The Curious Association of Curry and Poker

The word "curry" was introduced into the English language by the 18th century British. After exposure to India and Asia and various spices such as coriander, turmeric and red chili powder, the British began to refer to any sauce flavoring a vegetable and/or meat with such spices as curry.

My exposure to curries and Indian food was quite limited until I met a wonderful South Indian-American friend who was gracious and patient enough to teach me about her culture's food. We drove to India Sweets and Spices in Culver City, where my cooking partner and I watched and listened to her seek specific spices and ingredients, and apologetically asked questions about the new names and terms we were hearing. Little did I know, although she warned me that cooking the curry from scratch with spices and fresh ingredients would be more time consuming and difficult than the modern tradition of using jarred curry paste (our Plan B in case the from-scratch Plan A failed, seen here to the right), I comforted my curry teacher and assured her that we could do it and that the fresher method would be worth it.

And so it was! I learned that red curry paste requires a Full House, the 2 G's and 3 C's: Garlic and Ginger, Cumin, Coriander, and Chili powder. The end result of our efforts was so incredibly delicious, I couldn't resist to share it with everyone. Here is the recipe for South Indian Red Curry with Chicken:

Serves 6-8
Prep time: 1 hour + 4 hours marinade time
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes

3 dried red chilies
2 thai chilies
6 1-inch cubes fresh ginger root (peeled)
3 peeled heads garlic
6 tsp cumin
6 tsp coriander
6 tsp chili powder
1 pint plain yogurt
6 skinned chicken breasts
1 Tbs salt
1 cucumber
1/2 cup sour cream
1 red onion
2 medium tomatoes
2 Tb heavy cream
1 Tb unsalted butter
10 stems of fresh cilantro

Red curry paste:
3 dried red chilies
2 thai chilies
6 1-inch cubes fresh ginger root (peeled)
3 peeled heads garlic
6 tsp cumin
6 tsp coriander
6 tsp chili powder

Using a spice or coffee grinder, grind the red chilies and thai chilies and place into a medium bowl. Ground the ginger, garlic, cumin, coriander, and chili powder using a mortar and pestle. Add to the ground chilies in the medium bowl and mix thoroughly.This will create your paste that will be added to the chicken and yogurt.

Cube the chicken breasts and place into a large bowl. Use half of the pint of yogurt and coat the chicken with it. Gradually add half of the curry paste and the salt to the yogurt and chicken, and stir until well mixed. Cover with plastic and refrigerate for four hours.

Next is the "raitha" (pronounced "rye-thuh", the cucumber sauce): Chop the cucumber into small pieces and add to the second half of the pint of yogurt. Add the sour cream and mix well. Refrigerate and chill for at least one hour.

Chop the onion, and sautee in a large skillet over medium heat for 4 minutes, or until the color lightens and they soften. Chop the tomato and add to the onion sautee and stir together for 3 minutes. Remove the onion and tomato sauce from the heat. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and add to the sauteed onions and tomatoes. Take the second half of your red curry paste, heavy cream and butter and gradually mix into the yogurt and chicken mix until well blended. Cook over medium heat for 25 minutes or until the chicken is tender. Break the leaves off the cilantro and garnish.

Serve over a bed of white basmati or jasmine rice.

It was AMAZING!!! It seems like a lot of work, but it was so worth it. Shout out to my awesome friend for the great and authentic recipe and for her patience with us in the kitchen!!! Now every day can be Diwali!!! Or at least more than one day every year!

Times Is Tough... Even for Restauranteur And Food Guru Nancy Silverton...

After having become a huge fan of Mozza, AND having LOVED La Brea Bakery and its bread (found in many So-Cal supermarkets), to hear the news that original La Brea baker Nancy Silverton was one of many on the losing side of the Madoff Ponzi scheme, I felt terrible and sad. I have not devoted over 30 years to anything (aside from being alive for just over 31 years). To think that Nancy, mother of three grown children, obsessive chef who built many a name in Los Angeles and New York, and published author of soon to be eight great cookbooks, lost all of her investments, retirement funds and her childrens' future savings... broke my heart. It breaks my heart to think that even the high and mighty fall, and they can fall just as hard, if not harder, than the average Jane like me.

Even more heartbreaking was the Today Show appearance this morning (thanks to LAmag.com's Leslie Barkar's blog) where Nancy ran out of time to finish demonstrating baking what looked like a delicious and gorgeous tart.

Here's to helping each other out during these tough economic times. You can do your part by supporting your local businesses and restaurants (for example, by participating in DineLA Restaurant Week!). As a food community and fellow Angelinos, together we fall and rise - and help each other back up!

Calling All Foodies (And Wannabes) To DineLA!

