Edible Odyssey

Chow and Sunday Farmer's Market

2011-10-16T15:26:00.000-07:00

I've decided to keep a log of what I buy at the Farmer's Market in Studio City every Sunday and how much I've spent.
$60 for a lot of food, including 2 croissants (I know, a real splurge) that smoked spicy skipjack tuna pate from the nice folks in Ventura County and the spicy tempha that Vedra likes so much (Not to be confused with tempeh.)

We laid out our stash and Buddha wanted to be part of it.

Supernatural Kids are popping up everywhere!

2011-09-15T08:11:00.000-07:00

Since the release of The Supernatural Kids Cookbook we've been noticing that teaching healthy cooking to kids is becoming more prevalent and it's about time. When I published the first natural foods cookbook in l977 (Supernatural) I couldn't even say it was vegetarian because vegetarians were considered fringey types. Not any more. Now even Oprah Winfrey calls herself "veganish."

Here's my latest interview on a site( Kids Cooking Activities) that shares the same philosphy as all of us at The Supernatural Kids Cookbook.
At the last minute, I thought to send Debbie Madson, the amazing woman who runs several sites geared to everything that is good for kids, a photo of the Swedish Pancakes that I talk about. My Mom would have loved that her yummy recipe is being passed down the generations.

HERE AT LAST

2011-03-01T10:56:00.000-08:00

My latest book, THE SUPERNATURAL KIDS COOKBOOK, is now available. It contains over 70 delicious and healthy recipes that the entire family will enjoy. Kid tested and Mother Earth Approved.

ONE BIG TABLE

2010-11-25T13:55:00.000-08:00

How lovely to be included in Molly O'Neill's new cookbook, 10 years in the making. My Mom's recipe for Armenian Rice Pilaf is one of 600 recipes from the nation's best home cooks, farmers, fishermen, pit-masters, and chefs.

SuperNATURAL KIDS COOKBOOK - COMING SOON

2010-11-22T08:27:00.000-08:00

The recipes are all winners and the illustrations are gorgeous. I'm looking forward to more cooking classes--one of the best ways to build confidence and self-sufficiency in kids.

SUPERNATURAL KIDS COOKBOOK - COMING SOON

2010-11-21T15:33:00.000-08:00

In 1977, I published what I believe to be the first vegetarian natural foods cookbook on the market - SUPERNATURAL. Even though it was picked up by an educational publishing company and used in California schools, it was a bit ahead of its time. It was time for an update. Recipes have been tested, Alexandra Conn, my goddaughter did the most gorgeous illustrations, Bridget Fonda wrote the Foreword, and it's ready to go to press. Can't wait to share it.

Women Who Write

2010-06-10T06:58:00.000-07:00

On May 25th, 60 dynamic women gathered in Vicki Abelson's living room for the fun-filled fest called Women Who Write. Yours truly was one of the authors invited to read. I was in wonderful company--Lisa Rae Page Rosenberg, Vicki Abelson herself, April Winchell & Betsy Hammer--and it was the kind of experience authors live for. WWW is also a potluck brunch so we were treated to an array of delicious cuisine. I brought my "famous" tabbouli and this group of enthusiastic women bought a load of copies of Siren's Feast. I have to say that April Winchell is one of the funniest women I've ever encountered. What a day! I can't wait until next month to see who Vicki has put together.

For a taste of Women Who Write, check out the YouTube video.

New York State of Mind

2010-03-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

Even though the weather was mostly lousy, I love New York. After a brief stop in the city, to catch Herman Leonard's show at Jazz At Lincoln Center, In The Best Possible Light, I headed out to Woodstock with long time friend Lola Cohen. What a great place to wait out the storm. In Woodstock I met Martha Frankel, fellow author of one of the best memoirs I've ever read, Hats and Eyeglasses. Martha runs the Woodstock Writer's Festival and I'm invited next year!

My trip ended with one of the main reasons I was there, Lola's book launch party at Elaine's. The party was packed with well-wishers, actors, acting students and friends. Lola edited the definitive book on Lee Strasberg and the Method, The Lee Strasberg Notes. Now, when Lola and I get together, we compare our Amazon listings. Of course, on my last day in NY, the weather was spectacular, perfect for a stroll through Central Park.

Memoir Nights

2010-02-13T07:52:00.000-08:00

Everyone has a story to tell. With that in mind, Tristine Rainer, author of YOUR LIFE AS STORY, Ray Elizondo, author of THE LAST PACHUCO, Paul Krehbiel, author of SHADES OF JUSTICE, and yours truly with SIREN'S FEAST, AN EDIBLE ODYSSEY have been appearing at libraries around Los Angeles, offering tools for creating the structure of one's own story along with tales of our own literary journeys and the world of self-publishing.

