Azalina's Malaysian Pop-up Dinner March 10

Suvir Saran with Azalina Eusope at the SF Street Food Night Market, 2012
There are some chefs who cook with their whole being, with their blood, sweat and tears, with their heart and with their soul. Azalina Eusope is one of those chefs and you can taste her passion in every bite. I am not alone in feeling honored to eat her food hong kong business school.

Azalina’s specialty is Malaysian street food, and it should come as no surprise because she’s a fifth generation street food vendor. Fifth generation. I have no idea what my great grandparents did, let alone my great great grandparents. I know they didn’t eat food nearly as vibrant and textured and layered with flavors as what Azalina cooks. Malaysian street food is not subtle or elegant, it’s in your face, big, bold, exciting, and comforting all at once. It demands your attention and you will be happy to give it.

I could tell you that Azalina is an inspiring role model, a success story, an immigrant, a member of the Mamak tribe renowned for their cooking abilities. But I’d rather just encourage you to eat her food. While she makes regular appearances at Off The Grid Fort Mason (a street food event) most of the year, and her prepared food is showing up in places like Bi-Rite and Whole Foods, there is another way you can enjoy it. There is one more pop-up dinner she will be doing at Wise Sons Deli next Sunday night, March 10th. But I must warn you, it’s a small restaurant and it gets very crowded so vintage tube...

Come early and prepare to stand in line

Come with a very small group (2-4 people max)

Come prepared to eat!

The a la carte menu changes every week, so you can check Azalina's website if you’d like to know what she’ll be serving. This is what I had this past Sunday night:

Asam Laksa

This sour and tangy tamarind based noodle soup with a healthy dose of spice has mackerel and was topped with slices of cucumber, chile, red onion and pineapple. Asam laksa is very delicious, but don’t just take my word for it, CNN listed it as the #7 most delicious dish in the world in 2011.

Mee rebus

This is another popular street food dish, with yam, potatoes, tomato and spices, hand made noodles, fritters, drenched in a very rich and sweet curry like gravy and garnished with peanuts and herbs and a hard boiled egg. Pure comfort network. Hallmark官网

Sweet potato dumplings

These chewy dumplings had a dash of coconut cream and some fresh sprouts.

Cool Gifts for Cooks 2013

Here are my picks for things that cooks will find particularly useful:


AnySharp bills itself at the world's best knife sharpener. I'd say it has the world's best knife sharpening video ever. I can't say if it's the best, but it is definitely the smallest, most convenient and easy to use sharpener. It uses a powerful suction cup to keep it in place and lets you sharpen serrated knives as well as scissors Tape replacement. The Pro model is $26.97 on Amazon


I have gone through more kitchen shears than I can count. They just don't seem to hold up very well. But so far I am having great success with the Smart Sizzors (from the makers of the AnySharp) They have lots of nifty features that allow you to open bottles, crack nuts or even crush garlic. Mainly I like the feel of them and how well they work on poultry. $20 on Amazon.
Once you become a customer of Thermoworks, you may find you want a little bit of everything in their product line. I have been using and abusing the Thermapen for months and it is a trooper. It's my favorite instant read thermometer of all times. It is splash proof, shuts off automatically and easy to use and clean. Expensive, but awesome. $96.

Another item I got a chance to test from Thermoworks is the ChefAlarm with high temp cooking probe. This does not have a remote, like the older model I had from another manufacturer, but it is much better quality and has a loud alarm when it reaches temperature. It also has a second probe for sous vide if you need that. It's designed for commercial kitchens. $59.00Hallmark官网


ProCook cast iron cookware. I wrote about this earlier in the year and for anyone who wants to invest in a piece, the prices are simply unbeatable and the styling very attractive. I use my cast iron cookware for sautéing, braising, frying facial treatment, baking, roasting--you name it. I always leave a piece on the stove because I use it so often. I love that you can use it on the stove or in the oven. It's also great for serving because it holds the heat so well. You can buy a set or just one piece. Right now an 8 inch 3.1 inch round casserole is $50 and there's a additional 20% off coupon if you use the code Extra20 and free shipping! You simply won't find cast iron cookware at a better price than that. $40 with discount

Berry Breeze is a very practical gift. Instead of placing a box of baking soda in your refrigerator, the Berry Breeze uses activated oxygen to help keep food fresher much longer. It's battery operated and takes up very little space. I definitely have noticed a difference since I started using it. Produce stays fresher longer and there is no odor. $49.95




Last but not least, in the practical but also fun category, check out these great SealedWithaCase iPhone cases available on Etsy that are not only very real looking, but brilliantly mirror the shape of real-life items including sushi, chocolates, matzah, pop-tart and a TV dinner. I'm torn between the ice cream sandwich and the tin of sardines! $17.99 each




Disclaimer: I received some of these items as review samples. I was not paid to write this or any other post, however this post does include some affiliate links.

