Gastronomy Blog by Cathy Chaplin

Restaurant Review

19 Apr 2017

Mint Leaf Indian Cuisine – Pasadena

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Nearly every day for the past six months, I’ve driven by Mint Leaf on the northeast corner of Washington and Altadena in Pasadena and wondered to myself, “Is this place any good?” Curiosity finally got the best of me last week when I stopped in for a lunch date with The Astronomer. The verdict? This place is good! I should have tried it sooner.

The Astronomer and I were warmly greeted and seated right away upon entering the sumptuous space. The lunch crowd continued to trickle in throughout our meal; it was great to see that Mint Leaf had garnered quite the following.

After perusing the menu, we settled on two lunch specials—set meals that included a choice of main dish, as well as rice, fresh baked bread (roti, naan, or garlic naan), and either dal makhni or yellow lentils. I selected the matter paneer ($12.50) with roti and yellow lentils.

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Food Event

14 Apr 2017

Food, Identity & the Media: A conversation between chefs & journalists

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Food Event

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Food media helps shape our understanding of what we eat and where. But recent controversies, like Bon Appetit‘s pho video, show that the media still struggles when culture, identity, and food intersect.

On April 24, join me at the Pico House for a conversation between chefs and journalists (full list below) about “ethnic” food, appropriation, authenticity, and how media portrayals shape our understanding of the food world.

How do “cheap eats” lists reinforce the idea that food made by immigrants is less valuable? Why are some cuisines ethnic but others aren’t? What makes us call a restaurant authentic? How can the food media tell better stories?

Purchase tickets here—$5 for AAJA members and $15 for everyone else.

Sponsored by Panda Express, Asian American Journalists Association (Los Angeles Chapter), and the Chinese American Museum.

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Restaurant Review

11 Apr 2017

Weekend Brunch at M.B. Post (Manhattan Beach)

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I just wrapped up one of the busiest work weeks ever—six straight days of shooting on location for an upcoming marketing campaign. To gear up for what was to be a very demanding stretch, The Astronomer, June, and I spent some quality time together beforehand.

We arrived in Manhattan Beach just after 10 and played in the sand and water until noon. Brunch at M.B. Post came next, and just in the nick of time; we were famished from running up and down the beach with our little lady.

Even before perusing the menu, I placed an order for “Bacon Cheddar Buttermilk Biscuits” ($6). A meal at M.B. Post, whether it’s brunch, lunch or dinner, isn’t complete without an order of these savory, flaky, beautiful biscuits. They’re just about perfect eaten as is, and quite possibly even better slathered in whipped maple butter. Mmm!

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