Judging from the turnouts and from the interest from our audiences, everyone does have a story to tell and many are eager to do so.

Revolutionary Mama Meets B'steeya

2010-01-05T09:14:00.000-08:00

I was delighted to get an email from Layla Rose, gorgeous, enchanting Hollywood Mom and life coach extraordinaire, telling me she loved Siren's Feast and asking if I would consider being Revolutionary Mama of the Month, a feature of her website Revolutionary Mama. When Layla told me she was going to attempt to make one of my recipes from Siren's Feast, B'steeya, I insisted she come for dinner and we'd make one together. The result: a fabulous evening and a perfect b'steeya. Layla posted the recipe on Revolutionary Mama. And I now have a new little soul sister.

I've said it before, B'steeya has to be one of the world's best dishes and only someone stoned on hashish could create an extravaganza like it.

Encino Park Book Club

2009-12-11T10:55:00.000-08:00

Another month, another book club. I didn't have to go far since it was close to my neighborhood. The Encino Park Book Club is a group of dynamic young women who all became friends when they were neighbors and meet every month to share food and books. I was honored to be chosen to participate with them. Everyone brought a recipe from Siren's Feast and we shared some good laughs and some good food.

Janet Billig Rich, producer of the Tony winning musical Rock of Ages, found Siren's Feast and brought it to Alegre Ramos, owner of the "green" store Green and Greener in Valley Village, who was already a friend and Jin Shin Jyutsu client I have known for several years. Another "small world" story. And Voila! I was able to attend another book club. I have enjoyed myself at every single one. What could be better for an author to meet readers over food and spirits?

Sur La Table

2009-12-07T15:13:00.000-08:00

I took the Feast on the road again, this time to my home turf of Phoenix, Arizona where I had been asked to be guest chef at Sur La Table, the fabulous cookware stores located all over the country. Their Scottsdale location had a kitchen big enough for the 16 students who participated (a sell-out) and nearly everyone bought a copy of Siren's Feast. Morocco Memories was the theme, even though I snuck in one of my Armenian specialties, Cheese Beorag. I had a blast and didn't realize beforehand that the students did all the cooking, while I supervised.

Carol Blonder, quite the chef herself, is the culinary director in Scottsdale and she loved the copy of Siren's Feast I sent her so much it was chosen for her culinary book club, a true honor. Two members of her book club were also participants in a fun-filled afternoon.

Westside Ararat Guild Luncheon

2009-10-12T12:02:00.001-07:00

The afternoon could not have been more beautiful in Granada Hills and I have to admit to being delighted that so many Armenian women showed up to hear me talk about my family, my wild childhood and food at the Westside Ararat Guild luncheon. Not only did the event raise money for the Ararat Home but I managed to sell nearly 50 copies of Siren's Feast, An Edible Odyssey, while warning some of the older women about the content. And talk about food!!! The food, as usual, was truly divine, prepared by many of the women who attended, including myself. I rolled another 150 grape leaves for the occasion.

Cheese Beorag Recipe

2009-09-25T20:53:00.000-07:00

CHEESE BEORAG

A tradition Armenian delicacy made with an old family twist. As an h’ors d’oeuvres it cannot be matched.

1 pound filo dough (if dough is frozen, thaw over night in the refrigerator)
½ cup butter, melted

Filling:

½ lb. feta cheese (I prefer French or Bulgarian as they are less salty)
½ lb. jack cheese, grated
1 bunch parsley, chopped very finely
½ tsp. black pepper
2 eggs, beaten

Custard:

1 cup milk
1 egg

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

In a mixing bowl, crumble feat cheese. Add grated jack cheese. Next add the eggs, parley and black pepper. Blend well and set aside.

Set up a workspace. Filo dough is paper-thin and dries out when exposed to air so it will be necessary to work quickly. Have enough room on counter top for dough, melted butter and baking dish. I use a clay baking dish approximately 10” x 14” x 2”. Glass and stainless steel are also good. Open filo dough and lay sheets of filo on a piece of wax paper or foil. Place two sheets of filo at a time in the baking dish. Using a pastry brush, brush dough with the melted butter. Continue layering the dough in this manner, two sheets at a time, brushing every two sheets with melted butter until half of the dough is used.

Next spread the cheese mixture evenly over the buttered dough. Then continue layering dough and brushing with butter until all the dough is used.