The most beautiful picture

Micro warm breeze, silent father, and proximity to the mountains, but my mind kept absolutely clear that this is difficult to stop and to understand unrequited love. Often returned home late at night is not always used to sleep, so the day is always sleepy and groaning, each wakes up to find his father had disappeared, provoked the burden of the family, destined to run around hard work, wait for his father to come back again until it is already late late. Sitting on the sofa in front of a TV series can not be read, inadvertently reveals everywhere tired after that is into a deep sleep. Stalwart trees like squid-like gentle, warm breeze like a hidden selfless love, slowly Rouchang Loving family, the cold weather tom ford sunglasses, warm a heart and touches the soul of an ignorant growth.

People say there are a hundred good earth, and 100 Yoshitaka first, I thought I was filial, because I did not understand his father's exposure to the generous shoulder the burden of his father as a child I did not realize that tasted the bitterness of road warriors, I did not understand the daily morning to evening devastated father endured fatigue. And I actually shamelessly everything for granted, counting sun and the moon, did not realize that the years had contracted a weathered, mottled little scattered on the hair, they would understand today, eternal silence, permeated most of the children real looking, contains the most emotional supreme love.

Flashing lights, extremely energy magnificent rendering of an eternal, Fruitful time goes by, looking at the distant boundless darkness, unwittingly single teardrop on both sides, I hate this wind moist wipe my eyes, but at the moment I able to watch from afar more transparent. Once that naughty children have learned non warmth, no vigorous ebb and flow, there is no bad ill-fated dead, gave me the most mundane moved Cloud Provider. If the cloud of vague dreams, settling all the pain of life, in the depths of twilight, listening to the breeze play foliage fine melodies, whirling sound, soul inhabiting space, contains a warmth put tears in the colorful life gradually spread spread. Hallmark官网

Micro warm breeze, soft light breeze singing wasted green leaves, no hubbub of the day, quiet night, had become my lyrical laments the world, some people appreciate a dash of sweet memories, some mileage makes surprise engraved Jisi Some trivia sentiment how many people experience. In fact, happiness is very simple, has been around us never far away, follow the trail of time, gather the wind in the mountains, riding in the grassy back on the road to the dormitory stairs, let my mind thoughts wanton flying iPhone 4 casing, I do not know how like to be able to Thanksgiving this deep affection, to pay if too heavy, pen dipped the edges, it will bend the rhyme, return if too light, but as the wind in the sand, bear mentioning.

The four seasons

A drop, two drops, three drops of rain, quietly, such as needle fishes fishes, such as lines, wind sneaked into the night, moisten things silently tube amp. The smoke curl upwards, with the breeze, accompanied by rain, the mountain which household cooking delicious sweet potato porridge? A slobber dc. The adults a cry, the children rush on like a swarm of hornets, holding chopsticks, beating out clear music, even in dusty, even the nose DC, even if the finger on the hidden black dirt, even the hair, but this and what is the relationship between them, this is what a simple and happy. The rain quietly underground, with filar silk cool, filar silk warmth. Mist shrouded the earth, hazy people's eyes Maid Agency, this land wet spring, the young boy riding on the cattle, blows the whistle, the old ox faithful and diligent pulls plows, horns, ears, broken sound, only to hear the old cattle. Kind and hardworking people ah, this slight rain you heard, it seemed to show her what? That this year a bumper grain harvest, good weather, good harvest! Show your confidence to hope that you, the future happy life yearning, show you the next generation will be out of the mountains to enter a university, the scenery back hometown construction! This spring, mother, you must be very familiar to you, it is so wet, so lucky, so sweet and comfortable, you are with this memory, out of the mountains to read the University, but you decades in the city heart is worried about this piece of land which you twenty years, worried about raising your the twenty year old mother, spring rain, brings you sweet memories!

A riot of colour, lush foliage, flowers Bingdi, continued spring chapter. Xia Yu is approaching, raging winds, thunder, lightning flash light up the sky. Dragonflies flying, washeng bursts, such as Demons and monsters danced like mad. leaves, sinister sun instantly be clouds cover the city, not shut the doors and windows shook violently, a perturbation impact sound soul, touching the heart, people have to hurry home to accept clothes, has not yet had time, downpour has overshadowed all the sound, the sound of car horns the playground, broadcast, people singing, the sound of reading aloud, noisy sound of mahjong...... Xia Yu comes on strong, more and more sinister, mad, unlike spring, more soundless and stirless. If the rain like a shy little girl in sing merrily and dance gracefully, then Xia Yu is a man of war infighting among the! It is the history of the war, the smoke, Gunfire licks the heavens., it is the life of the war, both to nourish your rain, and give you the flood damage, the life of the summer nuhart, opportunities and challenges.

