After a lifetime in the Northeast, where the weather dictated everything from my wardrobe to my emotions (Hello, Seasonal Affective Disorder!), this sunny weather has been like a permanent vacation. I think I may be solar powered.

Then again, here I go moving to a city that is known for its foggy, moody weather! But the New Englander in me says that it will still be a vacation compared to bitter, slushy winter Februarys. And (ssshhhh!) a little part of me is looking forward to some foggy, rainy, cozy days in the future.

When we first moved into our apartment in Culver City a few years ago, the tangerine tree in the backyard was a major selling point. At the time, it was late February and the tree was bursting with fleshy, orange fruit. Allison and I were still shivering from the Massachusetts winter weather, so the idea of our own homegrown citrus was just short of a miracle.

The tangerine tree inspired many citrus cocktail creations in those first months–and lots of “oohs and aahs” from every non-Californian houseguest that we’ve had. Today, I’m still amazed and delighted when coworkers bring in bags full of grapefruits or lemons from their own backyards. “Please take them off my hands!”

Seriously, Los Angelenos, don’t take your backyard bounty for granted! Pick it, eat it, share it, and savor every tart juicy bite! Check out fallenfruit.org to learn more about the local mini-movement to take advantage of LA’s awesome fruit trees. And I will stir up one more tangertini before I go…

So in honor of a bright gritty city that’s given me so much, I give you For Love of LA - a multi-part love letter featuring some favorites spots in this land of sunshine and stars.