We've been devouring a delightful new book, Food, edited by John Knechtel. This refreshingly Canada-centric collection of photography and writing takes a 360 degree approach to covering the endlessly fascinating subject of food -- from an essay on dining in outerspace to poetry about overeating -- this collection does not limit its scope on our favorite topic. We love the results of this hodgepodge of food writing.

One of the highlights was the discovery of an essay by one of our favorite food bloggers, Debra Soloman of Culiblog. She describes the public eating/activist art project, Fallen Fruit. The project began as a mapping project. David Burns, Matias Viegener, and Austin Young created comprehensive guides to all the public fruit trees in the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Echo Park, Hancock Park and Silver Lake. Santa Fe has been mapped for public fruit trees too.

Since we're currently obsessed with West Coast living, this project scores another point for the West.

Check the Fallen Fruit site regularly to find out when the next Public Jam will take place.

We ask that the citizens bring along home-grown or public fruit and any clean, empty glass jars. At the end everyone left with a jar of communal jam. Even those arriving empty handed left with jam. We made radical and experimental jams, like basil guava or lemon pepper jelly. We discussed the basics of jam and jelly making, pectin and bindings, as well as the communal power of shared fruit and the liberation of public fruit. Vats of fun for all!