The Urban Forager

The Urban Forager, based in Pasadena, California, is dedicated to exploring and celebrating the rich culinary traditions of Los Angeles' eastside. Founded by Elisa Callow, former Director of The Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena, the initiative seeks to connect communities through a shared passion for food. Elisa's international experiences in the Philippines and Malaysia, during her father's tenure as a Peace Corps country director, have deeply influenced her appreciation for diverse cultures and cuisines. These experiences have shaped her approach to urban foraging—an immersive exploration of local markets and culinary practices.

Through her work, Elisa has authored "The Urban Forager: Culinary Exploring & Cooking on L.A.'s Eastside," a collection of inspiring recipes, profiles, and references for both novice and adventurous home cooks. The book features conversations with notable figures such as Sumi Chang of Europane and Minh Phan of Porridge and Puffs, as well as acclaimed home cooks like Mario Rodriguez, Rumi Mahmood, and Jack Aghoian. By highlighting the diverse culinary landscape of Los Angeles, The Urban Forager encourages readers to enrich their culinary repertoire with delicious new discoveries.