Place baking dish in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to harden the butter. Using a sharp knife cut the unbaked beorag into serving-sized pieces (about 2 in. squares.) Blend milk and egg together and pour over the top so that the liquid goes down inside the cuts.

Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until pastry rises and turns golden brown. Remove from oven and serve hot.

Serves 12 or more

A TRAVELING FEAST

2009-09-25T08:28:00.000-07:00

I rediscovered the charming neighborhood of Noe Valley during my book signing at Omnivore Books on Food. Samantha served as hostess for the event which drew some old friends, including the parents of some old friends. Merrill Conn wrote me after reading Siren's Feast and said he couldn't eat dinner or watch TV until he had finished the book. He's 86. His email was worth the whole trip. I also had a chance to wander the neighborhood and discovered Lovejoy's Tearoom which absolutely charmed me as a lover of high tea. The petit fours were scrumptious.

Back to the Feast (September events)

2009-08-25T08:20:00.000-07:00

Now that my slipped disc has slipped back into place, I'm back after a long absence and excited about the upcoming events for Siren's Feast. For anyone in Northern California, I'll be doing a book signing at Omnivore Books in San Francisco on Sept. 13.
Omnivore Books is a charming store in Noe Valley that not only has top-notch authors visiting but also a collection of antiquarian and collectible cookbooks. Please stop by.

Two days later, I'll be at the Allied Arts Guild in beautiful Menlo Park. That is on Tuesday, Sept. 15, from 1-2 pm.

Siren's Feast Recipe Index

2009-06-26T09:10:00.000-07:00

SIREN’S FEAST RECIPE INDEX

Appetizers and Salads

Armenian Eggplant Salad – 14
Baba Ghanouj – 196-197
Carrot & Beet Salad – 54-55
Cheese Beorag – 306-307
Fattoush (Syrian Bread Salad) – 206
Muhammara (Lebanese Walnut Dip) – 197
Orange Salad – 49
Salade Des Lentilles Vertes – 118
Tabbouli – 198
Yalanchi Sarma (stuffed grape leaves) – 304-306
Yogurt – 261

Side Dishes

Armenian Rice Pilaf – 13-14
Bulghur Pilaf – 208
Couscous – 49
Daddy’s Fassoulia (green bean stew) – 21
Dal (spiced lentils) – 168
Kubisa (Moroccan greens) – 40
Midya Dolma (rice-stuffed mussels) – 328-329
Red Beans and Rice – 288
Preserved Lemons – 40
Vosp Kufta (red lentil patties) – 207

Soups and Sauces

Cilantro-Mint Chutney – 169
Gazpacho Andalusian – 113-114
Sweet Salad Dressing – 126

Main Courses

B’Steeya – 55-57
Baby Feast – 289-290
Nigerian Pepper Stew – 288-289
Shish Kebab – 13
Stuffed Baked Fish Fillets with Spicy Tomato Sauce – 51-52
Tortilla Espanola – 112-113
Vegetable Shai Korma – 154
Vegetable Tajine – 50
Vegetarian Curry – 167
Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie – 243-244
Vegetarian Stuffed Zucchini – 134-135

Breakfast

Keta (sweet Armenian breakfast rolls) – 23-25
Wiggle Worms (Armenian donuts) – 19

Desserts

Christmas Trifle – 275-276
Fresh Peach and Hazelnut Tart – 94
Kataif (Honeyed Shredded Dough Pastry) – 199-200
Paklava Rosettes – 329-330

Beverages

Chai – 155
Mango Lassi – 142
Moroccan Mint Tea – 37

Silicon Valley and Beyond

2009-06-26T07:52:00.000-07:00

Siren's Feast hit the trail recently with a road trip to Northern California, reminding me why I live in California. The drive was beautiful, through fields of artichokes, past orchards of almond and cherry trees and on through Gilroy, the garlic capital. I couldn't wait to get to Silicon Valley, where the first of two Siren's Feast events took place, and start cooking, loaded with fresh walnuts, Vidalia onions and all the spices I procured on my last trip to Morocco. My hostess, Lisette Derouaux, spared no expense to introduce me to the dynamic ladies of Silicon Valley. I can't wait to return to Menlo Park.

Then it was on to Marin County to attend a Siren's Feast book club potluck and meet yet another group of fabulous women. My hostess, Karin Conn, publicist extraordinaire, has a divine circle of friends who love to read and eat and I am always thrilled to have people prepare my recipes. It was hard to leave, but another visit awaited me, further down the road.

I had a fantastic visit with my old Ibiza friends Simma and Jeffrey. I loved their vegetable garden and Simma has a beautiful line of jewelry. I always say, you can't make new old friends.

