Ava Gene's Joshua McFadden Finds Zen on a Farm and in the Kitchen

Joshua McFadden, executive chef at Ava Gene’s and Roman Candle, could be Portland, Ore.’s, “Jack,” as he collaborates with farmers and chefs to find a workable way to slay the giant and cut down the beanstalk. Committed to seasonality and local farming, he’s also concerned about the bee population, drought and corrupt food systems. One summer, while farming in Maine, McFadden ate 4,000 raw carrots all by himself. He’s known...