Static Zombie

Reading these has been mouth-watering (and a bit tortuous, since just before my classes started this week I came down with a fever (peaked at 102) and haven't been eating solid food for a few days). I confess, I have been thinking ahead to some of the things I know we both like (specifically in the Seattle area) and one of the things I looked forward to your write-up of is missing: chicken swarma (especially the garlic-laced manna from Mediterranean Kitchen). Has it fallen from favor? Say it isn't so! And a belated happy new year!

I'm enjoying this list a lot, and think that we would--should we ever meet--would not have a rough time agreeing on where to go for a bite.

I must object, though: First, it's Brussels sprouts. And if you don't like them it's because they've been cooked improperly. Roasted, tossed with salt, pepper, a little butter, maybe a splash of lemon, they are sublime.

You don't have to wait for a trip to Jamaica, or suffer with off-the shelf marinades. You can, you should pardon the expression, jerk your own.

Last I heard, Gen'l Tso's was created at a hole in the wall in NYC. But that too could be apocryphal.

While learning Chinese history in highschool in HongKong (where I grew up), I have studied the exploits of General Tso. However, I have never heard of this dish in HongKong. So the person definitely exists, but I dont know if he has anything to do with the dish.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Tso

Chicken Tikka Masala is also my favorite Indian food. However, you do realize it is not "traditional" Indian food? Some have even called it the national dish of... Britain.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken_tikka_masala

Lastly, I agree with Clay re: Brussels sprouts. I used to hate them, when they were steamed and overcooked. But roasted and crunchy and properly seasoned, they are great. My favorite preparation involves a final stirfry with bacon bits. Ooooh....

I'm realizing that, when it comes to food, I'm the equivalent of the guy who thinks Monopoly is the best game ever.

Peter, would you consider putting together a list of the top foods/meals that:
(a) come COMPLETE in a box, can or bag
(b) can be heated up in my oven or microwave.

Something like Chef BoyRDee Ravioli, or Banquet Chicken Patties... mmmmmmmm

I'm all about simple and quick. If I have to measure anything, it's over.

Dave: I wrote the list just after having visited Med Kitchen, and I was a little shawarma'd out. I also decided that it's probably their particular shawarma that I like-- most other shawarmas are served as sandwiches and are sliced off a vertical spit. I've been trying to limit the number of specific preparations in my list. Seven Flavor Beef and Paseo were essential exceptions, but chicken shawarma didn't make the cut. But do not fear-- on your next visit to town, Mediterranean Kitchen will still be on the itinerary.

Clay & Anthony: I originally typed Brussels sprouts, but it looked weird to me. Should have gone with my gut. I have had the vile pods only rarely, and quite some time ago. I have little doubt they were poorly prepared, and would be willing to give them another chance given the proper chef or recipe. Any recipes to recommend?

Stephen: When it comes to packaged foods, you can't beat Trader Joe's. My recommendations:

Turkey Pot Pie: Stellar, and better than their chicken pot pie because it's got big chunks of turkey and better flavor. Put it in the oven for an hour and you're good to go. You can even surround it with some of their frozen roasted red potatoes for a full meal.

Biryani: Indian curried rice dish with veggies and raisins. I add a diced chicken breast or a couple of diced thighs to make it a full meal, and usually toss in a chopped onion as well. Easy-peasy. Heat a dollop of oil in a large pan. Toss chicken, onion, and optionally a teaspoon of curry powder in and cook for a few minutes until chicken is no longer pink. Toss in contents of Biryani bag and heat as per bag's instructions, about 10-15 minutes. Eat.

Prik King: More of a side dish, but incredibly good. Thai green beans. Dump beans into pan. Heat. Add contents of sauce packet. Stir. Eat. Terrific flavor.

chicken and lemongrass rice bowl: Not sure if that's the exact name, but it's in their rice bowl area of the freezer section. Microwave for a few minutes and you have a very tasty lunch.

Really, it's hard to go wrong at Trader Joe's-- so much of what they carry is delicious and not found elsewhere. TJ's has a bunch of VA locations, so you should be able to find one near you.

I immediately thought the same thing about 1) having no trouble finding a place to eat when visiting Peter, 2) he obviously hadn't had good roasted brussel sprouts, and 3) don't miss Trader Joe's simmer sauces for one pot, decently yummy chicken dishes.

My roasted sprouts (fresh is best, but even frozen will work) are tossed with olive oil, Bragg Liquid Aminos (kind of like a light soy sauce, but not really), fresh ground Sea Salt (don't EVER use yucky table salt), and coarse ground pepper. I then roast in oven until outside is cripsy - timing depends on temp, temp depends on what else is cooking. I may have to try the "final stir fry with bacon" above - that sounds good too.

Re: Indian chicken dishes, I'm partial to a good butter chicken, but anything with a good cream sauce is good.

Thanks for a great list!

re: brussels sprouts. i checked with my wife who made the sprouts, and (as often happens) my guess/recollection of how a dish is cooked is fraught with errors. turns out our sprouts are not roasted, but sauteed in bacon fat. the recipe is something like this:

halve the sprouts. in large saute pan, cook some bacon (cut to small bits) and keep all the rendering (fat). take out cooked bacon and dry them on paper towel, but keep all fat/oil in pan, then put in sprouts to saute. splash in some white wine (or water), then cover, and stir occasionally. cook until the side in contact with pan is very slightly brown and crunchy, but do not overcook. inside should not be mushy. add back bacon bits, season with salt and pepper, mix well and serve. sorry i dont have exact quantities.

I have to agree with you about the chicken tikka masala. I too had not had much, if any, Indian food until after college. Chicken tikka masala was the first dish I had and I thought the heck with ambrosia - THIS is what the gods eat!

Glad to have gotten you started on tikka masala, Peter! Ah, I miss the Wickenden Street Indian restaurants. Though we have some pretty good ones here.

I had no idea that tikka masala was a British-Indian invention. Who knew?

I like a nice shahi korma too, though very few restaurants here seem to have it, and a British novel I read recently had a character speak disparagingly of it. Yes, it's mild, but if you have several dishes, why shouldn't one be mild? And I love the nuts.

I've never had a Brussels sprout that didn't taste and smell appalling, and I'm not interested in trying another. Sorry, folks. There are plenty of other good vegetables out there. Besides, they look like Audrey II.