Announcing Ruta's Culinary Tour of Western India: January 2009
This year went by in a blur—I can’t believe it’s almost time to go back to India. My last Culinary Tour was a Sold Out event and I'm even more excited about 2009. From January 23 through February 1 we'll explore the western states of Kerala and Goa, each renowned for its own fascinating cuisine. And we'll end up in the cosmopolitan, intensely foodie mecca that is Mumbai. I’ve jam-packed the Tour with market visits, demos, restaurants and food, food, food. But we'll also make time for Ayurvedic massages and shopping. All in all, it promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime trip with a small, select group. So sign up now! Check out the itinerary on the Culinary Tour page and see what you've been missing on the Tour Photos page.
5 Spices, 50 Dishes cookbook update
"Simple but not simplistic" seems to be a popular recipe—5 Spices 50 Dishes is now in its second print run and is consistently a Bestseller in Amazon.com's Indian Cookbooks category. You can read some of the reviews—from the New York Times Book Review to local bloggers— on my Reviews page. And aside from the regular bookstores, 5 Spices 50 Dishes is now being carried by stores such as Crate and Barrel and Cost Plus. To learn more about the cookbook or to order a signed copy, please visit the Cookbook page.
Cooking school update: only Private Classes in 2008
As I've mentioned, I'm not offering my regular cooking classes or workshops in 2008. But I'll continue to host Private Classes—for bridal showers, birthdays, corporate team building events, or just a group of friends who want to get together to cook, eat and have fun.
Make a special event memorable with a Private Class. These classes are always enjoyable, and they reinforce my belief that cooking together is one of the most fun, relaxing ways to spend time with your fellow human beings. To plan a Private Class of your own, gather your friends or co-workers and I will tailor a menu just for you. See the Private Classes page for details.
3 exclusive classes for Gift Certificate holders
In Fall 2008, I'll be holding 3 classes for gift certificate holders who haven't yet redeemed their certificates. With one class each in the months of October, November and December, you should be able to find one that works for you. Visit the Cooking School page for menus and dates, and please email me with your reservation as soon as you can. I will also be separately notifying all gift certificate holders whose contact information I have.
5 Spices on TV
KPIX Channel 5 interviewed yours truly on Eye On The Bay to talk about my cookbook. It was a ton of fun to be on the show, and I was in great company—they also interviewed Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. If you missed the segment, just click on the YouTube window to the right. And if you like, you can download some of the recipes featured on the show at Channel 5's website.
It's now official: Indian food is good for you
And that's coming from no less an authority than Prevention Magazine. In their article, they also featured six recipes from my cookbook - with new names that emphasize the numerous health benefits associated with the cuisine's spices, antioxidants and fiber content. In other words, it not only tastes good, it is good for you! This is a topic dear to my heart, and I'm so glad that it's finally starting to become widely known.
Turmeric makes it to Top 10 Superfoods List
Fitness Magazine gave Turmeric the #2 spot in their new Superfoods list - and a nice plug for my cookbook as well. Quoting from the magazine, Curcumin (the key ingredient in Turmeric) "may help prevent a variety of diseases, including multiple myeloma, lymphoma, and breast, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers... For recipes, check out the book 5 Spices, 50 Dishes, by Ruta Kahate."
But which wine goes best with that curry?
Chances are, it's not that old standby, Gewurztraminer. With Indian food getting more and more mainstream, diners are eager to explore wine pairings beyond the obvious. To find out which spices warm up to which wines, Jon Bonné, Wine Editor at the San Francisco Chronicle, and Olivia Wu, noted chef and writer, met up with me at a local Indian restaurant. We spent three hours in a happy haze tasting, comparing and often tossing out conventional wisdom. The result? The Chronicle Pairing Guide: The secrets of matching Indian Food with Wine. Check it out; it's the perfect resource for anyone who loves both wine and Indian food.
Contact
Call 510-655-RUTA or click here to send Ruta an email.