The harvest season is coming, warm sunlight shines the earth, a piece of golden rice, green cauliflower, sweet and full of fruit, the people in the mountains are busy harvesting, harvest year of hard work. Autumn, took away the summer anxiety, bring the cool breeze, bring the dry weather. Autumn, always not regularity of underground, as opposed to Xia Yu, it is fewer but better, is soft and beautiful, is dry and cool. The autumn sun no summer poison, the autumn air, no hot summer. The autumn harvest, people big plump Steamed Rice, fruits and vegetables are good to the table. In autumn, the students ushered in the new semester, relatives and friends have admitted to the ideal university, in the campus, people with curiosity, with dreams, with expected to go in the sunny road, is a new starting point in life, and was a major turning point in life, life and love in this harvest, the school life here airness, life friendship here blossom everywhere. The life autumn, should be sixty years of age, retired at home, the beginning is always not used, sometimes watched television, read read newspapers will sleep, sleep will not consciously flow slobber. The body as one day, not bone hyperplasia is high blood pressure, stomach began to rise a lot, fatty liver, heart disease, these chronic diseases, follow close on succession. Not to say that autumn is the season of harvest? Why is there so much pain? In fact, more spiritual harvest. The life autumn, you harvest the mature, harvest, calm, calm harvest, harvest have experienced years of wind and frost after the peace of mind, the soul of washing, physical pain is what? So many have experienced groundless talk, also be afraid of physical pain? Positive and optimistic, more activities, to interest class, twist waist, exercise, I live to be ninety-nine.Hallmark官网

Winter is coming! The Spring Festival is coming soon! The God does not cooperate, snow, hail, rain. The Spring Festival, what a happy day, people were sitting on a train to go home! Go home, go home, cold stop home warm, rain and snow can not stop the pace of home, return the parents at home waiting for children, children at home waiting for parents to embrace life, winter, not some thing, in addition to good health, is the family reunion! Never forget such a picture: a pair of 80 year old husband and wife helped each other with walking in the snow, leaving behind their deep footprints. Life in winter, not some thing, the map of marital harmony, reach old age, holding your hand, and grow old with you. Our young generation, remember how filial parents, for you, your winter, Is it right? Want children filial piety?

Lamb Fried Rice

Sometimes life hands you a little fright to remind you of how lucky you really are. Not that I am in any way unaware of the gems life has strewn across my path…but, as with most people, I am no stranger to trivial discontent and the worrying mind-whisperings it brings. We all fall victim to this, if we are honest, and I certainly am no different, despite my best and most valiant efforts.

In truth, however, we truly are lucky. Writing on this blog means I am able to afford a computer, an internet connection, and a camera…luxuries that many Flower shop (too many) in this world cannot enjoy. This being a food blog also means that I have access and am able to procure three square meals a day, even if I need to pinch pennies and cut corners sometimes. My ample curves mean that I am, without a doubt, thoroughly enjoying those three square meals a day, sometimes a bit too much. The ratty leggings I am wearing, which have seen better days, are worn to the quick because I am lucky enough to have a job that allows me to stay at home (and consequently not have to spend my money on suits and nylons like I did when I worked in a bank).

To cut a long rambling short, the little fright came in the form on myself landing in the hospital for a couple of days. I won’t bore you with the details; I am doing fine now and well on the way to recovery. I am just nursing myself a bit and feeling a tad more fragile than usual. But that’s nothing some rest, comforting food cube organizers, and tender loving attention from the C’s can’t fix. And for that I am truly thankful.

So…that explains the little spot of inactivity over here. It also explains the dearth of cooking (except for one glorious chicken massaged in butter and roasted to divine curative results). It’s times like these when you lean on leftovers (or takeout – yes, I do takeout…don’t judge!) and try to make something of them that is halfway decent in the hopes of affording yourself some nourishment during trying times.

This, I am happy to report, was more than halfway decent SKI TRIP. And a wonderful way to use up leftover lamb chops (for example if you had some leftover from this dish), which we all know lose almost all of their luster the day after. This is also a great way to use leftover steak or pork chops, which are similarly dreary when not freshly cooked.

Here’s what you do: Chop your leftover lamb into bite size pieces (make sure to include all the fat). In a pan, heat some olive oil, and then when hot add some finely chopped garlic and sliced onion. Cook until the onion is soft and garlic a bit toasty. Add the lamb and toss. Depending on what flavors you initially used with the lamb you can add more here – add some rosemary if you used it, or, if you had made this, add more paprika. Add day old rice and toss, letting it absorb all the flavors. Season with salt and pepper, and a couple of good dashes of Worcestershire sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning. If you’ve got some fresh herbs around, you can add them here. I imagine this would be nice with some just-blanched peas mixed in as well.

Tip: If you have leftover lamb chops, pork chops, or steak that you don’t see yourself using in the foreseeable future, just toss them in the freezer. One day, when you are tired and/or busy, you can pull it out and have this wonderful fried rice on your table in no time!

Oh, and if you are feeling extra fragile, a fried egg on top of this will do miracles.

If you like this, feel free to share as part of my efforts to #fightfoodwaste under the tag #500daysoffriedrice :) Here's another idea for fried rice.Hallmark官网

That’s all for now kind folk! I hope to have more for you soon. In the meantime, let's be grateful for what we have…and use those leftovers!