We had the good fortune of connecting with Mercedes Melendez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mercedes, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
I choose to live by “let food by thy medicine.” This quote is attributed mostly to Hippocrates, sometimes Imhotep. Whoever first said it, the saying holds true to me. I think in the West we most often believe in medicine as something pharmaceutical or perhaps as something to be taken as a direct application to disorder or disease. Medicine can also be used as a preventative and comes in many forms. When I think it of in terms of food, I view it according to the senses. Is this food beautiful aesthetically, is the smell aromatherapy, does the sounds of its preparation bring me joy? And of course, yes, when I consume it, does its nourishment satisfy my nutritional needs. Food is more than a source of energy; it is a source of life and we need certain nutrients like essential trace minerals and amino acids to thrive. Fast, convenient foods can be artificially pleasing to our sense of taste but lacking in true satisfaction. It is my mission to bring back traditional values to our eating habits and I believe one way to do that is with the inclusion of mostly plant-based foods into our diet and lifestyles. Plants are nutritional and medicinal powerhouses.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I think what makes my work so different than that of others working in similar fields is my engagement with multiple modalities. I find strength in my work through knowledge, and I often like to get down to source to understand a finished product. Sometimes this takes me to farms or gardens in either work or discussion with growers, or it could be a field trip to a botanical institution to learn how medicinal constituents are extracted. Working with plants is more than a career for me. It is a special interest and a passion. Most of the time, I am a one-woman business taking on many roles to set things just right. This means I must know about marketing, sourcing, adapting, engaging, and shaping all aspects of my work. To do all of this I must stay on top of ever-changing new information whenever I can. So, while my work may seem as if it is simply preparing meals- it’s so much more than that behind the scenes. Some of the skills I’ve picked up along the way have been crucial in my success: learning to differentiate between negative and constructive criticism (and accepting the constructive kind), boundary setting, stepping up and into the window of opportunity when it presents itself, and the importance of self-care. As someone who thoroughly enjoys her work, I stay busy at it and sometimes it is to my own detriment. Self-care is checking in with myself and knowing when to take a mental health day (or days) so I can work on myself to be there for myself and in turn be there for others.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’ve always wanted to be asked this question! Anyone who’s asking me will firstly be told to hit up one of our many outdoor farmers markets. Atlanta has plenty to choose from and one for almost every day of the week. If you’re looking for the crowds, I suggest getting over to Grant Park Farmers Market at Eventide Brewing on Sundays for a great selection of vendors and wares. Eventide has a great Honeysuckle Kolsch should you decide to grab a beer while you’re there. But, if you’re like me and prefer things a little more relaxed then East Atlanta Village Farmers Markets in East Atlanta Village on Thursdays is the way to go. It’s my personal local farmers market and I feel like it’s a great way of getting to know a part of Atlanta and it’s people without feeling overwhelmed. EAV is also an interesting place to visit with the Global Grub Collective just a block up the street from the market. If you’re looking for something fun and different to bite into, the Uncle Iroh sushi burrito from Poke Burri is fantastic. And So Ba is also a block behind the market with great Vietnamese eats. Atlanta has some great walking and green spaces. The beltline is a great start. Being on the East side I like to start near Glenwood and work my way up towards Midtown. Once I’ve reached Krog, I’d definitely want to stop by Krog Market for a snack. Xocolatl Small Batch Chocolates does amazing work. All their bars are made on-site from whole beans, using quality ingredients. My favorite bars are the Ripple Effect with raspberry and smoked nibs on the back and Uganda 75% with a dark earthy flavor. I’d make my way up the beltline from there to Ponce City Market to take a look around at all the shops and grab a loaf for later from Root Baking Co. And as the evening wraps up, I’d finish off with dinner and cocktails at 8 ARM. If you’re out that way during the day I’d recommend touring the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. And if you make it there on the right day and time you may even catch me doing a demo in their Outdoor Kitchen. Woah, this list is getting long. I’ll wrap up with this: grab pizza at La Calavera Pizza off memorial, check out the Chattahoochee River Trails, have a picnic at the Oakland Cemetery, and catch a movie at the Starlight Drive-in!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Working with Community Farmers Markets has really helped me grow into myself with the local food scene. Pre Covid-19, I was given a weekly platform at their farmers markets to showcase my work and share locally grown produce prepared on site. And while there have been some setbacks in the way to doing live demos again, I still do work as a recipe writer for their Instagram page. Jenna Mobley, director of education programs and outreach at CFM, has been one of my biggest supporters and an extraordinary colleague. The work we have done together in community outreach around the East Atlanta and Greater Decatur areas has been emotionally fulfilling and a joy. Jenna is amazing at what she does and deserves so much more of a shout out than I can give here. My partner, Tim Jamison, continues to be an inspiration and asset to my work. He has been a listening ear, a fierce defender, and a caring advocate for me, and I love his belief in my talent. And I must thank my sister, Jessica Melendez, for being the first person to support my choice of a plant-based lifestyle over a decade ago when I was just 22. Between her and my partner, I have the best taste-testers around.

Website: foxandfloweratl.com

Instagram: @foxandfloweratl

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foxandfloweratl

Image Credits
Jenna Mobley Rebecca Pruett

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