The Stern Opportunity

Issue date: 12/13/05 Section: Voices

Hey, Sternies! We're sorry we missed the last Oppy. We were gearing up to stuff our stomachs for Thanksgiving so we didn't do too much eating beforehand. Just a quick sidetrack - we're critics - hence we usually like to eat food that others prepare. But this year, Dan and I decided to cook (or were conscripted by our significant others-thanks sweetie!-Dan) a dish for our respective dinners. Dan attacked a turkey - a big feat for those of you who haven't tried to cook one or for those who, like Dan, can't cook. Dan's secret - cover the bird with tin foil after the first hour.
This will keep it nice and juicy, meaning no basting's required. Less basting means more time to snack on hors d'oeuvres, so everyone's a winner! For the dinner that Jamie attended, she opted for an appetizer course and made butternut squash soup with some spicy pumpkin seeds as a garnish. If you ever want to impress your guests (but don't want to kill yourself slaving over a stove) then go to www.foodtv.com, and look up Rachael Ray's "Orange you glad it's Thanksgiving soup." As Rachael Ray would say… "Yummo!"

Okay, so back to our real jobs - bringing you reviews of some fabulous Manhattan finds. Unfortunately for you guys, we loved our most recent find, so this review is going to lack that certain sarcastic "je ne se qua" you've come to know and love. But the good news is that we found a truly unique place you should really check out!! Dan was running a few minutes late so Jamie was charged with picking the place. Never one to go for Dan's Indian food selections, Jamie surprised him by suggesting the "Hampton Chutney Co." in Soho (68 Prince Street between Crosby and Lafayette, (212) 226-9996).

Dan wondered aloud how authentic an Indian restaurant could be that originated from the "Haaamptons," but agreed based on his hastily calculated 72% chance of running into Paris Hilton. We rarely head south for lunch and didn't realize it was quite as far away as it was, but in spite of a map mix-up we eventually found our way. We're critics, not cartographers. It turned out to be a very informal place; there's a counter where you order at the back and a few cocktail tables. It was also pretty crowded (a good sign!) and after a minute, 2 chairs opened up, so we were styling!

But we know you want to hear about the food, so let's get started! The restaurant makes dosas, which they define as a "light, crisp, sour-dough crepes made from rice and lentils filled [with a combination of ingredients]." These things were at least a foot and a half long. From the side, you can't imagine being able to eat these 'burritos' on steroids, but then you see one from the side and you realize that it's mostly air. They take this gigantic pancake, spread the filling along the center, and then wrap the ends up and over, leaving a big air pocket. They're really a sight-big enough to club someone over the head with! Jamie ordered a seasonal dosa (#14), filled with roasted butternut squash, roasted beets and goat cheese, while Dan chose one filled with curry chutney chicken, spinach, and balsamic roasted onions (#9). The dosas come with a choice of chutney, ranging from curry (Dan's choice) to pumpkin (Jamie's choice), as well as mango, cilantro and peanut. Jamie's dosa was creamy and slightly sweet, with a pleasant, "Thanksgiving-ish" vibe. Dan's dosa was also excellent, with tender curried chicken and slightly sweet roasted onions. We also ordered the special soup of the day - carrot ginger with a pleasing peppery tang, which kept us occupied while they made our crazy sandwiches. Even the drinks were good. Dan's orange blossom lemonade was sweet and tart, while Jamie's orange ginger iced tea didn't require any sugar.

So the next time you're in Soho, look for Paris Hilton, then grab a dosa at the Hampton Chutney Co. They're slightly pricier than the normal sandwich (average $$10) but so worth it! This is unlike any Indian food you've ever had!
Until next time!

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