Cache Cache, a collective of four women that hosts one-of-a-kind experiences marrying film and food, was born after a raclette party for 20 that co-founder Rosey Alvero threw for her husband’s birthday. When someone put a movie on a projector, it clicked that her passions for film and food could be combined. Four years later, she and her cohorts have put on events at Sweden’s Gothenburg Film Festival, the Court Tree Collective in Brooklyn, and the Mar Vista Art Department in Los Angeles. Their latest production, Saltwater Soiree, which took place in Malibu, was inspired by a screening of the movie Chasing Coral. "I thought about how I could recreate the stunning corals and their ecosystems on a table that everyone would just eat off of," says Alvero.
Rosey behind the scenes at Feed the Flame
Cache Cache's latest production is a documentary series called Foodprints. Each episode will take viewers on a journey across borders to explore a single ingredient's impact on people, culture, environment, and policy. "Did you know that an agave plant can be used to make tequila and a surfboard? Or that the humble banana is responsible for toppling a government?" asks Alvero.
Alvero is also an avid traveler. In 2017 alone, she adventured to Peru, where she started the year in the Andes mountains overlooking Machu Picchu, then trekked to Cuba, Iceland and several national parks across the United States, including Yosemite, Death Valley, and Alabama Hills. Citizine caught up with Alvero to find out where in Los Angeles she loves to explore. Check out some of her favorite spots—if you can keep up!
Point Dume
Malibu
Rosey Alvero: If my friends have never been to LA, I always take them to Point Dume Beach. The parking is difficult, but if you know the right [places] you’ll always have a spot. It’s a bit of a hike to get to the actual beach, but the hike itself is beautiful and deters most beachgoers—so you find yourself in a nice, tourist-free cove with perfect waves for surfing and the occasional whale sighting. Bonus points: because there’s no lifeguard, you can enjoy a nice rosé on the beach without any worry, but I always make it a point to clean up after myself and even pick up what others have left behind. Signs say No Dogs Allowed, but no one is really monitoring, so I always bring my boys!
Malibu First Point
Malibu
RA: Because I’m a beach-lover I also like to take my friends to Malibu First Point. The surf is the most perfect point break and I have enough boards for a soccer team! The waves can be big in the back for the better surfers and smaller in the front where any level surfer can enjoy. Malibu Farm on the pier is a nice perk of this beach spot. People often go to the first restaurant, but the secret is to go to the far-end restaurant, the cafe, instead. The food is as good, more affordable, and with better views!
Leo Carrillo State Beach
Malibu
RA: Leo Carrillo Beach is another go-to surf spot with a small crowd. It’s a bit further north than most people go, so you know it will be much less crowded. The views are beautiful and point break always reliable!
Zuma Beach
Malibu
RA: Shocking that my next recommendation is another Malibu beach: Zuma Beach! It’s wide, sandy beach makes it excellent for family-fun days. I think I prefer the more northern, Malibu beaches because the backdrop is so much nicer—it’s usually hills with a few homes, versus refineries or hotels behind you. Plus, you can go rock climbing here right on the beach. The view looking down at the beach and the ocean while you’re harnessed in is exhilarating! I also enjoy the drive from my house in Mar Vista to Malibu, you just can’t beat Highway 1, any other highway or freeway in LA just makes me anxious.
Solstice Canyon
Malibu
RA: Solstice Canyon is my favorite hike in LA. It get’s steep, but once you get to the top you have views of the ocean and a valley, it’s spectacular, easy to hike, and littered with Dr. Seuss-like fauna. My dogs love it too. Anywhere I can take my boys is a happy place for me!
Mar Vista Farmers' Market
Mar Vista
RA: Sunday's Mar Vista Farmers' Market is my church. I’m here every Sunday for my weekly round-up of fresh produce and friendly vendors. I love coming here, I miss it when I go on vacation—that’s how much I love it. It’s not as busy as the Wednesday Santa Monica Farmer’s Market, but it’s got the same quality vendors. It’s friendly, fun, and has free dog sitting, another haven for my boys! It’s a great way to get to know your community, run into friends, and get to know your food.
Point Mugu State Beach Campground
Malibu
RA: Some may be turned off by the fact that it’s right on PCH, but camping at Point Mugu State Beach Campground is so much fun! Falling asleep to the loud crashing waves drowns [out] the noise of traffic, and when you open up your tent with the sun rising and lighting up the beach, it’s pure magic! There’s nothing like waking up on the beach! This is one of my favorite staycation destinations.
Malibu Creek State Park
Malibu
RA: When I have my family over, or friends with kids who wanna camp, I take them to Malibu State Park Campground. I have my go-to campsite numbers, but I can’t tell you (ok, fine, spot 66 is the best one!) It’s got good facilities, tons of hiking in the area, a waterhole for dipping into, an occasional eagle sighting if you’re lucky, and the best part: stellar rock climbing walls throughout the park! The yellow mountains around the park always seem to soothe me as well, there’s something calming about that beautiful golden hue.
Paramount Ranch
Agoura Hills
RA: Paramount Ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains is a great city escape and has wonderful horseback riding trails! You pass by a Hollywood set of old Western towns that are open for you to explore and take you back in time. Just don’t forget your allergy medicine, I always forget mine and end up sneezing for four hours on the poor horse I’m riding.
Musch Hike In Camp
Topanga Canyon
RA: Musch Hike In Camp in Topanga State Park is a rare, first-come-first-served camp spot for eight tents, which makes it cozy and quiet. Trails nearby lead to fields of wildflowers, and you can reach [Topanga Canyon's] Eagle Rock from this site. Also, a great place if you like mountain biking, which I’ve never attempted, but am desperate to try.
Culver City Stairs
Culver City
RA: For a local escape, I like going to the Culver City Stairs. It’s dog-friendly, close to home, and serves as a great outdoor workout.
Leo Carrillo State Beach courtesy of @_.maila
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
L
A-born, Georgia-bred and one-half of a set of identical twins, Casha spends her days writing and exploring. She’s a classic film enthusiast, runner, dog walker and collector of quotes and tattoos. Follow her adventures @cashad.
Image courtesy of @cachecache
Image courtesy of @strutz
Point Dume courtesy of @everythingaboutgiulia_
Image courtesy of @vvi.rvw
Zuma Beach courtesy of @zumakooks
Solstice Canyon courtesy of @tokyocitylights
Culver City Stairs courtesy of @rozzayphotography
Paramount Ranch courtesy @cloudnineliving
Rosey at the Mar Vista Farmers' Market courtesy of @cloudnineliving
