very own talented Travel Expert writer; Natalie Compagno, was one of the guest speakers along with Reisha.  I thought Ms. Fryzer's business was unique, globally conscious and helped to fill a very important piece in a person's life: a balanced and nutritious diet.  Here is our interview with Reisha Fryzer, Owner of  Farm Box LA. Enjoy!

1) Tell me about your business?

My business is called Farm Box LA. Every week, I deliver to your door a Farm Box full of a wonderful variety of freshly picked produce that I personally select from local farms and farmers markets. There’s nothing better than eating food that tastes the way it’s supposed to – as if just harvested from the earth! Along with the Farm Box, you can check my blog and receive weekly recipes to go along with some of the Farm Box week's produce.

2) How did you get started?

I was living in Malibu and discovered Vital Zuman Farm and began to work there as a volunteer. I then began learning my way around other local farms and farmers markets. A logical next step was to learn how to make the best use all this freshness, so I earned my chef certificate at the Epicurean Culinary School in West Hollywood, and supplemented that with vegan cooking classes. With all these tools at my fingertips, it made sense for me to turn my love of agriculture and the slow food movement into a business that could bring this healthy way of eating to my neighbors in Los Angeles. That was the start of Farm Box LA. I created the company to share my love of eating fresh, healthy, seasonal, organic, pesticide-free produce with my fellow Los Angelenos who would love to eat that way too. And probably would, if they had the time to visit farms and farmers markets often enough to make sure they always have an abundance of the freshest, best produce possible. Not to worry. Farm Box LA will bring the farm to you.

3) Can you discuss the importance of supporting our local farmers?

Yes Yes Yes... To start with, our topsoil is depleting at a rapid rate. And it takes 500 years to restore just 1 inch of lost rich topsoil!! I also believe in supporting our local economy. We have plenty of land and unemployment to grow and eat all our food. Why would we want avocados from Mexico when we have the Best avocados in Southern California. Also it is important that we create a beautiful world for our future generations to enjoy!

4) What do you consider the best things to do in Los Angeles?

Going to any Farmers Market and buying fresh what I need for the days meal! I love engaging in conversations with the farmers. Each of the farms’ produce variety can change a bit each week, so its good to ask them questions. I lived in Paris a few years ago and found it amazing how the Parisians shopped daily for their produce and each home only has a small fridge (and usually no freezer). I didn’t want to lose this lifestyle. And well if you can’t make it to the farmers market, that’s where my company Farm Box LA comes in.

I also enjoy going for a bike ride on Malibu Road and swimming at the small public beaches on the road and then lunching at Malibu seafood (which is only a short bike ride away).

Waking up and attending Tej’s, 9am Kundalini Yoga class at Golden Bridge.

Walking my dogs at Griffith Park.

Vegan Cooking classes with the Spork Sisters & Zuddha girls.

Lastly, starting my day Planting and harvesting fruits and vegetables in my backyard. We are so lucky in Southern California to have great weather and can grow produce all year long. A small garden on a balcony or backyard will provide you with not only delicious treats but a great education!

Check out the website article which includes pictures too: http://mylalifestyle.com/2011/10/let-food-be-thy-medicine-and-let-thy.html

RFD- Real Food Delivered
July 12, 2011
Reisha Fryzer, owner of Farm Box LA, shares her love of eating fresh,  seasonal, organic, pesticide-free produce by delivering locally grown goods to doorsteps in Los Angeles.


I met Reisha at my local lululemon store in Brentwood.  She joked that her garage was full of vegetables. I was intrigued.  Turns out, this vegetable loving yogi is quite the woman.  Throughout college, Reisha thought she was preparing herself for a successful career in her parent’s real estate management business, however, after a stint studying French in Paris, she found herself back in LA— volunteering on a farm. 