2009-05-16T15:54:00.000-07:00

I received some great news yesterday. My culinary memoir Siren's Feast, An Edible Odyssey has just been named the Winner in the Autobiography/Memoir category of the 2009 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. It was also named Finalist for Best Cover Design in the Non-Fiction category. That is due to the beautiful work of Shawn "Blue" Bayer, artiste extraordinaire. I'm over the moon. Recognition is a good thing.

Saturday Afternoon on Mt. Washington

2009-05-03T09:35:00.001-07:00

It is so rare these days, especially in LA, to meet new foodie friends at a party, decide to get together for a feast, then actually do it. I had a divine afternoon with my new friends at the home of Aussie chef Ben Johnson and actor Mark Espinoza, along with Denise Daclan who creates the most divine artisan infused sea salts. I baked my Armenian cheese beorag (pg. 306 of Siren's Feast) and made some Muhammara (pg. 197) Ben( Mannix of TheLoveBite.com) made his Wombat Salad of roasted root vegetables, goat cheese, watercress and pistachios which had me in ecstasy and Denise brought along a sampling from Saltistry. Wine, sunshine, and a view of Los Angeles from the deck completed our fabulous feast.

LA Times Festival of Books

2009-04-27T07:59:00.000-07:00

Los Angeles does some things right. The LA Times Festival of Books (April 25 & 26) was a huge success, except for the three unfortunate people who were injured by flying scaffolding. Saturday was so windy. I was extremely fortunate to be signing books on Sunday, which was a gloriously beautiful day, at the popular Book Soup booth, right after the ever so popular T. C. Boyle and Candy Spelling, widow of Aaron, mother of Tori. This is LA, after all.

My yalanchi sarma (stuffed grape leaves) were a hit and worth the labor involved. And I met some fantastic people.
I stopped by the Heifer Booth (The Heifer Foundation's mission is to end hunger and poverty by giving people the means to feed themselves) to meet Kim, whose mission is to review and promote independent bookstores through her blog as well as supporting the Heifer Foundation and just generally being fabulous. And to my surprise and joy, copies of Siren's Feast, An Edible Odyssey, were flying out of my hands.

With the spate of independent bookstore closings, it was truly a thrill to see thousands of people who are enamored with reading and meeting authors.

Aztec Soup

2009-04-18T07:27:00.000-07:00

A while back, after I'd returned from the wedding on Isla Holbox, I promised to post a recipe for the amazing soup I ate several times while there. Everyone loved this soup and I've done my best to recreate it. In honor of my lovely young friend, Kate Puzey, I decided it was high time to revisit the wonderful memories of the time we spent together. Knowing that Kate had an exciting life and the support and love of such an amazing family is some consolation over the loss of her.

AZTEC SOUP

2 tbsp. olive oil
1 onion, sliced thin
1 red bell pepper, sliced thin
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tomato, chopped
1 lb. ground chicken
1 tsp. oregano
2 ears fresh corn, with kernels removed
salt/black pepper to taste
4 cups chicken broth

Garnish:
chopped fresh cilantro
sour cream
crumbled Queso Fresco (Mexican cheese)
sliced avocado

In a stock pot, begin by sauteing the onion, then the bell pepper and garlic in olive oil, until softened. Stir in the chopped tomato and saute a few minutes more. Add the ground chicken and continue sauteing. Finally add the oregano, corn kernels, chicken broth and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Garnish each bowl of soup with chopped cilantro, 1 tbsp. sour cream, crumbled Queso Fresco and avocado slices and serve.
DEELISH! And so easy.

Good news and more truly sad news

2009-04-17T09:14:00.000-07:00

I've been so busy with Mom, who at 94 has had to recover from a broken hip, full-time book promotion, working on my next book, keeping up with the garden, the dogs and friends, I just realized I hadn't written a post in a long while. I'm excited about appearing at the LA Times Festival of Books, signing books at the Book Soup booth (#330), which is one of the hippest bookstores in the West and thrilled about all the latest great reviews of Siren's Feast. All that info is posted on my website.

The truly sad news I received was about the passing of a young woman I met last summer at the beautiful wedding I attended on Isla Holbox, off the coast of the Yucatan. Kate Puzey from Georgia, cousin of the bride, who had been a Peace Corps volunteer in Benin, was found murdered outside her hut in the village where she had been living. I am still devastated. I pored over her blog and photos for days. She was a beautiful, brilliant and spirited soul and my heart is broken since I know how close she was to her entire extended family. You can read from her blog and see some of her photos through another site

Some things are just incomprehensible.

