Meet Seamus Mullen

Seamus Mullen, chef of Tertulia in New York, will be signing copies of his cookbook, “Seamus Mullen’s Hero Food,” at two upcoming Bay Area appearances.

Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis a few years ago, he discovered that his quality of life improved dramatically when he based his cooking on 18 key ingredients, such as olive oil and fresh fish. Learn what other ingredients he favors, along with delicious recipes spotlighting them.

I became an instant fan of his “Mutti’s Blueberry Boy Bait” cake recipe included in the book. In fact, it was so good, I made it twice last summer. For the recipe, click here.

Mullen will be signing copies at Omnivore Books in San Francisco, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Jan 25.

The next day, Jan. 26 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., he will appear at Whole Foods in Napa, an event sponsored by Cooperfield’s Cooks.

Calling All Northern California Food Artisans

If you’re a Northern California food artisan, Andrea Blum, culinary artist at Montalvo Arts Center in Saratoga, wants to hear from you.

She has started a project called “My American Pantry” (MAP), in which she is mapping the lush landscape of artisan American food and drink — through aerial photographs.

Just take a look at the image here of 23 Bay Area artisans with their products — everything from seaweed to pies to eggs to chickens to alcohol.

Blum’s hope is to celebrate the breadth of the American pantry by eventually creating a map, where people can go to click on the stories, recipes and products of these artisans.

Her next scheduled aerial photo shoot will be Feb. 3 at a location to be determined. Northern California food artisans who’d like to participate in the photo should go to MyAmericanPantry to sign up for the shoot. Or email Blum at contact@myamericanpantry.com.

Calafia Celebrates Its Anniversary with Free Chocolate Cake

Google’s first executive chef, Charlie Ayers, will celebrate the fourth anniversary of his Calafia Cafe and Market A Go Go in Palo Alto’s Town & Country Village in a sweet way.

On Jan. 20 starting at 11 a.m., he’ll be serving free birthday cake to diners. Dig into a slice of chocolate chiffon cake layered with whipped cream and covered in dark chocolate glaze.