Sophie James

I am from Devon in England. As a child, we kept goats and I ate my fair share of clotted cream, brandy butter, hairy goat's milk and inedible chocolate. I was a cook for a count and countess in Venice, Italy, in my early twenties, which ruined me for life. I later trained as an actor, worked as an actor and taught acting in England. I now live in LA with my husband, Joe, who's a film editor. Everyone here is an actor. I am enjoying working with food.

Southern California is predominantly a Mediterranean climate and the seasons are less distinct. You need to be on the ball and and look for whatever is peaking. Much of the food I write about is inspired by, and created for, our B&B guests. On the whole, I like simple, strong flavours and minimal processes. I believe in animal fats.