A simple spring supper

There is inherent optimism in the canyon. (Or maybe it's just me.) I picked red pepper branches, some yellow mimosa, both overblown and just sprouting, some canyon tall grass, eucalyptus flowers and put them in a vase on the table. And we were given a huge bag of shiney, pale Meyer lemons from the neighbor. No occasion, just a couple of girlfriends round for supper, but it seemed momentous somehow, perhaps because of Spring, or perhaps, as my mother said yesterday "I don't remember being happier." A very simple meal, here's what we had:

Sardines & Crackers & Dijon mustard (inspired by Prune)

Hot purple artichokes with melted butter

Salmon baked on a bed of fennel fronds (with salt and pepper, only)

Baby potatoes with lots of mint

Fennel (mandolined paper-thin) & purple amaranth micro greens salad (with salt, Meyer lemon & olive oil)

Roasted plum tomatoes

Asparagus

Banana ice cream from Sweet Rose Creamery

Raspberries