Ann Mah's newsletter / Jan 2019
January 2019 newsletter
Happy new year!
We rang in 2019 with a dumpling-making party (just like Crazy Rich Asians!). Dumplings are traditionally eaten at the new year because they resemble plump purses and thus symbolize prosperity. I wish the same for you, dear reader – may the new year bring you good fortune, good health, good travel, and lots of delicious food!
We recently returned from Southern California, where I divided my meals between Chinese and Mexican cuisines, with a little In-N-Out for good measure. It was a treat to ditch the winter coats and bask in the sunshine. We even went to the beach on Christmas Eve, where we were all completely fascinated by the surfers at the Huntington Beach pier. A new goal for 2019? :)
Here's what else I've been up to...
What I've been eating
–I'm fascinated by breakfast foods, so on my trip to So Cal, I made a special point of breakfasting at one of my favorite Mexican restaurants, Mi Lindo Michoacan in Anaheim. The chilaquiles (above) – a simple dish of tortilla chips stir-fried with salsa and scrambled eggs – were a delicious combination of crunch and sogginess, laced with a spicy red sauce that was the perfect fiery start to my day. I haven't tried making my own yet, but this recipe looks good.
–I loved shopping at Northgate Market, a fantastic Mexican supermarket with branches throughout Southern California. I was delighted to discover bags of tortilla chips labelled "idéal para chilaquiles" :) I also stocked up on tomatillos and chiles to make the world's best queso ("damn good queso") from my new favorite cookbook, Lisa Fain's Queso. If you love molten "cheese" product, you need a copy of this book.
–Now that the holidays are over, I'm back to eating more abstemious fare, like this red lentil soup with lemon, a longtime favorite.
–Speaking of soup, the internets have been abuzz with this one of chickpeas, coconut, and turmeric. Have you made it yet?
What I've been reading
–Did you get an Instant Pot for the holidays? If so, you might enjoy this roundup of Instant Pot cookbooks from the Food Network (including yours truly :)
–Last month I joined hosts Diana and Michele for a delightful chat about The Lost Vintage on their podcast, Wine Women and Words.
–I used to work in book publishing, so I can tell you that the salaries are minuscule, the clothes off-the-rack, and the work decidedly unglam... so why does Hollywood get it so wrong? This essay examines the issue. Finally!
–This article about studying Arabic in France reveals so much about how the French view language, identity, and culture.
–The New York Times Travel's Places to Go in 2019 is finally out and it's inspiring some serious wanderlust. I'm thrilled my pick is included at #48. Can you guess where I want to go this year?
–I did a lot of reading last fall. A few recent favorites were Circe by Madeline Miller, Be Frank with Me by Julia Claiborne Johnson, and The Secret History by Donna Tartt (I reread this last one and it really holds up).
–Finally, I'm excited about a few upcoming events. On February 6, I will be in conversation with journalist and cookbook author Domenica Marchetti at Smithsonian Associates in Washington DC. We'll discuss how time-honored dishes have been adapted and changed over time, as well as my new cookbook, Instantly French. Tickets and more information here.
–On February 19, I'm delighted to return to the American Library in Paris, in conversation with Christian Holthausen of the family-owned Champagne house, AR Lenoble. We'll be discussing The Lost Vintage, the legacy and future of French wine-making, and Lenoble's pioneering efforts in the face of climate change. A Champagne tasting will be included in this special evening. More details here; I hope you can join us!
A bientôt!
I was so pleased to receive this fortune in my cookie last weekend. Could it be an omen – new year, new book? I hope so. In the meantime, I am looking forward to my trip to Paris next month. Keep an eye on Instagram for my adventures!
Amitiés,
Ann