The Parisian lifestyle of shopping daily for your meal at local butchers and farmers markets inspired Reisha.  Realizing that  more Los Angelenos would support local farms and farmers markets if the legwork was done for them, the business idea for Farm Box LA sprouted in her mind.  Reisha decided to find a way to bring the organic local food she loved to the doorsteps of her neighbors on a weekly basis. 

Now her week consists of visiting local farms and farmers markets, picking out the seasonal selection herself, and boxing (yes in her garage) personalized packages for each of her customers.  And if you find a delightful recipe suggestion included in your Farm Box, don’t overlook it—Reisha earned her chef certificate at the Epicurean Culinary School.

A woman empowering her community by working in the dirt to support local farmers— that is beautiful. 

http://www.betsysbeautyblog.com/post/7555162059/rfd-real-food-delivered

April 2011 Issue-
http://blog.koreadaily.com/media.asp?med_usrid=ladyjoongang

June 8th Event - "Entrepreneurship:
What It Takes and Do You Have It" Join us for Our Inspiring and Informative June 8th Panel Discussion and Networking Event

If you haven't registered for our June 8th event as of yet, what are you waiting for...?! The advance registration discount ends on May 31st - so take advantage of the reduced rate by registering today!

We know that there are many resources available to help new businesses get going and that provide information on how to do so, but our June 8 event also addresses the fundamental and initial dilemma that all business owners must face: Whether or not striking out on their own is the right move for them, and if it is, where and how best to start the process.

A service business, on-line, brick-and-mortar? Franchise or sole proprietor, or partnership? What skills or products can you bring to the marketplace? All of these topics will be discussed...plus any of your questions, answered.

Join us on Wednesday, June 8, to meet our five panelists who will be speaking about how they started their businesses and what challenges and opportunities they've experienced. This will be an opportunity to hear the truth about working for yourself, from a variety of people who transitioned from employee to employer.

June 8th event panelists include: Amy Swift Crosby, founder of SMARTY, a women's entrepreneurial network based in Los Angeles; Natalie Compagno, owner of Traveler's Bookcase, an indie bookstore devoted to travel located in West Hollywood; Chris Woodward, president of Henry Woodward Communications, a Los Angeles-based corporate marketing and public relations firm, and creator of My PR Tools; Reisha Fryzer, founder of Farm Box LA, a business that delivers organic fruits and vegetables to your front door; and, Josh Crosby, a World Champion rower, ACE certified trainer, coach and fitness consultant, and creator of Indo-Row, a growing international fitness program now in 50 fitness clubs and boutique studios worldwide.

June 8th event attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, offer perspectives and meet other curious individuals of like mind. Light refreshments will be available, and as with all of Daisy Swan & Associates' events, there is a strong potential for meeting highly creative, intelligent people of all ages and LifeStages, through the networking portion of the evening.

Visit our web site to learn more about this event and the five panelists, or to register - and sign up soon, as space is limited!

Wednesday, June 8, 2011, 6:45-9:00 PM, at Working Village
(212 Marine Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405)

Tickets for this event are $35 per person through May 31st, and $45 per person June 1st on, and at the door.

$35 per person (through May 31st):

Loquats, Cherimoya and Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
5/3/11
by:David De Bacco

This Sunday the flower stalls at the Beverly Hills Farmers' Market were bursting with fragrant spring scents and colors. The flowers are also a reminder that next Sunday is Mother’s Day, and a spray of the soft pink roses from Venegas Creek Roses would make the perfect gift for mom. It also has ready-made bouquets and sweet pea blossoms that have just come into season.

Other flower farms at the market, Mayeda Cut Flowers and Sunny Spot Flowers, also have sprays of tulips, iris and other spring flowers. There’s also Joey Wu Orchids, which has a selection of rare locally grown orchids that will also add color to your mom’s special day.

Walking through the market, I may have discovered the ultimate Mother’s Day gift, particularly for those who don’t visit the farmers markets. Farm Box LA buys organic fruits and produce at the farmers market and then delivers a box of them to clients.

