I love the diversity of my neighborhood. I can drive less than 5 minutes in any direction and hit a Chinatown, an Indian area, and a little Mexico. It's nice for a foodie like me (I've never ever referred to myself or anyone else as a foodie before, and I don't think I fully deserve the term, but I do like to cook and eat an awful lot.) I picked up dinner at a little restaurant called Chinese BBQ the other night. It was in a strip center with about a dozen other Chinese stores and restaurants and a large Chinese market. I think the BBQ in the title was referring to the various roasted animal carcasses hanging behind a glass partition at the front. I stuck to Orange Chicken and Mongolian Beef. It was so delicious, and authentic. By the way, I don't know how Chinese people can learn that amazing character language of theirs. Each little character is so elaborate. It looks impossible! How can they draw each perfectly enough so that it only means what they intend?
The La Michoacana near my house is famous for having the best fajita meat. And I get tamale making supplies there also. Oh, and Mexican vanilla. So much better than regular. I use it in everything. And my bottle of Mexican vanilla is currently missing! How it disappeared from it's regular place in the pantry is beyond me. I swear it must be elves.
I like to pick up spices at the Taj Mahal Indian export store a few blocks away. They are usually much cheaper than Kroger. I can also get great jars of sauces there to make Indian dishes at home. May I thank my dear friend Brandy at this time for turning me on to Indian food. Seriously, I owe you girl. If there's a person reading this right now that has never had Indian food, please go directly to an Indian restaurant and remedy the situation. You will thank me.
4 comments:
I buy Mexican vanilla too - it is better. And I grew up eating Indian food because of my dad - it's big in S. Africa. So good, by the way, yes.
When I lived in Nashville, my roommate worked at a place called "The Orchid". I lived on Phad Thai and this wonderful dish I haven't seen since "Tiger Tear" aohhhhaah!!
Said like Homer Simpson
-jim-
So since I have never had Indian food what would you suggest I try first? I am so impressed that you can make tamales! I always have to buy them from a place I discovered downtown. I have to admit that I would never go shopping at any of those markets. I guess that shows how short sited I am! Or the fact that I never cook from a recipe, just always faithful standbys like pot roast, grilled fish, meatloaf, etc.
You're welcome, Girl! Love ya, Brandy
Post a Comment