Wise Words...

APPROPRIATE ACTIVITIES FOR UNCONVENTIONAL CHEFS...

I am a a terrible cook.  It's one of those truisms I just can't deny.  I've burned rice more times than I can count, I've baked brownies so repulsive they refused to come out of the pan, and my homemade meals frequently inspire last minute calls for outsourced pizza.

Despite all of this, I continue to believe in miracles.  

That is why, while visiting Morocco for the first time, I made it a point of taking a two-day cooking class in Marrakech.  

As a vegetarian, I figured it would be worth my while to master a flavorful couscous or learn how to produce an edible tagine.

Admittedly, the course I took was not particularly challenging. Most participants seemed happy to treat the program as a joyful way to socialize and nibble on delicacies while learning a bit about local recipes. 

Because the class began with a two-hour shopping excursion through the souks, it offered tourists a fantastic way to become familiar with vendors and traditions, but it probably was not a serious chef's cup of mint tea.

In fact, two of my classmates complained at the end one session that all they had learned was "how to slice vegetables".  

For me, this was higher level stuff.  I'm pretty sure there are rules about shapes and sizes of certain slices, but I've never understood how to meet the standards.

I've always been most intimidated by tomatoes.  Whenever I try to dice one, it turns into a mushy mess.  

The woman in the following photo taught me how to properly slice lovely, red chunks onto my carving board.  She did this while speaking Arabic and only once rolling her eyes in frustration.  

She and her colleagues also led us through the ritual of adding all-important spices to each dish.  It was this process that gave me an insight into the culture.  Moroccan's combine intense heat with tangy twists: the pop of ginger in one bite is matched by sweet sprinkles of star anise and cinnamon in another.

At the end of each day, we had collectively created a four-course meal that celebrated all of the flavors of Morrocco.  Through the development of a series of salads, hearty tagines, lightly seasoned fish, and delicate desserts - even the most bumbling among us felt like true chefs.

On my second day (and with a lot of oversight) I managed to make a really tasty vegetarian couscous. Nothing was burned, no one made weird faces when they bit into it, and there was no need to order take-out.

Even my teachers had reason to celebrate!

If you are an aspiring chef, or even someone with knife skills and confidence in the kitchen, this just may be the experience you are looking for.  You can sign up for a class at soukcuisine.com

 

The Souks of Marrakech!

I recently cashed in a bunch of frequent flyer miles and took myself to Marrakech, Morocco and Paris, France.  Among my adventures included a two-day cooking class that gave me a great insight into the souks of Marrakech.  

Below are some photos of the vendors, bakers, and tantalizing treats that make-up one of Africa's most fascinating markets:

The Baker

The Pharmacist

The Tomato Seller

Raisins, Dates, Apricots, Peanuts, Almonds, and more!

Olives!

And More Olives!

Back on the Blog...

After a semester of teaching (and grading essays and more essays), I am finally back to the blog!
Updates on Paris and Marrakech to follow...

From Godot to Glover - Eight Days in The City That Never Sleeps...

New York, of course, is a theatre lover's mecca.  From the splashy stages of Broadway to the far-reaches of Brooklyn, there is always a show for someone to see and an event for another to create.

That the performances and opportunities are never limited to traditional plays or confined to regulated spaces is what makes this city's offerings so vibrant.  For those of us who live here, the options are (honestly) endless.

In the past eight days I have seen a masterful dress rehearsal, one lavish Shakespearean tragedy, a dance showcase that left me breathless, and (while making my way home from the dentist) I found myself surrounded by costumed characters at the West Village Halloween parade and on a crowded subway train.  

If you are visiting the Big Apple on October 31st, you don't need to spend $100 on a plush Broadway seat.  Just cough up $2.50 for a Metro card and watch the drama unfold.

Brandon Stanton's subway shot best summarizes the Halloween
street theatre of New York.
http://www.humansofnewyork.com

If you do have time and money, however, there are some performances that are well-worth your investment.

Photo: Tristram Kenton

One of the standout moments of my unscripted and inspiring week was attending the dress rehearsal of Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot". Under the direction of Sean Mathias, this version of the absurdist play stars Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart.  The two "Sirs" (who are pals off-stage) are fun to watch, but Mr. McKellen's charming interpretation of a vaudevillian hobo seems to echo the true spirit of the playwright. The actor who really held my attention, however, was Billy Crudup. Playing the slavish role of Lucky, the 43 year old actor was unrecognizable and seemingly ageless. He disappeared beneath a bowler cap and a mop of sheet-white hair, and he nearly stole the show. 

If you are in Manhattan and you want to see a worthy production of a masterpiece, get your tickets here: http://www.twoplaysinrep.com

Photo: T. Charles Erickson

I was less impressed with Ethan Hawke's turn as Macbeth.  His shouts a murmurs overwhelmed any nuance the actor could have brought to the role. I attended Jack O'Brien's interpretation of the bloody spectacle with 100+ students, parents, and teachers from the school where I work.  On the whole, I think we were collectively impressed with O'Brien's clever re-imagining of the witches (men playing women who manipulate and shape-shift their way through the drama) and Anne-Marie Duff's aggressive Lady Macbeth. The play is in previews at the Lincoln Center. http://www.lct.org/showMain.htm?id=223

Photo: http://visionaryartistrymag.com/2010/11/
savion-glover-transforming-lives-through-tap/

Last night I took the 2 Train to Flatbush for a one-night dance showcase at Brooklyn College. Savion Glover, a tap phenomenon since his childhood, is now the reigning master of the form and with a resume that includes lead roles on Broadway and in film, he's a seasoned star.  In a show called Stepz, Glover shared the stage with a group of talented tappers, but his subtle prowess was mesmerizing. He doesn't seem to have a center of gravity - he simply floats and pounds and skips and shuffles and sweats and smiles his way across the stage.  He's taking the hoofers on tour this month, catch him if you can! http://visionaryartistrymag.com/2010/11/savion-glover-transforming-lives-through-tap/

One Year Later...

One year ago, Hurricane Sandy brought high waters and devastation to many parts of New York and New Jersey.  

On the evening of October 29, 2012, I documented the rising waters as they engulfed the piers and and trails of Brooklyn Bridge Park in the entry Mother Nature and the Metropolis.

This is the same view of that park on the anniversary of Hurricane Sandy:

I do love the riverfront park and the New York attitude of get up, go on, get better - but I also wonder what steps have been taken to protect those newly planted trees and freshly carved trails when the next storm rises up to test us once again.

We are confident, but are we ready?

There's a bit of magic in everything, and some loss to even things out.

Lou Reed (1942-2013)