So sad

2009-03-26T16:10:00.000-07:00

What a shame that another Los Angeles landmark bookstore is closing. I love Amazon as much as anyone, but nothing can compare to spending time in a brick and mortar bookstore, browsing the shelves, picking up books and chatting with the knowledgeable people who work there. So I was heartbroken yesterday when I read in the LA Times that one of my favorites, The Cook's Library in West Hollywood, will end its 20 year run the end of April. For cooks, chefs and foodies there was nothing like it. It was even listed in Gourmet magazine as one of the ten best best cookbook stores in the country.

Until April 30 their entire stock of cookbooks, including my own culinary memoir, will be on sale until all the merchandise has been sold. I visited yesterday and took along a plate of stuffed grape leaves and left with a fabulous Thai cookbook - Spirit House Thai Cooking.

I LOVE book clubs

2009-03-21T08:38:00.000-07:00

So I'm not the best photographer, but try fitting 15 enthusiastic women into one frame. The Bookie Club in Rancho Palos Verdes is a delightful group of accomplished women and I was thrilled to be invited to their gathering in an art and treasure-filled home overlooking the Pacific. I hardly minded the 2 hours spent on the 405 Freeway getting there since I was able to listen to our brilliant President's town hall meeting on route.

It seems like every gathering for Siren's Feast includes lots of delicious food and this was no exception. We had a scrumptious chicken tajine, couscous, cheese beorag, tabbouli, lemon squares and oh yes, lots of wine. I even gave a mini-demonstration of self-help Jin Shin Jyutsu. I could have stayed all night it was so much fun and I can't wait to see them again. They're called the Bookie Group because they usually play poker after their meetings.

My little Vedra walks the Red Carpet

2009-02-19T08:34:00.000-08:00

Mothers sometimes have reason to be proud. If you've already read Siren's Feast, you would know that my daughter Vedra spent nearly her first 18 months in a London Prison with me. Just last week she walked the Red Carpet at the Berlin Film Festival with her adoptive Dad, Joe Dallesandro, for the premiere of the documentary she produced--Little Joe. Joe also received the Teddy Award. All the screenings were sold out and they had over 75 requests for interviews.

The project evolved over eight years and the results are just fantastic. You can read the review from Variety here.
http://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=festivals&jump=review&id=2478&reviewid=VE1117939697&cs=1

Florence

2009-01-30T08:27:00.000-08:00

I haven't had time to post anything lately. My adorable mother, Florence, fell and broke her hip the day after her 94th birthday.
And it happened in Newport Beach, which involved a lot of driving back and forth. Happy to report she is a trooper and came through surgery just fine, is still in rehab and we hope to have her up and walking soon. For anyone who goes through this, be aware that the after effects of anaesthesia in the elderly can bring out the devil in the most unassuming people. Before surgery the nurses were all "sweethearts." After surgery they all became "dirty bitches." (Mom's words, not mine.) The next day the nurses were all "sweethearts" again, prompting one of them to say, "She's baaack. We missed you."

Since I've never posted a photo of my mother and my daughter Vedra, here they are--both major characters of SIREN'S FEAST.

And I'll be baaaack---soon.

Book Signing Extravaganza

2008-12-22T19:58:00.000-08:00

It's been hard to settle down enough to post anything lately. There was the book signing at The Cook's Library in West Hollywood with 9 LA food writers peddling their works on the street. The weather cooperated, thank goodness.

Then my friend Glenna Forster Jones arrived from London in time to help me peddle some more at the Studio City Farmer's Market. I've been on the street quite a lot lately and again, even though cold rain was predicted, it was clear and sunny. People don't usually come to a Farmer's Market to buy books but it worked out just fine. Another friend showed up with her 140 lb. lab Charlie who caught everyone's attention.

It's been a month for book signings. Pal Herman Leonard at Amoeba Records in Hollywood, then Diahann Carroll plugging her new memoir at Vroman's in Pasadena. When someone asked Diahann what her beauty secrets were she gave me a shout-out as her masseuse of many years. Diahann's new memoir, The Legs Are the Last To Go, is a great read. No more signings until next year. Have a wonderful holiday season everyone!