“I wanted to share my passion for the farmers market with people who are just too busy to go themselves,” said Reisha Fryzer, the owner of Farm Box LA. More information may be obtained at the Farm Box LA website.

May is officially “Cherries Month” at the market, but this week there wasn’t a single cherry in sight.

“Because of the harsh winter, we won’t have cherries until midmonth,” said Greta Dunlap, the manager of the market. “This year we’re going to have to be patient for the arrival of all stone fruits and summer produce.”

It’s easy to forget this past winter since the beautiful California weather has returned to the area. But with or without cherries, there are other signs to confirm the month of May has indeed arrived, such as a small desert fruit called a loquat.

“Loquats have the blended flavor of an apricot, plum and cherry,” said Luis Diaz, owner of the Rancho Mexico Lindo stand that harvests the sweet fruit.

When ripe, the loquat becomes quite sweet, making it a good replacement for sugar in cereal or oatmeal. Another desert fruit that’s at its peak right now is cherimoya, a fruit native to South America that tastes like a blend of banana and pineapple. You can find fresh-picked cherimoya at Rancho Mexico Lindo and at Westfield Farms.

It’s always fun to discover that a new farm vendor has arrived at the market, and this week, a produce farm from Fresno made its debut. The Mr. and Mrs. Green stall was overflowing with Asian vegetables and springtime varieties such as English peas and fava beans.

“We don‘t use any chemicals or pesticides,” said Pah Vang, owner of the Mr. & Mrs. Greens Farm.

The farm also offers baby bok choy, carrots and kohlrabi, a crunchy root vegetable that has the flavor and texture of a turnip. There are also onions, cabbages and fresh herbs such as basil, which was so fragrant that when a fellow customer saw me enjoying its scent, he suggested I use it to make basil-infused lemonade. Great idea, thank you!

I invite you to join me each week as I explore the magical world of the Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market. Please feel free to share stories and recipes of the items you find interesting at the market. If you see me strolling about, please say hello.

Next week at the market: Kid Zone with Pony Rides and Petting Zoo will be a part of the Mother’s Day celebration. There will also be Cookin Kids where the children prepare recipes by using ingredients from the market. Musical entertainment will be provided by Thiago in the cafe area of the market, so invite your mother to join you for breakfast.

The Beverly Hills Farmers' Market is held every Sunday (rain or shine) from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the 9300 block of Civic Center Drive. There are more than 60 farmers and vendors offering a wide variety of organic and conventional California-grown seasonal fruits and vegetables. There are also prepared food kitchens with menu items to take out or enjoy at the small on-site cafe.

Parking is available on the neighboring side streets or in the garage attached to the City Hall and library. The market supplies free shopping carts to use and they are located there. If you have any stories or recipes from the market that you wish to share, please contact the site editor at mariec@patch.com.

David De Bacco is a writer living and celebrating life in Los Angeles. He has worked for some of the world's most famous chefs and restaurateurs, and along the way he became a little savvy about food and wine. He has published articles and cookbooks for Shibata Publishing Co. in Tokyo and is a contributing writer for Edge Publications. He is also the creator of the Cookin with Mama blog, a meeting place to share recipes from our mothers.

Hollywood.Patch.Com
5/3/11
by:David De Bacco

This week I took the day off from the market because I discovered there’s a service that will do the shopping for me.

“I wanted to find a way for people to celebrate the farmers' market even if their schedule doesn’t allow it,” said Reisha Fryzer, the owner and creator of Farm Box LA, a local delivery service that does the market shopping for you.

Fryzer said the service has turned out to be popular with busy moms, single men and celebrities.

The business will celebrate its one year anniversary this summer and in this short time, Fryzer has developed a friendship with all of the farmers and a loyal client base that is enjoying her deliveries.

“I wanted to share my love of eating healthy, fresh and seasonal produce that’s organic and doesn’t use any pesticides,” Fryzer said.