It's that time of year again!! No, I don't mean that time when you begin to panic about filing your taxes, make your last minute donations or begin to arrange your life around the new season of Lost. Rather, every year in LA, over 2,000 local restaurants converge together for DineLA Restaurant Week to showcase their diverse dining offerings and invite new and old customers to experience them for themselves, at a reduced cost. Yes, you read that right. And what better time than in the middle of our current economic atrophy. You and your friends can help keep the financial blood pumping in this city of angels. Consider that to be your way of picking yourself up and dusting yourself off. You could use a new hot spot in your dining repertoire anyways, right?

Check out the list of restaurants and menus here. Like me, you may have a very difficult time choosing just a few places to try. But at least the choices are wide.

Eating More All-American on Inauguration Week!

To continue celebrating our new 44th president in the White House, I proposed yesterday that this week be dedicated to feeling and eating All-American. Here's a part two to what is now part one:

5. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup at Meltdown: There's nothing like a grilled cheese sandwich to remind you of a typical All-American childhood. Having graduated from the can of Campbell's condensed Tomato Soup, Meltdown brings back the All-American childhood lunch with a very adult take. Try the Cheddar, Ham & Apple grilled cheese sandwich. Served on sourdough, this sandwich aint like your mama used to make... Their Sweet Melts like Goat Cheese, Fig and Honey will give you a whole new meaning to the not-so-basic sandwich. Pair it with a cup of their classic Tomato Soup, and you'll begin to reminisce the days of riding bikes and playing hide and seek. And guaranteed, you'll never eat a grilled cheese with white bread and American cheese again.

6. Fried Chicken from Roscoes Chicken 'n Waffles (on Pico): This Los Angeles institution has been synonymous with some of the best fried chicken north of the South and west of the Mississippi for over 30 years. The location on Pico at La Brea is the largest and most central to LA proper, and it's here where your cravings for fried chicken can be assuaged. The #13, aka Carol C. Special, cuts to the chase with one "succulent breast, one delicious waffle" (quoted straight from the Roscoe's menu). The chicken is fried in a tasty batter and juicy, while the waffle is always cooked perfectly fluffy and buttery. What more could you ask for? Well there's the delicious side of cornbread, side of grits with butter and red beans and rice. Wash it all down with a Lisa's Delight, 'scoes' take on the Arnold Palmer. The salty fried chicken and the sweet syrup and waffle will leave you wondering why you don't eat here on the regular... Your tight pants might be a reminder.

7. Mac n Cheese at The Kitchen: This Silverlake local hot spot attracts lots of curious non-locals who have heard the many tales of the make-you-uncomfortably-full comfort food served here. The Mac n Cheese is listed as a "Starter" but you may not be able to "Finish" anything else after indulging in the extra sharp cheddar and creamy plate of cheesy heaven. Served hot from the oven, you won't soon forget it. Should you have just a little bit of "Finish" left in you, try the Grilled Pork Chops. And take comfort in knowing you can be comforted until as late as 1am on Friday and Saturday nights. You'll never feel alone again!


8. Hot Wings at Ye Rustic Inn: While I must admit that I am constantly on the search for the best buffalo wings outside of Buffalo, NY, I will say that the wings at Ye Rustic are pretty damn good. The Suicide flavor will inevitably mean a few beers to cool you down, but the spicy sauce and meaty far-from-stingy chicken pieces don't disappoint. Don't let the old English name fool you - this PBR and Miller High Life crowd is definitely All-American.

Just remember while you "Barack on" with your All-American (or not) culinary journey this week, you are still being very American by helping your local economy and businesses. And what could be more American than that??

Maybe singing the National Anthem before each meal...

Show Your American Pride on Inauguration Day (or All Week!)

January 20, 2009 is undeniably a day marked with joy, pride, hope, and inspiration. As we watched our 44th President take his oath of office, I could not help but feel so incredibly American. It has been many years since I have watched a presidential inauguration, and after the emotional cheering in my living room with mimosas and clinking glasses, I was moved to be All-American with my food! Here's a quick list of ways you too can be All-American this week:

1. Milk & Cookies at Milk: Don't feel that you must stop at just ordering cookies and milk here. The desserts range from ice cream, to cakes and muffins, to tarts and pudding. Their light salads and sandwiches will help ease the guilt of the indulgent sweets. And if you still feel guilty, just remember that you are spending money and that is helping the economy, and THAT is definitely All-American.



2. Apple Pie or NY Cheesecake at Sweet Lady Jane: Okay okay, yes, I've just listed two dessert locations, but you can't go wrong with either one. I would definitely list Sweet Lady Jane as the heavy-hitting fancy-pants pastry and dessert shop as opposed to Milk. They are primarily known for their delectable custom made cakes and pies. But their apple pie is nothing to be ashamed of. Surrounded by a delicious flaky crust and sweet gooey apple filling, you won't be disappointed. The cheesecakes, in a GAZILLION tasty flavors, are so rich and delicious, you must eat a piece slowly. And with coffee. Be sure to take some with you and share it with your mom or grandma - give them a break from all those years of baking in the kitchen. They will appreciate it.