When It Rains, Get Wet

2008-12-06T09:16:00.000-08:00

So Thursday night ( DEC. 4) I went to see my long-time ghetto buddy Quincy Jones at the book signing for his new fantastic coffee table book THE COMPLETE QUINCY JONES: MY JOURNEY AND PASSIONS: PHOTOS, LETTERS, MEMORIES AND MORE FROM Q'S PERSONAL COLLECTION. About 300 people showed up to hear Quincy in conversation with Don Heckman, noted jazz journalist and, generous as ever, Quincy stayed until midnight to sign books and greet fans. Needless to say, the book is out of this world and even interactive. You can pull his report card from the Schillinger School of Music out of its sleeve. Need I add that he got mostly all A's. Also among the amazing collection of memorabilia from one of the most exciting lives ever lived is the sheet music for We Are The World, with the signatures of everyone who participated, including the fingerprints of Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder and the lipstick kiss of Diana Ross. Check out Q's website http://www.quincyjones.com

I pulled a photo from my own memorabilia. Howard Hesseman, Quincy Jones and Herman Leonard--3 of my all time favorite guys. And guess what? They're all Pisces. Quincy's favorite quote and the path he has followed--"When it rains, get wet." Sage advice from the coolest dude on the planet.

Phoenix Reunion

2008-11-22T18:54:00.000-08:00

Well, the Arizona desert is still beautiful and lush and the turnout for my book signing and tasting (another 100 grape leaves were rolled) was a delight. Friends, family and strangers turned out in numbers as chairs were added to accommodate them. I greeted people I had not seen in years. Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe is a true delight and no wonder it was chosen as the Publisher's Weekly Bookseller of the Year for 2007.

Hippies Get It Right

2008-11-11T08:05:00.000-08:00

So, the election is over and I can finally get back to work on my next book and actually writing something on my blog. And in the midst of all the Obama fever, there have been some amazing goings on. Writing a memoir and having it out in the world can actually help old friends find you and several I haven't been in contact with for the past 35+ years have made reappearances.
I just got an email from one of my Argentinian buddies from Ibiza, Hector Milberg, who is back in Buenos Aires running a gourmet catering company with his wife Fernanda and had no idea he was mentioned in Siren's Feast. Nice to discover so many hippies have become foodies. We were on to something all those years ago with our yoga, meditation, organic health food, natural healing, herbs, vegetarianism, recycling.

Then thumbing through an issue of Gourmet magazine I came upon a lovely article on the fellow whose macrobiotic restaurant I managed in London back in the day. He always was a true entrepreneur since he owned the first macrobiotic shop on Portobello Road in London back in the late 60's. Well, Craig Sams went on to become chairman of Britain's prestigious Soil Association and was the founder of Green & Black's organic chocolate. And Cadbury bought the company in 2005 for $52 mil. Not bad for an oldish hippie, I'd say. LSD didn't rot our brains after all. http://www.craigsams.com
You can read the article for yourself here: http://www.gourmet.com/magazine/2000s/2008/08/craigsams

YES WE DID!

2008-11-07T10:14:00.000-08:00

Marc Cooper of the LA Weekly always writes a great column. His most recent says it all so well.

http://www.laweekly.com/2008-11-06/news/yes-we-did-what-we-know-and-what-we-don-39-t-about-our-new-american-era

Independent Publishers Rock

2008-10-22T21:21:00.000-07:00

Siren's Feast is making news. It was just chosen as a finalist in the Autobiography/Memoir category of the National Best Books 2008 Awards, sponsored by USA Book News. The winner was Julie Andrews' memoir Home, published by a major, Hyperion. So that's one for the little guy. Now I get those lovely gold stickers and bragging rights.

Feasting in Wonderland

2008-10-05T08:43:00.000-07:00

Last night was no ordinary book club event since it took place in the brand new library of Wonderland Ave. Elementary School in Laurel Canyon, a place memorialized in song by Joni Mitchell, among others. My daughter Vedra was fortunate enough to have attended Wonderland in the early 80's so being there brought back warm memories for both of us. School librarian Myrtle Keefe was instrumental in bringing together a crowd of sassy Moms and a few Dads along with friends from the neighborhood. Cheryl Montelle, dear friend and fellow member of Amy Friedman's writing group, the East Side Posse, along with Tyson Cornell of Book Soup helped coordinate. And now Siren's Feast is available at Book Soup, one of the hippest bookstores in Los Angeles, located on the infamous Sunset Strip. What more could an author wish for? Actually I can think of a few more things. Stay tuned.

After my presentation and reading and fielding questions from the group, we all retired to the teacher's lounge and feasted on dishes prepared, from my recipes, by book club members. Everyone did a splendid job. Martha's trifle, I have to admit, was even better than mine. She carmelized the almonds and added Triple Sec. Wow! And Joan even attempted one of the more challenging recipes, Keta, Armenian sweet rolls. We had fattoush, lentil salad, dal muhammara, tabbouli, grape leaves, beorag. What better way to end a book club gathering than with a feast?