Every Monday, Fryzer delivers a recyclable box to her clients filled with organic produce from a variety of growers at the Hollywood Farmers' Market. The vendors include Underwood Family Farms, Fair Hills Farms and Tutti Frutti Farms. She rotates the weekly purchases with other farms so there’s a variety and a chance to involve other farms in her program.  

“My motive in creating this business was also to support these small organic farmers who are growing produce the way it should be without chemicals, additives and mutated plants,” Fryzer said.

Depending on the number of people in a household, the cost of boxes ranges from $50 to $100.

Fryzer primarily shops at the Sunday market in Hollywood because the bulk of deliveries is done Mondays but she can tailor the timing to suit a client’s needs.

“Monday is the start of the workweek and it seemed like the perfect way to start people off with a pantry filled with fresh-picked produce,” Fryzer said.

This week, I received a small box that was priced for one to two people. The box was filled with enough fresh fruit and vegetables to get me well into the weekend and it also guarantees that I’m going to eat a healthy diet.

It contained fresh herbs, daikon radish, Fuji apples, pixie tangerines, gourmet lettuce, asparagus, cherimoya, avocados, turnips, sweet potato and fava beans.

There are other sizes of boxes for larger families or Fryzer will custom design a box that meets a client's needs and wants. Fryzer also creates beautiful gift boxes that will introduce the recipient to the service.

“Before I started the company I went to culinary school so I could learn basic cooking ideas with an emphasis on vegan cooking,” Fryzer said.

Fryzer received a chef certificate at the Epicurean Culinary School in West Hollywood. On the Farm Box website, she posts easy to follow recipe ideas such as creamy celery soup, pasta with pancetta and savoy cabbage and baby bok choy with carrots and spring onions.

At the moment, Farm Box LA serves locals, but as modern overnight delivery has become commonplace, Fryzer is open to eventually shipping California fresh produce to other locations that may not have access to such farms.

Just a reminder that next week is Mother’s Day, so a gift box from Farm Box LA may be a unique present to send to mom, or if you’re looking for something more traditional, stop at Venegas Creek Roses Farm and bring mom a bunch of its exquisite spring pink roses.

Please feel free to share stories and recipes of the items you find interesting at the market. If you see me strolling about, please say hello.

See you next week at the market!

The Hollywood Farmers Marketis located at the intersection of Ivar and Selma avenues, between Sunset and Hollywood boulevards. Rain or shine, it is open every Sunday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The market is a certified open-air street market with approximately 100 farmers, 30 local artisans and 40 baked-goods and prepared-food vendors who sell their products every Sunday. It is a direct-to-consumer marketplace with all produce and products from local, California vendors and growers.

Parking: Cinerama Dome: $2 for first two hours with validation available at the information booth at Ivar and DeLongpre avenues. Metered parking: Check parking enforcement signs. Some meters free until 11 a.m. on Sundays.

Dog Sitting: Only tagged assistance dogs are allowed at the market, but this shouldn’t stop others from walking their dogs to the public event. There’s a dog sitting service provided at the corner of Ivar and Vine streets. Your prized pooch will get to socialize with other dogs while you do your shopping at the market. It charges a small fee of $5 per 20 minutes.

http://hollywood.patch.com/articles/delivery-service-brings-the-hollywood-farmers-market-to-your-door#photo-5869568

Eating with the Seasons
by: Reisha Fryzer                 3/24/11

http://eating-made-easy.com/2011/03/24/the-benefits-of-eating-with-the-seasons 

RECIPE:
Quick Pickled Vegetables from Farm Box LA
by Siel Ju


Shopping at the farmers market can be a dangerous affair -- simply because all the fresh, in-season produce looks so tempting. If you bought a rolling cartful of fresh veggies with the full intention of enjoying crudités as snacks all week -- but already feel daunted by all the crunchy fare -- Reisha Fryzer can help.

