EvoLushion
Its been one of the great joys of my life watching Evan evolve. He was like a caged animal in High School, driving us nuts and yearning for freedom to get out and explore the world. Finally, after an agonizing pandemic-driven hold on his reins… his starting gate finally opened the summer before his junior year at CU in 2021. Then, the door opened big and wide, and the minute it did, he was off to the races. That summer, it seemed to us that all at the same time, he fell in madly love, with Gastronomy, Travel, Photography, and mostly, sweet Olivia.
Now living and working in New York City - Evan voraciously explores, photographs and eats his way around all the boroughs, getting to know the city through its food. Learning about New York City through food is one of the most immersive ways to understand its rich, complex culture. The city's food scene is an ever-evolving mosaic that reflects its history and diversity of people who have called it home. (He is now a top 1% diner on the application Beli, which helps you track, share, and discover the world's best restaurants. Follow him there at: elush.) In addition, inspired by his brother Derek who has similar interests and also taught himself to cook adventurously, Evan has poured himself into learning to cook too, and creates a multitude of dishes from cuisines from around the world.
Fueled by the memories of exploring Madrid and twelve countries near and around Europe the same way, when he studied abroad in 2022, he invited one of his best friends and roommate, Ben Miller, to go along with him on a long awaited journey to Japan. Drawn by its incredibly special food, order, and culture, in April 2024, they traveled to Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo - and a very moving visit to profound Hiroshima too. When he returned, Evan told me he would genuinely miss the welcoming and warm Japanese people and culture.
Here are his new beautiful images of Japan, his newest images of New York City, and a sample of his culinary tours in both locations.
Also, see new WanderLush Announcements, below
JAPAN, APRIL 2024:
HIROSHIMA:
Evan took only a few photos here, as he felt it was disrespectful, as an American. I respect him for feeling the need, and finding a way, to witness this profound place.
“…The irreducible worth of every person, the insistence that every life is precious; the radical and necessary notion that we are part of a single human family - that is the story that we all must tell. …That is why we come to Hiroshima. So that we might think of people we love - the first smile from our children in the morning; the gentle touch from a spouse over the kitchen table; the comforting embrace of a parent - we can think of those things and know that those same precious moments took place here seventy-one years ago. Those who died - they are like us. Ordinary people understand this, I think. They do not want more war. They would rather that the wonders of science be focused on improving life, and not eliminating it.
…When the choices made by nations, when the choices made by leaders, reflect this simple wisdom, then the lesson of Hiroshima is done….”
Excerpt
President Barack Obama
May 27, 2016
First Sitting US President to visit Hiroshima
Omakase Izakayas & Kaiseki… tastes of Japan:
Evan at home in NYC
NEW YORK CITY 2024
New York City Food Bromance…
A gift made for his Dad, of many collected favorite restaurants in New York, Chicago and Denver
Self Portrait, age 7
WANDERLUSH ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Because he and his older brother both love to cook and because providing food and gathering our family has been such a big part of my life, I am adding a NEW SECTION to this website called: NOURISH. Here I will add seasonal favorite dishes and recipes one of us has loved making. Our first entry is an insanely good Dessert that Evan made this Holiday season called “Sticky Toffee Pudding” which is basically the most flavorful delicious little divine cake I’ve ever eaten! I hope you’ll enjoy and share the recipes!!
Finally, Announcing the opening of our new STORE available from my home page also, starting January 30, 2025.
Brenda Lush
PS
My heart is heavy today for Olivia, and her precious home town, Los Angeles. It is mind boggling to think about the incredible contributions that one city makes, to improve our lives and culture throughout our country and our world… And it is truly hard to imagine whats been lost there so quickly, and how painful it must be for so many. Los Angeles is one of the most iconic cities in the world, and I have faith that NOTHING can keep its talented and tenacious citizenry from rebuilding even stronger than before.
What hurts them, hurts us all. Together, Lets All Help Them Rise Again. www.supportlafd.kindful.com
Brenda Lush