First Book Club for Siren's Feast

2008-09-15T15:45:00.000-07:00

Leave it to the Armenian sisters to host the first official book club for Siren's Feast. And what a feast it was. Not only did everyone dress in costumes of some of the countries I wrote about, but the spread was fit for a Queen--several recipes prepared from my culinary memoir. We had mango lassi (p.142) no less than three mouth-watering eggplant dishes, hummous,

baba ghanouj (p.196), kibbeh, vosp kufta (p.207),

muhammara (p.197), lebneh, olives and feta, pickles and bread--all delicious. After all of that we still found room for Armenian pastries, Moroccan mint tea (pg. 37) and

Armenian coffee for dessert. And then the gifted and lovely Anita actually read our coffee cups. It was good fortunes for all.

I brought along some artifacts and photos. The gals were interested in what Alejandro, my first love, looked like. I never got permission from the Scavullo estate to use the photo taken in 1969 but brought along a copy taken from one of Scavullo's photo books and also the little beaded tapestry my grandfather made when he was in a Turkish dungeon. I loved hearing the ladies' reactions to my story. Hours passed and it felt like minutes. And the Odyssey continues.

Yes We Will

2008-09-07T10:16:00.001-07:00

Guacamole Paradise

2008-08-19T10:04:00.000-07:00

In the midst of book promotion for the Feast, the economy and roof repair, it hasn't been easy to get away for new adventures, yet I managed recently to travel to a remote island off the coast of the Yucatan for a wedding. A 5 hour flight to Cancun, 2 1/2 hour drive through the jungle to a little village where we caught a ferry to Paradise with mosquitoes. Nothing is perfect, even in Paradise. The birds in the photo are the magnificent frigate birds. I watched them every morning while I had my delicious Mexican coffee on the beach.

How Rowan and Emilie got over 100 family members and friends to take a week off to participate in their nuptials was a feat that is a testament to them. I managed to gain 6 lbs. by gorging on chips and guacamole, every kind of ceviche fresh from the sea, margaritas, pina coladas and Aztec soup. I promptly lost all 6 lbs. on my return home, thank God. (I promise the Aztec soup recipe as soon as I work it out and a signed copy of Siren's Feast, An Edible Odyssey, to anyone who correctly identifies the island.)

Writing for the Sun Community Newspapers

2008-06-28T13:27:00.000-07:00

Recently my favorite local newspaper where I was a columnist for over three years has had to close down its presses. Another sign of why we need change we can believe in. This story is being repeated all over the country at a time when we need more than ever to connect.

Below are some links to columns about a few of my favorite people.

Herman Leonard - Photographer

Gerri Dalzell - Artist

Gordon Parks - Renaissance Man

Best Chicken Soup, Happy Dogs

2008-06-25T09:14:00.000-07:00

So many people lately have requested my recipe for Armenian chicken soup and complained when they couldn't find it in Siren's Feast, I have been compelled to post it on my blog. An old friend even tracked me down after 15 years because she really really wanted to make that soup. It is delicious and it's quite simple. So here goes. Notice photo of happy dogs, Cisco and Buddha, who had also recently complained that their photos hadn't yet made it on my blog. The real reason they're so happy is that they get all the chicken that doesn't make it into the soup.

Nancy's Special Armenian Chicken Soup

1 whole frying chicken (approx. 4 lbs., organic if possible)
3 quarts water
1 large onion, chopped
3 celery stalks, diced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/2 cup white rice (jasmine, calrose, or your favorite)
2 eggs, beaten
juice of 2 lemons, strained
few sprigs parsley, chopped finely, for garnish

Put chicken into large stock pot, add the 3 quarts water, cover and simmer for 1 hour. Remove from pot and allow to cool.
Remove breast meat from the bones, discarding all skin, fat and gristle. Then strain broth into a clean pot and bring to a boil.

Add onion, celery, salt, pepper and rice, cover and simmer for an additional 20 minutes. Add lemon juice to beaten eggs, along with a little of the hot soup, then slowly add to the pot. The lemon juice "bleaches" the soup, turning it into a lovely, creamy white. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve. Everyone LOVES this soup, and how easy was that?

Stairway to heaven

2008-05-23T08:27:00.000-07:00

At the end of the odyssey that took me around the world, in search of love and enlightenment, I found both in the very place I grew up, in the form of a beautiful, petite Japanese American named Mary Burmeister. I spent 14 years studying with this living master of Jin Shin Jyutsu, the ancient Japanese healing art I have practiced for the past 33 years. Mary and the art of Jin Shin Jyutsu have been my pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. The last time I saw her I said, "There's not a day that passes that I don't think of you, with gratitude in my heart, for the life I've had because of Jin Shin."
Mary held out her hands. "Well," she responded, "God is the strength in my hands now. When He's 100% I'll be able to go home."
Mary returned home as peacefully as she lived on Jan. 27th, 2008, at the age of 89, leaving behind thousands of students and thousands more who have benefitted and been blessed by the healing graces of the precious art of Jin Shin Jyutsu.

