My love of smoked trout started at my first official restaurant job at the Golden Horn East in Waterbury, Vermont. This was way back in the day when cigarettes were cool and cooking in the kitchen was decidedly male and blue collar. The Chef was Jacob Gerperle straight from New York City via Switzerland. He taught me every basic skill that I still possess. Yet the special … [Read more...]
Mushrooms and Asparagus on Polenta: Underground Supper Club
Okay, so the benefit for the Young Literati of the Library Foundation of Los Angeles, yes it's a mouthful, is on Sunday, May 20th from 6-9 pm. A very nervous Nahid is wondering, "Why we aren't sold out?" After an after dinner chat, the fault might be mine since I didn't make it clear that the proceeds from the dinner are going directly to Young Literati. So if you buy a … [Read more...]
Hollywood Farmers’ Market Humor
I visit the Hollywood Farmers' Market most Sundays. I make my rounds looking for inspiration or the unusual. Sometimes I find one or the other, often both. There is a shared sense of humor that can be found at the Market as well. So I thought I'd share some of my favorites. … [Read more...]
Cardoon: Artichokes’ Distant Cousin
At the Hollywood Farmers' Market I've happened upon one of the more unusual items that I've ever seen at the Flora Bella stand. CARDOON. … [Read more...]
Pickled Baby Carrots
One of my springtime traditions is to go to the Hollywood Farmers' Market and buy the first crop of baby carrots in assorted colors and pickle them. This is an easy ritual to maintain because the process is easy and quick. What's better is that the result is as beautiful as it is delicious. … [Read more...]
