Heather Taylor is an LA tastemaker in every possible way. With her husband Alex, she co-owns and runs Taylor De Cordoba Gallery, an art gallery that not only features wonderful emerging artists but also is home to events featuring the couple’s foodie and fashion designer friends. On top of her day job, she runs the popular blog LA In Bloom, which focuses on how to live well in the City of Angels. Whether she’s sharing her Ojai hit list, teaching her readers how to get a perfectly made up face (with a little help from friends like Beatrice Valenzuela) or walking us through her favorite recipe in one of her amazing cooking how-tos, LAIB is a wonderful online resource for the good LA life.
So, it’s no wonder that her house would be the perfect embodiment Heather’s remarkable qualities—warm, inspiring and artfully put together. Though the house is filled with fabulous books and art, it’s her kitchen that truly pulls you in—and her delicious kale-coconut-cinnamon smoothie makes you want to stay for seconds! Even her table, packed with freshly picked pomegranates, ripe figs and just-baked pumpkin spice bread—and decorated with her debut line of gorgeously embroidered linens (more on those later!)—is a study in simple luxuries and true good taste.
Like her favorite cookbook authors Nigella Lawson and Ina Garten, Heather is building a lifestyle brand that’s all about enjoying simple pleasures and beautiful things—whether it’s art, food, flowers or design, Heather Taylor is the epitome of warmth and generosity and we hope you find her divine home, effortless style and delicious recipes as endlessly appealing as we do!
WHAT IS YOUR TYPICAL DAILY DIET? “An egg with a tortilla, salsa and sea salt for breakfast; sushi for lunch; sweet potato and black bean tacos for dinner. Faloodeh from Mashti Malone‘s (Persian rose water ice) for dessert.”
Entertaining go-to: “Grilled pizzas. And affogato (vanilla bean ice cream “drowned” in espresso) for dessert.”
Dinner on a busy night: “Kimchi friend rice topped with a friend egg. It’s easy, healthy, fast and I usually have all of the ingredients in the fridge.”
Quick breakfast: “Granola from my friend Lauren of The Granola Project with yogurt and fruit.”
Changes in diet if you’re gearing up for a big event or vacation: “No wine on weekdays!”
Usual workout: “Spinning, yoga and hiking.”
Necessary indulgence: “Pizza and prosecco at the bar at Pizzeria Mozza.”
Favorite recipe: “Right now, it’s a simple, Spanish-inspired recipe from the October issue of Bon Appetit comprised of spinach, chickpeas and tomatoes, spiced with smoked paprika and cumin. Topped with a fried egg. I added chorizo to please my carnivorous husband.”
Favorite cookbook: “I love so many! Favorites are: The New Book of Middle Eastern Food by Claudia Roden, Barefoot in Paris by Ina Garten, Ripe by Nigel Slater, Feast by Nigella Lawson and the Moro books.”
Kitchen gadget: “My Vitamix.”
Pantry essential: “Lemons.”
Ingredient that makes everything taste better: “Flaky sea salt.”
Dream meal: “A long breakfast of pastries, fruit and yogurt in Greece. Overlooking the ocean after going for a swim, with all my friends and family.”
For those of you who want to make her delicious smoothie (and we recommend you do!) check out her easy and amazingly refreshing recipe:
Kale and Coconut Smoothie via LA in Bloom
Serves 2
1 heaping cup of kale, stems removed and roughly chopped
1 cup coconut water
1 banana
½ cup coconut meat, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon agave
a pinch of cinnamon
1 cup of ice (add more or less depending on your taste)
Place ingredients in the blender and blend until smooth, for at least a minute.