A Feast for the Senses

2008-05-11T09:44:00.000-07:00

My culinary memoir SIREN'S FEAST got off to a tantalizing start when over 140 people showed up to celebrate the launch with me at Ca del Sole, a fabulous Mediterranean restaurant in Toluca Lake. One of my closest friends, Coco Conn, and my goddaughter Lauren Conn, helped me roll 400 stuffed grape leaves. Scrumptious paklava came from Oasis Bakery in Glendale, some of the best I've ever had, and Ca del Sole supplied the rest of the delicious cuisine. Guests were standing in line to have their Tarot cards and palms read and the place caught fire when Neena and Veena, the Belly Twins, performed. And yes, they are identical twins. Personally, I've never hugged so many people in one evening.

I'm blown away by the response to SIREN'S FEAST, AN EDIBLE ODYSSEY. People are already cooking the recipes and I've heard from several folks that they couldn't put the book down and have been ordering more copies for friends, in the words of one, "to share the delicious pleasure." It feels like a new odyssey is just beginning.

A Great Big Festival

2008-04-29T08:04:00.000-07:00

I've been outed. I had my first official book signing at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books and I've got to say it was FUN!
Hot fun, however, since the temps were in the 90's, hence the African fan which came in handy. I was honored to be part of the Abril Armenian Bookstore group of authors. I love my peeps and I even baked for the event, Armenian sweet rolls (Keta) and judging from the way they disappeared, I would say they were a hit. I'm looking forward to more food and fun as my newly released memoir rolls out. And the people one meets along the way only adds to the excitement. Check out Dr. Patricia Bragg. Her father, mentioned in SIREN'S FEAST, taught me all about fasting. Judging from the high energy of Patricia Bragg, they both know something about health.

Have some cake and eat it too

2008-04-13T15:10:00.000-07:00

Okay, I won't lie. I love birthday cake. And there have been a few good ones lately. Friends gathered at Catalina Bar and Grill recently to celebrate the 85th birthday of Herman Leonard, the renowned photographer of all the jazz giants. Besides the smokin' hot performance of Joshua Redman that evening, I had the pleasure of hanging with the great music icon himself, Quincy Jones. Herman and Quincy are, without doubt, two of my favorite men on the entire planet so I was in a state of bliss. Life just doesn't get any better than that. And a big shout-out to Quincy, who just turned 75. I love those Pisces men.

2008-02-28T11:46:00.000-08:00

Since my birthday falls on the day after Christmas I rarely celebrate. My last birthday was a big one (you can do the math) and it had been 20 years since the last party so I decided it was high time to throw myself a bash, by taking 18 friends to opening day at Santa Anita Race Track, where we were feted in style. On a glorious sunny day, we had a 10 course Japanese feast served to us by our own chef, (beef tenderloin and chicken satay, duck roasted with star anise, salmon with soba noodles, asparagus with wild mushrooms, sushi and sashimi, crab cakes, fried bananas with coconut ice cream.)

They even made me a special birthday cake decorated with horses. As if that wasn't enough, they sent a handicapper to our table to teach some of the novices the ins and outs of betting. I guess it was my lucky day since I bet every race and came home with more money than I started with. With my culinary memoir, Siren’s Feast, An Edible Odyssey, launching next month, it felt like I was truly off to the races.

2007-12-23T10:18:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone and welcome to my edible odyssey. Here I am in Paris, where I'm always sure to indulge some of my favorite things -- great food, travel and dogs. Parisians love their dogs so don't be surprised to see fur people at the table in restaurants. The only thing I really miss when I'm on the road, besides spicy Mexican food, is my dog Cisco, and here on a street in Paris, in Montparnasse to be exact, in front of one of the best crepe cafes in that glorious City of Light, I have stopped to greet a dog that looks a lot like my own handsome mutt.

My friend Michele took the photo. We've been friends since pre-school so Oprah and Gayle have nothing on us. You can't see my face but more will be revealed when my culinary memoir, SIREN'S FEAST: AN EDIBLE ODYSSEY, is launched in April 2008. Described by some who've already had a peek as "sex, drugs and gourmet food," it's also filled with fascinating characters, exotic locales and some of my favorite recipes. I can't wait to share it with you all.