3. A Customized Burger from The Counter: The hamburger is one of the few meals that can truly be called All-American. Take a juicy patty, add in some capitalism and competition, and you get a REAL have-it-your-way joint like The Counter. Six of the ten cheese choices are international (gruyere, feta, provolone etc.), you can order your french fries eight different ways, and of course they also offer a delicious veggie burger. The combinations and mixes-and-matches for your meal are as varied and endless as the diversity at a Dodgers game.

4. Hot Dog from Costco Food Court: Ask anyone who has eaten a hot dog from the Costco Food Court. They are second to none. These all-beef franks rival any Pink's or Dodger dog. If you are looking for a great basic hot dog with the essentials (ketchup, mustard, onions, relish), before you spend that economic stimulus money on your new flat screen tv, pick up a hot dog from the food court. And pick up a pack of hot dogs to take home and grill, because if you're living in LA, it's 80 degrees right now in January. TAKE ADVANTAGE!!!!

Happy Inauguration Day!!

Eternal Sunshine For The Outdoor Spots

A dear friend of mine inspired today's posting of LA's best outdoor cafes. Not surprisingly, Los Angeles remains the envy of the rest of this popcicle nation, and just to add insult to injury, we have some of the best outdoor cafes in which to enjoy such enviable weather. Here are just a few of my favorites:

Cafe Midi: The actual cash register and kitchen to this cafe are located in the rear of a kitschy housewares store and next door to American Rag Cie. The outdoor seating along La Brea Avenue never disappoints and A to C-list celebrities are often spotted enjoying a delicious Frittata or one of the many delicious omelettes offered, including a Maryland Crab Omelette with Avocado, Tomato, Mushroom and Spinach. Their lunch menu includes an extensive list of exquisite salads with fresh and unique ingredients such as dover sole, prosciutto, golden and red beets, and shredded celery root. It's near impossible to not feel the urge to order three items in one sitting in this authentic and yet classicaly Californian cafe.

Urth Cafe in Santa Monica: For those lazy days spent with a friend visiting from out-of-town, or those solo Sundays you want to catch up on some reading or writing, the Urth Cafe on Main Street is quite the inspiring and entertaining outdoor location. Nearly everything on the menu is superb, from the exclusive teas to rich coffees, to desserts and filling sandwiches. Most tempting are the sweets displayed pridefully across the front entrance. Don't feel overwhelmed by the choices in front of you, but feel free to ask the server taking your order what they recommend for the day, as special items are made, baked and brewed every day. Seating outside along Main Street provides plenty of people-watching, and the beautiful beach breeze just might stir those creative juices and cure any writer's block. Be sure to bring your laptop with you to enjoy the free wi-fi!

The Coffee Table: Even though it has been a year or two since I've been to this Silverlake gem, I've never forgotten about the great back patio and tasty breakfast, lunch AND dinner menus. The coffee was also quite good, from a Ritz-Carlton Hotel coffee standards (I'll save the topic of Best Coffees for a future post...). The wood benches and tables, local art decorating the walls and all-around casual atmosphere is unimposing and comfortable, whether you are an artsy-fartsy hipster, a mom or dad of two young kids, or just an Angeleno looking for a great place to take your visiting parents for brunch. But DEFINITELY don't skip on the back patio outdoor seating. It will feel like you're eating in the backyard of a friend's house. A friend who you will gladly tip for the quick coffee refills and warm service.

I could go on and on with great outdoor spots in Culver City, the Sunset Plaza or in Old Pasadena, but I'll let you be inspired to find your own favorite outdoor hot spots under the warm So-Cal sun. And be sure to bring your visiting mid-western relatives to show them exactly why you pay so much in taxes to live in this eternally sunny state.

NYC's L'Ecole Aint Your Typical Grade School Cafeteria Food!

Having shared a few of my 2009 New Year resolutions, my first official recommendation for 2009 is actually over 2500 miles away from where I reside in Los Angeles. I was on the east coast for the holidays and was enormously surprised with a fantastic lunch at the French Culinary Institute's L'Ecole. Located on the corner of Broadway and Grand in a shopaholic's nirvana called Soho, L'Ecole, which not coincidentally is French for "the school", is the testing ground for the FCI students. The students' work here far surpasses the actual working restaurants of some so-called gourmets.

The decor is simple yet elegant, with beautiful tall ceilings and windows looking out onto the street and passersby. Our waiter informed us that the food and kitchen is prepared and run by the students, while the head chef Alain Sailhac creates the delightful menu that his students work hard to execute perfectly. And that they did.

