Lark

John Sundstrom's food dazzles, whether it's a pot of the richest, creamiest mashers this side of France or a plate of luscious yellowtail crudo brightened with fennel pollen. But what I admire most about John is his acute sense of the Pacific Northwest's seasons, from the seemingly endless winter drizzle to wondrous summer abundance. John's, Kelly's, and JM's thoughtful spirits resonate like a breeze off Puget Sound. --Tom Douglas, chef/owner of Tom Douglas Restaurants
 
Johnathan Sundstrom has brought the beauty and bounty of his beloved Northwest so boldly and vibrantly to the pages of this book that I want to climb into its pages and eat, sleep, drink, and cook that region now. I love his personal stories and his redefinition of the seasons into mist, evergreen, and bounty--what a very personal and gorgeous book!
--Suzanne Goin, chef/owner Lucques, A.O.C., Tavern
 
I've been waiting for this cookbook. My first taste of farro paired with chanterelles was at Lark many moons ago and now it's a standard in my own kitchen. I never miss a chance to order the porcini or spot prawn dishes. John takes signature foods of the Pacific Northwest and makes them jump off the plate. Like an old family mushroom patch, these pages are a treasure trove to return to again and again. --Langdon Cook, author of Fat of the Land: Adventures of a 21st Century Forager
 
The defining element of the book is Sundstrom's deep love for the Pacific Northwest, which will resonate with people who may not even be that interested in food. This is a man who, after much thinking, decided we have just three seasons and gave them evocative names--Mist, Evergreen, and Bounty--and spends some time waxing poetic about them, and encouraging you to go get lost in the woods. --Angela Garbes, the Stranger
 
In Lark: Cooking Against the Grain, we have not just a viable cookbook from a decorated American chef, but also a glimpse into the near future as it becomes standard procedure to include a robust companion app. Sundstrom's offering is an excellent model, serving as not just a rich kitchen tool, but also extending the cookbook's potential as a multimedia platform for education and entertainment. --Chris Onstad, the Portland Mercury
 
I literally gasped when I opened the cookbook app for the first time--each recipe is available as a step-by-step slideshow with stunning photos and videos that serve as a digital culinary school for follow-along cooks. It's a love letter to local food sources and to cookbook fans in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. --Allison Jones, Portland Monthly
 
Lark tells the story of a way of cooking and interacting with the earth that draws you in and makes you want to be a part of it. It is comprehensive, not only including recipes but also ways of dealing with ingredients and sourcing food.
--Lottie + Doof, award-winning Chicago food blog
 
If the rest of the world cooked and ate true to season and locally the way John demonstrates in this gem of a book, we could cure environments, restore culture, and know what it is to love food and those who bring it to us. 
--Michel Nischan, president/CEO of Wholesome Wave