MoMo Madness
Abhi has an expanded menu with six momo dishes, including fried!
By Jan Walsh
Years ago, I fell in love with Chef, Abhi Sainju’s momos on first bite. His house-made Nepalese, turkey dumplings are simply and consistently divine. Today he serves them at both of his restaurants: Mo:Mo: at The Pizitz and at his Abhi Eatery and Bar, located at The Summit.
On Abhi Eatery and Bar’s current menu, I discover a whole section of momos! So while some people are completing their March Madness brackets with basketball teams, my March madness is filled with momos.
In addition to his classic steamed version in Alabama Tomato Vinaigrette, Abhi now offers the following momos: Momocha, Kothay, Pan Fried Momos, MoMo Wonton Soup, and Momo Bowl. Momocha are steamed momos with Kathmandu Street Sauce, which adds a whole new dimension to this dish—a touch of deep heat to the mild and delicate momos. The South meets Nepal in Abhi’s Kothay—delectable, deep fried, crisp, golden dumplings with my choice of Alabama Tomato Vinaigrette dipping sauce.
The Pan Fried Momos look much like the steamed dumplings, but on first bite are firmer, more al dente, making for a lovely new mouthfeel. I order them with the Kathmandu sauce, and their texture stands up to it very well. And my final momo dish is the Momo Wonton Soup. An enormous bowl of chicken broth is filled with spinach scallions, cilantro, and momos. The soup is both light and hearty, nutritious and delicious.
And I pair my momos with a scrumptious, handcrafted cocktail, “Can’t Elope Today,” which is a golden, highball mix of Lunazu Tequila, cantaloupe, grapefruit, and lemongrass—on the rocks.
The only momo I have yet to try is the Momo Bowl. And although I can’t handle another momo today, I look forward to completing my momo bracket soon.
Organic Chicken Pita
Eli’s Jerusalem Grill makes eating healthy easy and enjoyable.
By Jan Walsh
With today’s food system, I am careful what I eat. But not at Eli’s Jerusalem Grill. From the lamb chops to the hummus, Chef Eli Markshtien serves organic, Israeli cuisine—that is not only so good, but that I also feel good about feeding my family and recommending to my friends and readers. For your health he uses grass fed beef, natural local produce, Non-GMO cooking oil, organic rice, and organic chicken. Even the iced tea is organic! I have been in this kitchen for a photo and video shoot and can attest to all of the above and more. Everywhere I looked on his shelves, I saw USDA Organic labels. And if you have allergies, like me, he will make your food in a separate bowl in separate area if you call ahead.
I typically order the chicken kabob. But today I am working at my desk and order a take out of the chicken kabob sandwich. The pita bread is house made in the kitchen—daily. No wonder it is so fresh. The wholesome pita sandwich is overfilled with bites of grilled, marinated, organic, chicken breast, and an Israeli salad, made of fresh diced tomatoes and cucumbers. Everything Eli calls for an extra slathering of his marvelous hummus, including this pita—would come here just for the hummus and pita bread. I also choose a side of crunchy, acidic, slaw style Red Cabbage Salad. The scrumptious sandwich and sassy side are a healthy, fulfilling, and highly recommended.
Eli’s Jerusalem Grill has two locations, Highway 280 and at Pizitz Food Hall and is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.
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