Reisha's the owner of Farm Box LA, a newish organic produce delivery service that brings hand-picked items from local farmers markets to your front door. For $50, Reisha delivers a reusable boxful of what's good at the market -- with enough produce to feed one or two people for an entire week.

Of course, customers' healthy eating habits get derailed at times -- which is why Reisha, who holds a chef certificate from the Epicurean Culinary School in West Hollywood, also offers a pickling and jamming service. Unenjoyed fruits and veggies can simply be placed back in the delivery box to be picked up -- and turned into locally-made jams and pickled veggies for $10 a jar.

Try your hand at pickling your own veggies with Reisha's recipe. She recommends using firmer vegetables -- such as carrots from Finley Farm or fennel bulb from Tutti Frutti Farm -- and having fun with the recipe by swapping out spices or vegetables.

Quick Pickles

Ingredients

4 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
1 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
ginger, small piece julienned
1 cinnamon stick
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
pinch of salt

Instructions

Place carrots upright in a large picking jar or a few small jars and set them aside. In a medium saucepan heat the apple cider vinegar, sugar and desired spices and salt over medium heat until simmering. When liquid is about to boil, pour it over carrots. Let it cool and then seal and store in the fridge for up to 3 weeks submerged in the liquid.

"...not only are the colors vibrant and rich, but the fruits and veggies are mighty tasty!  I already went ahead and roasted the golden beets and sliced up a blood orange…sweet, juicy, and delicious, just as nature intended.... Thanks Farm Box LA for bringing the farmers’ market to my door..." Ceci, What Is Ceci Cooking Blog, Founder
http://whatiscecicooking.wordpress.com/2011/02/22/double-post/

Also continue to read her blog for recipe idea's using Farm Box ingredients!

"I am SO many plans for these puppies. Chicken pot pie, stuffed skirt steak. Yum yum yum. I have a feeling I'll be ordering these more often. If I become a member I get a pretty eco-friendly box to store everything in! Weee! I have realized in this process that I'm a lot easier to please than I thought. It's the simple things, really..." Sarah Elizabeth, No Thank You Bite Blog, Founder
http://nothankyoubite.blogspot.com/2011/02/farm-box-la-and-giveaway-oh-my.html

Also continue to read her blog for recipe idea's using Farm Box ingredients!

Kimberly Chou, Wall Street Journal   
February 3, 2011
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703960804576120181647031312.html?mod=googlenews_wsj#articleTabs%3Darticle

Jennifer Brandt, PerfectlyDischeveled.com
February 1, 2011
http://www.perfectlydisheveled.com/2011/02/roasting-for-dummies.html

By: Amy Solovay
November 10, 2010
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/6040410/california_food_how_to_eat_and_drink.html?cat=22

VitalJuice.com
September 23, 2010
http://www.vitaljuice.com/agenda_detail/la/1817/Vital_Spy_Reisha_Fryzer.htm
http://vitaljuice.com/entry_detail/nyc/11039/Farm_Box_LAs_Seasonal_Vegetable_Curry.htm

Groomed L.A.
August 31, 2010
http://www.groomed-la.com/2010/08/in-an-ideal-world-everyone-would-buy-their-produce-at-thefarmers-market-where-the-food-is-freshest-cheapest-and-most-suppo.html

By: Laurel Lyman, Cork-popper.com
August 30, 2010
http://www.cork-popper.com/2010/08/30/to-be-or-not-to-be-a-locavore/

Jennifer Evans Gardener
August 17, 2010
http://littlefeetinthekitchen.wordpress.com/2010/08/17/farm-box-la-meets-little-feet-in-the-kitchen/

By: Tamar Grande, LA Gardening Examiner, Crankyeditor.com
June 22, 2010
http://www.examiner.com/gardening-in-los-angeles/farm-box-la-delivers-fresh-picked-organic-produce-to-your-home-or-business-every-week
http://www.crankyeditor.com/2010/06/22/farm-box-la-delivers-fresh-picked-organic-produce-to-your-home-or-business-every-week/