Flavours of Syria..

 

Syrian red lentil soup...

 

Flavours of Syria is a humble effort from our team to contribute to the huge humanitarian crisis in the region. Food habits of a race is always a true reflection of the cultural splendour of a region. Syria is a classic illustration. The diffusion of Kurdish, Arabic, Armenian and Christian cultures has produced an astounding and diverse cuisine. My research into Syrian dishes was an eye-opener to the fact that minus the tags of ethnicity, beliefs, colour and origin..we humans are so similar. The urge to live, dine and feast is inherent to our genetic make up.

 

We have tried  to create some classic Syrian dishes such as "Makdous-pickled stuffed eggplant in olive oil", "Sharhat mtfay -  Lemon garlic thin steaks" and "Roz Bhaleeb-Syrian rice pudding" as apart of our flavours of Syria menu.

 

Should the world take military action against Syria? I do not know. All I have learnt is that "two wrongs do not make a right". Will never do. There has to be another way other than violence and bloodshed.

 

My heart goes out to the people of Syria.    

Here comes winter....

I feel that the pace of our lives actually slows down in winter. They say the British summer is great...vibrant,alive and full of energy. I feel British winter is equally special. The warm aromas from a rumbling fire,the short days and quiet inspiring evenings full of anticipation..I enjoy every bit of it. My early years in London were hectic and fast paced . Every moment was spent learning the ways of a new life in a new country.Now I have little more time at hand to slow down and watch the world around me...With winter come those special ingredients we cant wait to get our hands on... The Ambrette winter menu will feature Kentish Partridge and a warm and aromatic stew of Sussex beef. 

Success is counted sweetest...

 I always remember a poem by Emily Dickinson learnt years back as a child. It is one of those jewels of English poetry which never leave you.

"Success is counted sweetest

By those who ne'er succeed.

To comprehend a nectar

Requires sorest need"

There is something very exhilarating about competitions. The rush of adrenaline , the nervous calm just before the results ...Its all a part and parcel of the whole experience. It was incredibly inspiring and encouraging to see dedication and hard work rewarded and recognised at esteemed forums such as the food and wine academy. Our society is  obsessed with the appeal of chefs as beacons of culinary brilliance and hardworking managers and front of house members are often overlooked as unsung heroes. We at the Ambrette are addicted to competing and look forward to the next national challenge.Lets play on....  



Little austerities in the kitchen...

 "David Cameron stands by 'lowest' energy tariff vow....." http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19986929
The honourable prime minister is seeking  to clear up confusions in the energy policy of the government. Here is a simple equipment which makes a massive difference to the gas bills or electric consumption in case of electric cookers. Its the simple pressure cooker.The gadget is something I have grown up with. As a teenager,the familiar noise of a pressure cooker whistle means dinner is not long. Its mostly followed by the dreamy aromas of sweet smelling spices. It has always been the secret weapon in my mother's kitchen. Also it adds to the home austerity measures as no matter  how cheap the cut is , a pressure cooker will reduce it to cotton wool. Moreover, aromas and nutrients are all tightly locked inside. It seems "ye olde pressure cooker " is heading back to our kitchens.

The journey so far...

The Ambrette at Rye has made it into the Michelin guide. It all just seems like yesterday. New site, new kitchen and the nervous feeling of starting a new restaurant.The endless food trials, new guests in a new area , new relationships all seem to have faded into memory. The last nine months have been the fastest nine months ever. Nontheless,they have been very interesting. Its time to pause and look at some core values we started with. Do the Ambrettes still say "we care"? Do we still have the special place in the heart of our guests? A short stint with a television production company working for channel four recently was fun and interesting.The world of reality television is a parallel world with its own secrets and surprises lurking at every corner.   

Scotland...will return soon

Scotland...Must say the first impression lacked spectacle. Slowly the cities and towns melted away and the magnificent panorama emerged as if out of Narnia's secret door. I must admit my tired eyes after eighteen hours behind the wheels stopped in awe.Scotland is all about visuals.The beauty around reminded me of the serenity of the Himalayan ranges where the teeming millions of India have not reached as yet.The majestic lochs with deep blue water. The towering hills staring down at you.Questions raced through my mind. Who lived here? How were their lives? How was community in these vast wilderness.What secret do these Lochs hold? I found the local Scots in the highlands quite secretive about their great local produce. Nobody knew where to find local langoustines when the neighbourhood restaurant by the loch is selling them by dozens! Somebody must know! Maybe I need more trips to this part of the world....

Magic,mystery and marriage in Mumbai

Mumbai never ceases to surprise you. It is an incessant explosion of humanity in all its magnificence. The glittering shopping malls loaded with leading brands stand next to the centuries old bazaars of street hawkers selling their myriad merchandise.I had the privilege of being invited to a South Indian wedding this time. Regional Indian colours and flavours are showcased the best in weddings. Electrifying ambiance and moreover feasts conjured up for Gods .