A deal at only $28, the prix fixe 3-course lunch can be paired with wine for only $24 additional. Of course, the advantage to eating lunch with another person is getting to taste two different plates for each course. A complimentary amuse bouche consisting of a crisp waffled cracker topped with a tease of tuna tartar in a light horseradish aoli indicated we were in for a lunch not to be forgotten.

As an appetizer, the Cauliflower Panna Cotta with Lobster and Black Olives and the Country Pate with Foie Gras and Truffles were irresistable choices. It was hard to believe we were eating lunch plates!! The panna cotta was smooth and creamy, and sat under a small stack of sweet lobster and olives and was paired with a delicious Sauvignon Blanc which name escapes me now because the food was so incredibly good, I forgot to take notes on the wine. The paté was moist and full of flavor, including bits of pistachio and surprises of the truffles in each bite. Pairing the paté with a Chardonnay balanced the nutty flavor with the light sweetness in the wine.

The main course was brought out immediately after we finished our appetizers and did not dissatisfy at all. The Duck Trio featured a duck quarter leg fried to a perfect crisp. Even more irresistable were the navy beans with duck served in a small casserole dish that made you curse its size (unprudent in a classy restaurant, but if I could have, I would have licked that lil' casserole dish clean!) The trio was completed with a seared strip of duck wrapped around frisse. This entree really was misnamed and should have been called the Triple Threat Duck, paired with a delicious Zinfandel.

My lunch partner's main entree featured a perfectly cooked Venison with Fennel. Having never eaten venison before, I felt a bit guilty for being excited about tasting "Bambie", but that guilt soon passed. The venison was tender and moist, cooked medium and served on a chestnut puree, and was paired with a delicious and jammy Malbec.

Dessert finished what was already deemed to be the world's most perfect lunch. The Pistachio Creme Brulee was the perfect texture and flavor, not overly sweet and served on a layer of chocolate mousse. The sweet gewürtztraminer complemented the mild creme brulee nicely. The second dessert was a Lemon Tart and Pineapple with Macadamia Nut Brittle, paired with a full bodied grenache, leaving a balance of flavors at the end of a most enjoyable meal.

Again, apologies for the lack of photos during this lunch, but take my word for the beautifully plated and outstandingly delicious dishes. I guarantee that should you decide to test the French Culinary Students' abilities, you will definitely grade them an A for presentation, taste and all-around pleasurable experience.

Contemplating Past Ponderances and New Year Yearnings!!

Happy New Year to you!!! I know it has been a few weeks since I have moonlighted here, but it wasn't because I didn't think about you or the incredible food I ate over the holidays! I'm sure you indulged as much as I did, and if so, then I already know about your resolution to lose X number of holiday pounds soon, since I have the same one. The last few weeks have certainly been thrilling and relaxing and exciting all at once, and entering a new year always brings with it its own goals, hopes and aspirations.

Which brings me to pondering last year and the things I've learned and experienced, as well as looking forward to this new year with anticipation and excitement for things to come. I thought I'd share a few goals for 2009:


1) Visit France and Italy via Culinary Tour. Only those who live under rocks don't know about the incredible culinary treasures, methods and crafts that were long ago established in these wonderful countries. Unfortunately, I have yet to experience them! Here are two great websites offering culinary tours in France and Italy. This is a big goal for me, so hopefully I can manage to save my pennies this year and relish the reward!!! If you are a lover of food and wine as well as travel, in addition to snapping touristy photos of France and Italy, you will thoroughly enjoy a culinary tour. Probably a lot more than standing in front of the leaning Tower of Pisa and posing like you are holding it up...

2) Buy new professional knives. This is an item on my "to do" list that has been ignored FAR too long... Along with purchasing a new professional knife set, I really need to learn how to USE them. I really don't want to think about the consequences of improper knife wielding. Three names that continue to pop up as top selections for professionals are the Wusthof Classic 10-Piece, Henckles Twin Select 10-Piece, and my family's favorite, Cutco Homemaker Set. A tough decision, but it will be mostly motivated by quality, reliability and value. However, every cook, from novice to Michelin Star professional, must own a decent set of knives.

3) Take a professional culinary class. I have recently seriously considered the possibility of attending culinary school to pursue a passion and love with a sobriety of potentially creating a new career option for myself. I believe the best thing to do is test the waters first. Nearly every major city in the U.S. has a reputable culinary school where elective classes are offered outside of their diploma and degree programs. In the Los Angeles area alone, there are various small and large schools that offer one-night or multi-week cooking courses. See what your neighbors have to say about these various schools here on Yelp.

I have plenty of other goals in mind and pursuits to work towards, but hopefully sharing these and publishing them will motivate me to achieve them this year. Feel free to share yours with me as well!

And here's a "Cin-Cin!" to a 2009 full of hope, success, happiness and love!!!