They say variety is the spice of life, and we agree! That’s why we decided to put together this exclusive Pride collection, commemorating our state’s rich history of leadership on LGBTQIA+ rights. California has the largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender population in the country —2.7 million and counting! Not only that, but 10% of our State Government Legislature identifies as LGBTQIA+. Within California, various cities have become melting pots for those in the Queer community looking for a place to call home; giving rise to gay districts or “gayborhoods”. Here we honor those communities and the pioneers who paved the way for them to exist. Inspired by the dedicated founders of West Hollywood (WeHo), this rub begins with the innovative flavors of sweet tangerine and sour hibiscus, followed by coriander’s citrus boost and ginger’s spark of heat. The deeper, raisin-like fruit of Sandia chile pepper holds down the low notes with earthy cumin. The flavor pendulum eventually swings to the opposite of sweet and tart as the flavor of strong, aromatic garlic rises amid the peppery heat, which has some staying power once it hits the back of the throat. Though there is some heat, this is not considered a spicy blend. Use our salt-free WeHo Rub on grilled chicken or fish—it makes an excellent fish taco! Dust over scallops before searing. Rub into the top of cedar-plank salmon. Mix into the coating for popcorn shrimp, or stir into mayonnaise with some lemon juice for a unique tartar sauce. It’s delicious dusted over chicken or zucchini and summer squash kebabs. Use as a grilling blend on asparagus, peaches, or papayas. Make a tropical appetizer and dust on fresh jicama, or mix with a touch of sugar and rim a glass for a sweet and spicy margarita. Use 1 tablespoon of seasoning per pound of meat. For fish and seafood, start with half and go from there. Hand Blended Ingredients: sumac (sumac and salt), tangerine peel, orange peel, coriander, hibiscus, lemongrass, cayenne, ginger, ancho, black pepper, cumin, citric acid, garlic About WeHo: The City of West Hollywood is like no other city in the world. In 1984, the idea for the City of West Hollywood was proposed by an unlikely coalition of LGBT activists, seniors, and renters. These groups came together to advocate for cityhood. Through tireless determination, the City of West Hollywood was officially incorporated on November 29, 1984. The first West Hollywood City Council in 1984 established West Hollywood as the first City in the nation to have a majority openly gay governing body. Located in the heart of metropolitan Los Angeles, at 1.9 square miles, West Hollywood (or “WeHo”, as it is affectionately called) is a robust economic and cultural center instilled with idealism and creativity. A spirit of community activism and civic pride thrives in WeHo for many of its approximately 35,000 residents. For more than three decades, WeHo has been one of the most influential small cities in the nation; no other city of its size has had a greater impact on the national progressive public policy agenda. More than 40 percent of WeHo’s residents identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. West Hollywood has set new standards for other municipalities as a leader in many critical social movements — including HIV and AIDS advocacy; affordable and inclusionary housing; LGBT rights, civil rights, and human rights; women’s rights; protection of our environment; and animal rights. Due to its rich history, people from all over the globe visit West Hollywood for its iconic destinations such as The Sunset Strip for its unparalleled historical connection to music, entertainment, architecture, fashion, and culture-making; for Santa Monica Boulevard’s historic LGBT destinations and entertainment establishments; and for the Design District’s shopping, galleries, and restaurants.
