ELE Interview: Taking Five with Renee Frojo - Writer, Photographer and Content Creator, Laurel Street Kitchen -

Clean, Californian cooking with a hint of spice and influences from around the world, writer and photographer Renee Frojo’s delicious blog, Laurel Street Kitchen, has us dreaming about healthy, fresh, flavour-filled food and endless Californian sunshine.

We take five with Renee this week to find out more about what inspires her.

Where is your favorite travel destination and why?

Mexico. I grew up in Cancun, near some of the most pristine beaches in the world. As you can image, few places have lived up to it since! But I was young when we left, so I feel like I’m not as acquainted with the culture as I’d like to be. That’s why each time we travel to Mexico and explore different parts of the country, I gain a little more appreciation for the food, the people, and their way of life.

2. What is your go-to recipe to cook at home?

Tacos. Any time I can’t think of what’s for dinner, I take a look at what’s in my fridge and saute it up for tacos. It could be meats, veggies or greens. I make a little salsa, heat a few tortillas on the stove, and dinner is delicious.

3. What can’t you live without in the garden?

Well, if I had a garden (and I wish I did) I’d grow my own greens, herbs, chili peppers and citrus. It would be amazing to have everything on hand for a fresh salad.

4. What inspires you?

Traveling. Being around other creative people. My kids.

5. Describe your perfect day.

I wake up, put my bathing suit on and go for a swim. Then I come back home for a hot shower and big breakfast with my family. We all get dressed and head out for an adventure — a hike, a picnic in the park, a swim at the beach — and then we stop somewhere delicious for lunch. Probably tacos. We come home, everyone takes a nap. Then we wake up, bake some cookies, hang out with a drink in hand while the kids round around in the yard. We prepare for dinner, listening to music. We all eat dinner together outside, have a great conversation, and then everyone is off for an early bedtime.