10.05.2009


eggplant cooking in the coals :: august, 2008 at cannard farm

well, the link to my npr story is up on the story's website! i can't exactly bring myself to listen to it yet, but my hope is that i didn't say anything too embarrassing. going into the studio to record was a fantastic experience, and everyone at kqed and the story was really, really caring and generous.

every morning lately, i wake up and say, "thank you, thank you, thank you!" to the universe for all of the wonderful things that are happening. some, i can talk about here, and some i can't, but i want everyone to know that i couldn't have dreamt up these days if i'd tried. for one thing, the red light camera ticket i got (for $500) and fought with a sketchy traffic lawyer who calls himself mr. ticket and charges a flat rate of $100: i somehow won that case even though i pretty much ran the light. um. ok. i'll take it!

cooking at cp has continued to be magical. for one thing, i love having a job where i'm not in charge. i also love being a floater, helping out here and there. i've just tried to believe that i'll be able to make it financially as new opportunities appear, and so far, things have been fine. last night while we cooked a beautiful dinner for cecilia chiang's 90th birthday (hello, emily's delicious potstickers!) there was such an incredible feeling of camaraderie and trust in the kitchen. i just feel so lucky to be part of this community!

i wish i had a scanner so i could share the beautiful handmade menu with you, but in it's stead i'll type out what we made:

little snacks of boiled peanuts with star anise, cucumber and radish pickles and olives

dumplings and salt and pepper squid

corn and lobster soup with scallions

tea smoked squab

braised eggplant and rapini

sichuan green beans

fragrant rice

coconut ice cream with autumn strawberries and tapioca (!)

asian-inspired mignardises

it was lovely. i hope it inspires you!



7 comments:

  1. Congrats on The Story! Woo hoo!

    And, Mr. Ticket! That sounds hilarious. I hate those red light cameras. One flashed at me the other day and I am afraid to open my mailbox every day now, knowing a ticket is probably on its way. Maybe I need to find Mr Ticket's seattle cousin?

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  2. Your interview is fantabulous. I wish you all the best for your future.

    If you don't have a scanner you can use your camera as long as you shoot straight without flash and sun light.

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  3. That was a GREAT interview. I had never heard the show before but you made me a fan! We have never met but you sound like a great person. Best of luck with your career!

    Chris in North Carolina

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  4. Samin,

    I think it is GREAT what you are doing! Congratulations on all your success.

    Vanessa

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  5. I love The Story on NPR and really enjoyed your interview! I think I'm going to have to make the trek out to Williamsburg in November on one of the nights you're cooking!

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  6. Aloha Samin, you are really making it... NPR?!? You are awesome. I canʻt wait to see what adventure youʻll be going on next!

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  7. Samin, if you haven't listened already, then you might wanna listen to your Story interview on a day when you feel strong and full of energy.
    For me, sad it had to be, still it was very enjoyable and interesting.

    Restaurants is one of the most difficult biznesses run/own. Thanks for including us in this part of your life.

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